Tourism Malaysia, PLUS Publish English-Version Book For Tourists

photo: MOTAC facebook

JOHOR BAHARU, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia, together with PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) today launched the English version of the guidebook 'Jom Singgah' for the benefit of tourists who use their own transport to plan their journeys and activities.

Tourism and Culture Deputy Minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the book would also enable foreign tourists to obtain interesting information on tourist destinations, thus further promoting the places.

"After the launch of the Malay version of the book in October last year, it is timely that the English version comes out now, in line with the Malaysia Festival Year 2015," she said.

She added that the book's English version would increase the number of tourist arrivals in Malaysia, especially those travelling by land from Singapore and Thailand.

Mas Ermieyati was speaking to reporters after launching the guidebook at the Gelang Patah rest area (north-bound) in the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link here today.

She said an estimated 14 million Singaporeans visited Malaysia this year, with 74 per cent using land transport.

The deputy minister said 50,000 guidebooks had been printed for distribution to highway users, especially foreign tourists to help them identify popular delicacies at the 16 rest areas in the highways.

Meanwhile, PLUS chief operations officer Mohammad Fuad Khusairi said the guidebook was available free-of-charge at tourist information centres, tourism exhibitions and customer service centres in the PLUS highway.

He said the digital version of the book could be obtained through the PLUSMiles at www.plusmiles.com.my or by downloading the application 'PLUS Mobile Apps'.
-bernama.

Run To Survive 2016 ( 2, 16 & 30 January 2016 )

An extraordinary run that packs with zombies, health-check, charity drive... all-in-one! 

A run or marathon is no longer simply reaching for the finishing line. The young and the athletic in Peninsular Malaysia can expect a whole new hype this coming 2016 with the Run To Survive series scheduled to kick-off at Sutera Square, Johor Bahru, Johor on 2nd January, Setia City Park, Shah Alam, Selangor on 16th January, and Indera Mulia Stadium, Ipoh, Perak on 30th January 2016.

Jointly-organized by Delcom Management and JS Entertainment, the Run To Survive 2016 is the very first running event that features a five kilometers (5 km) fun run that includes unexpected zombies’ encounters and wild chase, limited-edition race kit and giveaways along the run. Registered runners will receive a branded Micro-dri neon T-shirt from ULTRON, a customised heart-shaped finishing medal (upon run completion), a 2D1N Holiday Getaway at Genting*, light sticks and also the opportunity for free health-check, special effects make-over by the same professional make-up team engaged by Universal Studios Singapore for Halloween and Horror-themed events before.

The registration fee for Run To Survive 2016 is RM75.00 per participant in which RM5.00 from each successful registration will be donated to IJN Foundation in order to fund treatments for the poor and underprivileged heart patients. It is also crucial to increase the public’s awareness on heart disease prevention as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one killer globally.

The Run To Survive 2016 series across Johor, Selangor and Perak is supported by numerous prominent official partners, including MY FM as the Official Radio Station, Genting Rewards as the Official Loyalty Card, IJN Sdn Bhd as the Official Healthcare Provider, ULTRON as the Official Sportswear, L&L Make-up & Beauty Academy as the Official Make-up Academy, Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel as the Press Conference Venue Sponsor, and Sutera Mall as the Johor Station Venue Sponsor.
Genting Rewards as the Official Loyalty Card is giving away 2,100 Complimentary Stays at Genting Highlands! To stand a chance in winning a 2D1N Holiday Getaway at Genting, you just need to sign-up as GR member upon registration for the event. GRC members may purchase and register for Run To Survive 2016 at RM75.00 or by using FASTrack payment of RM70.00 + 500RP or Full Point Redemption at 7,500RP on first-come-first-served basis. T&C apply.
Registration for Run To Survive 2016 is now open at www.delcommalaysia.com or www.jsentertainment.org

-www.ticketcharge.com.my

Tourism Malaysia Receives Two Awards At CITM 2015

Tourism Malaysia's pavilion @ CITM 2015

PUTRAJAYA, 20 November 2015: Tourism Malaysia received the Best Stand Award and Excellent Organization Award at the China International Travel Mart (CITM) on 15 November. This annual travel mart, which is the largest in China, was held at the Kunming Dianchi International Convention & Exhibition Center in Yunnan, from 13 to 15 November. 

Tourism Malaysia received the awards from the organising committee at the General Award Meeting, which is a part of the closing ceremony.

The design of the Malaysia Pavilion at this year’s CITM focused on shopping, food, beach and island, as well as Malaysia’s multi-cultural elements. A total of 14 state tourism boards and tourism industry players showcased their unique tourist attractions and products and services at the Malaysia Pavilion.

The Malaysian delegation was led by the Chairman of Tourism Malaysia Wee Choo Keong and Tourism Malaysia’s Senior Director of International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa) Datuk Musa Haji Yusof. 

The Malaysia Pavilion garnered a lot of attention at the travel mart through the performances of a Malaysian cultural troupe. Those who followed the official accounts of Tourism Malaysia at either Sina Weibo or WeChat by scanning the related QR codes were also rewarded with various souvenirs. 

On 13 November, Tourism Malaysia’s Chairman hosted a Malaysia Evening, which was attended by representatives from Yunnan Tourism Bureau, travel agents and tour operators from Malaysia and China, and also local media. At the gala dinner, he also launched a Malaysia tourism supplement, which was jointly developed by Tourism Malaysia and MOOK Holiday Magazine. It aims to introduce Malaysian food, shopping, islands and various famous tourist destinations in the country. 

On 14 November, along with the Consul General of the Consulate General of Malaysia in Kunming Mohamad Nasri Abdul Rahman and Datuk Musa, Wee Choo Keong had a meeting with the Head of Yunnan's Communist Party Internal Discipline Department to discuss on the possibility of enhancing future communication, exchange and cooperation for the benefits of both Yunnan and Malaysia’s tourism industry. 

Through its participation in CITM, Tourism Malaysia hopes to promote its latest tourism offerings and boost tourist arrivals from China. It also aims to create better communication and more cooperation opportunities for industry players from both countries for mutual benefits. 

-Tourism Malaysia.

Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship – Preview Round 5

SEPANG, 18 NOVEMBER 2015 - The inaugural Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSC) returns to action at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this weekend with its final round of the season - offering an extended three-day programme and the return of the Desmo Cup.
 
Track action will commence as early as Friday with the free practice and qualifying sessions for the Open 250 Championship, which will be staging four races this weekend to crown its maiden champion for MSC. Saturday will feature Race 1 and Race 2 with the final two races scheduled on Sunday, together with the final two races for the main categories – 1000cc Superbike, 1000cc Superstock and the 600cc Supersport championships.
 
After three rounds, Johor-born lady rider Siti Norafizah Muhamad of BikeART Racing Kawasaki leads the Open 250 Championship with a massive haul of 120 points, and has been in dominant form, winning four of the five races. Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Chia PJ Kawasaki is second with 85 points and privateer Khairul Anwar Jamil is third with 69 points.
 
But with a massive 100 points up for grabs for the weekend, the championship battle remains wide open and Siti Norafizah, or just Fifi amongst her friends, will be first to acknowledge that nothing can be taken for granted and that a mountainous task awaits her on Saturday and Sunday.
 
The Desmo Cup, introduced this year as an added attraction for the MSC and for the promotion of motorsports development at the grassroots level, was not featured in Round 3 and 4. It is contested by Ducati owners on various models including the 899, 1089, 848, 1198 and 1199 makes, for the fun of racing. Syamsul Bakhtiar Esa, who competes on a Ducati 899 machine, is the rider to beat in the championship, having won all the races in Round 1 and Round 2.
 
With a maximum of 50 points up for grabs, the fight for the Superbike Championship overall crown is a three-cornered fight between India’s Rajini Krishnan, Australian Cameron Donald and defending champion Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi of Malaysia. With a total haul of 103 points, Rajini has an eight-point advantage over Donald, who in turn has five points more than Zaqhwan.
 
The battle for the Supercompact overall title is a straight forward fight between defending champion Steve Martin of SBK Martin Racing Team and former champion Ahmad Nashrul Baharuddin of Team Project X. With a total haul of 138 points, the British rider has a comfortable 32-point lead over Ahmad Nashrul.
 
In contrast to the Superstock Championship, the Supersport Championship is a keener battle between two good friends and teammates from BikeART Racing Kawasaki. With 155 points, defending champion Muhammad Farid Badrul Hisam has a five-point lead over Hazlanshah Mohd Noor, who has 150 points.
 
SIC is offering paddock passes at RM85 at the paddock entrance for fans wanting to be close to the action in the paddock area. Alternatively, they can catch all the action for free from the Main Grandstand.   
 
RACE PROGRAMME – ROUND 5
Friday, 20 November 2015
1540 hrs – 1610 hrs Open 250 Practice Session
1630 hrs – 1700 hrs Desmo Cup Practice Session
1720 hrs – 1750 hrs Open 250 Qualifying
 
Saturday, 21 November 2015
1100 hrs – 1130 hrs Desmo Cup Qualifying
1140 hrs – 1210 hrs Superstock Practice Session
1230 hrs – 1300 hrs Open 250 Race 1 (8 laps)
1315 hrs – 1345 hrs Superbike Practice Session
1400 hrs – 1430 hrs Supersport Practice Session
1445 hrs – 1515 hrs Superstock Qualifying
1535 hrs – 1605 hrs Desmo Cup Race 1 (8 laps)
1620 hrs – 1650 hrs Superbike Qualifying
1705 hrs – 1735 hrs Supersport Qualifying
1755 hrs – 1825 hrs Open 250 Race 2 (8 laps)
 
Sunday, 22 November 2015
0910 hrs – 0950 hrs Superstock Race 1 (12 laps)
1010 hrs – 1040 hrs Open 250 Race 3 (8 laps)
1100 hrs – 1140 hrs Superbike Race 1 (12 laps)
1200 hrs – 1240 hrs Supersport Race 1 (12 laps)
1300 hrs – 1330 hrs Desmo Cup Race 2 (8 laps)
1400 hrs – 1440 hrs Superstock Race 2 (12 laps)
1500 hrs – 1530 hrs Open 250 Race 4 (8 laps)
1550 hrs – 1630 hrs Superbike Race 2 (12 laps)
1650 hrs – 1730 hrs Supersport Race 2 (12 laps)
-sepangcircuit.com

Experience Malaysia December

As 2015 ends, let’s get into the holiday spirit one last time this year!

 

Head north for the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival to see muscle and team spirit at work, rowing traditional dragon boats across water in perfect unison.

Want something tougher? Get your adrenaline pumping at the 8th Royal Cup Muay Thai Championship, the 4x4 Rainforest Challenge, or the Festival International Sport Extreme (FISE) World Malaysia – three big events that’s all about brawn, brains and great skills.

 

With the monsoon rains upon us, it’s the perfect time to head to the Cherating International Surfing Competition to find the best wave breaker in this part of the world.  

 

But if you’re not after hard-hitting action, you can relax and enjoy cool jazz music by the beach at the Penang Island Jazz Festival.

Don’t forget, Christmas in the tropics is just as nice in Malaysia (get your last-minute shopping done during the Malaysia Year-End Sale!).

 

Happy holidays!

Corporate Communication Division, Tourism Malaysia

Cherating International Surfing Competition

This surfing event at Cherating Beach in Pahang is one of the destinations most favoured by surfer enthusiasts from around the world. Cherating Beach is renowned for its long and ideal waves, which attracts intermediate surfers. 

Date : 11 to 13 December 2015

Venue : Cherating Beach, Kuantan, Pahang

Organiser : Ministry of Tourism and Culture Pahang

Contact : 09-5171111

Email : pahang@motac.gov.my

Penang Island Jazz Festival. 

The island of Penang comes alive with music at the 12th edition of the Penang Island Jazz Festival (PIJF), from 3 to 6 December 2015.

Apart  from the outdoor main 'jazz by the beach' stage featuring local and international performers, the festival also has a number of other supporting musical activities such as workshops, exhibitions, sunrise @ tsg, after hours jazz jam, creative Malaysia fringe stages and the 'island music forum sessions'. 

The festival attracts a regional audience and has established itself to be one of the most highly anticipated and important musical festivals in Southeast Asia. This year's festival will feature the Makiko Hirabayashi Trio, Cabocubajazz, Tobias Preisig Quartet, Andreya Triana, Dos Orientales, Angelika Niescier Now Trio, Anne Paceo Yokai, Nina & The Butterfly Fish and the Penang Philharmonic Big Band. 

Date : 3 to 6 December 2015

Venue  : Bayview Beach Resort, Hard Rock Cafe Hotel,

  Park Royal Penang Resort and Tropical Spice Garden Penang, Penang Island

Organiser : Capricorn Connection

Contact  : 012 296 7800 / 012 356 5544

RFC-Rainforest Challenge

The RFC is an off-road 4x4 event which is among the world’s top ten toughest motor races. It takes place annually from end November to early December. Every year, it attracts the bravest of the land daredevils from Europe to Asia to face the odds in the jungle for 10 days braving the mud, rain, steep uphill, downhill and undulating terrain plus the wrath of Mother Nature from the monsoon. An extraordinary event for extraordinary adventurers set in an extraordinary season, the monsoon.

Date  : 28 November to 7 December 2015

Venue : Seremban , Port Dickson, Gemas, Kuala Pilah & Jelebu (Negeri Sembilan)

Organiser : RFC (Rainforest Challenge) International.

Phone : 03-9200 8908, 012-211 7080

8th Royal Cup Muay Thai Championship

The Royal Cup Muay Thai Championship, the longest running muay thai event in Malaysia, returns again for the eighth consecutive time this December.

The event, organised by Z1 International Sdn Bhd, is sanctioned by the World Muay Thai Council and Malaysia Muay Thai Association. This year’s championship is organised as an effort to promote Malaysia as a muay thai venue and to expose local talents to the world.

Experience three hours each night of the best fighters gathered at the historic Stadium Negara Kuala Lumpur.

Date : 4 to 5 December 2015

Venue : Stadium Negara Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Organiser : Z1 International Sdn Bhd

Email : www.z1international.com.my

5th Sibu Bike Week, Sarawak

The Sibu Bike Week has become an international affair judging by the approximately 2,000 bikers from across the globe participating in its fourth edition last year.

Among them were bikers from Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan on Borneo island, Peninsular Malaysia, Germany, Spain, the Philippines, Holland, Australia, Abu Dhabi, Indonesia and Thailand.

As always, the three-day event has lots of exhibitions and competitions such as Miss Sibu Bike Week, Tattoo Show, Bikers Game, Cars Exhibition, Bikes Exhibition, Bands Competition, Scooters Competition, Big Bikes Competition/Games, Slow Rides Competition, Skateboard & BMX Competition, Karaoke Competition and many more.

Date : 4 to 6 December 2015

Venue : Sibu Town Square – Phase 2

Organiser : RAZZ Chopper Malaysia

Contact  : 019 855 7171 (Helen)

Facebook : Razz Chopper M’sia

FISE World Malaysia 2015

The Festival International Sport Extreme (FISE) was created in 1997 and is now the biggest action sports festival worldwide for sport professionals and amateurs in skateboard, BMX, wakeboard, inline skate and mountain bike.

For nailing-biting action and to see the latest stunts and tricks in this extreme sports, head on to beautiful Langkawi island for front-row seats.

Date : 18 to 20 December 2015 

Venue : Eagle Square, Langkawi Kedah

Organiser  : FISE World Series

Website : www.fise.fr

Penang International Dragon Boat Festival

Cheer on your favourite rowing teams featuring 20 to 22 sturdy men and urge them on to cross the finish line first and gain the ultimate victory at the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival.

Watch as traditional dragon-headed boats decorated in flamboyant décor and painted in multi colours glide across the waters to the rhythm of pounding drumbeats. The event also gives you the chance to witness a host of ancient religious and cultural rites including those featuring rice dumplings, performed at Teluk Bahang Dam.

Date  : 12 to 13 December 2015

Venue : Teluk Bahang Dam, Pulau Pinang

Organiser  : Penang State Tourism &  PIBDF Committee

Contact  : 04 6505136 / 016 411 0000

Website : www.penangdragonboat.gov.my

Facebook : penangdragonboat

Malaysia Christmas Open House Celebration

Celebrate Christmas in the tropics with the Prime Minister of Malaysia! Experience the festivities in an open house celebration, a programme that brings people together to celebrate the country’s various festivals in line with the spirit of 1Malaysia. Guests will be enthralled by cultural performances and traditional delicacies.

Date  : 27 December 2015

Venue : Portuguese Settlement, Melaka

Organiser : Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia

Contact : 603-8000 8000

Website : www.motac.gov.my 

International Sailing Federation (Youth Worlds Championship)

The ISAF Youth Worlds has seen a whole host of star studded names compete and take honours across its 44 -year history. Over 300 of the world's top youth sailors are expected to compete in Langkawi in a bid to add their name to the star studded list that includes Olympic and America's Cup stars such as Russell Coutts (NZL), Alessandra Sensini (ITA) and Ben Ainslie (GBR). The 2015 ISAF Youth Worlds, the 45th edition of the regatta, will see the addition of the Girl's Skiff - 29er where the winner will be awarded with a brand new ISAF perpetual trophy, the Malaysia Sailing Association President's Trophy.

Date : 27 December to 3 January 2016

Venue : Langkawi Island, Kedah

Organiser : Kedah Sailing Association

Contact : 604 9663 099

Illusion: Nothing Is As It Seems

 

Families with children, youths and young adults visiting Malaysia will love the “Illusion” exhibition going on from now until 10 January 2016 at Petrosains, Malaysia’s exciting science exhibition centre in Kuala Lumpur.

 

The exhibition, brought in from the Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin, explores science in an interesting way, combining it with art, technology and illusion to appeal to all ages. Curated by psychologist and author Richard Wiseman, and researched by magician and escapologist Paul Gleeson, the exhibition will challenge your perceptions and get you to use your senses to understand how the brain works. Expect magic with psychology, optical illusions with scientific reasoning, and confusion with clarity!

 

Date : Now until 10 January 2016

Venue : Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, Kuala Lumpur

Organiser : Petrosains, The Discovery Centre

Website : www.petrosains.com.my

Contact :  603 2331 8181

 

A Day Trip To Melaka

Lovers of history and heritage will love a trip to Melaka. With new and exciting attractions in store, there’s more of Melaka to enjoy now. But if you’re short on time, here are the top new attractions not to miss.

The Shore Shopping Gallery (theshoreshoppinggallery.com) is a newly-opened shopping mall with a charming location on the Malacca River Cruise and monorail route, and opposite the Eye of Malacca. A stylish lifestyle-tourism focused shopping mall with 100 stores, its major attractions are the world’s longest aquarium – the Melaka Oceanarium, as well as The Shore Sky Tower that accords a splendid panoramic view of the waterfront and beyond.

The Shore Sky Tower (theshoreskytower.com) is Melaka’s tallest building with 43 levels. From the observation deck on the highest level, one can enjoy views of the entire city and see Melaka like you’ve never seen it before. The operation hours for the observation deck is from 10 am till 10 pm daily. The entrance fee is RM18 per pax. 

The Shore Oceanarium (oceanariummelaka.com) is located on the 2nd floor of The Shore Shopping Gallery. Learn about sea creatures such as star fish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins and even the bamboo shark at the interactive touch pool. Visitors can also see live turtles at Kg. Penyu (Turtle Village) and learn about other sea and river creatures. The entrance ticket for adults is RM28, while children and senior citizens are charged RM18 each. This oceanarium is open daily from 10.30 am till 9 pm.

For a bit of history, don’t miss a trip to Melaka Alive (melakaalive.com.my) to catch the 45-minute Winds of Melaka live performance. Combining spectacular visual effects, music and live acting, Winds of Melaka tells the story of Melaka’s rich and diverse history, from the establishment of the city by its founder Parameswara to its fall at the hands of the Portuguese. The show is performed twice daily, at 7.30 pm and 9 pm. Tickets are priced at RM45 for adults and RM28 for children. Special discounts are available for Malaysian viewers. 

Celebrate Portuguese Heritage At Casa Del Rio Melaka

Fancy having Portuguese cuisine for dinner in a luxury boutique hotel by the river?  You can do so at Casa del Rio Melaka’s Saturday Night Portuguese & BBQ Buffet Dinner, which offers authentic modern Portuguese dishes specially crafted by Chef Micael Valentim of Sagres, Western Algarve, Portugal.

Casa del Rio is the first hotel built on the bank of the idyllic Melaka River. Its distinct Mediterranean architecture, design, and colour, pay homage to the Portuguese influence on Melaka, making it the perfect place to enjoy Portuguese cuisine.

This is also a part of the hotel’s efforts in promoting the historic city of Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through the celebration of Portuguese heritage.

Organiser : Casa del Rio Melaka

Date : Every Saturday Night (6.30pm - 10.30pm)

Location : The River Grill, Casa del Rio Melaka

Contact  : +60 6 289 6888

Website : http://www.casadelrio-melaka.com/index

FRIM Closes Its Canopy Walkway And Rover Track

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) regrets to inform that the Canopy Walkway and Rover Track will be closed effective 13 October 2015 until further notice due to the extensive damages to the bridge as well as the trail caused by the recent thunderstorm.

 

FRIM would like to conduct thorough safety assessments of the trail and the whole of the Bukit Lagong forest area.

We apologise for any inconvenience and appeal for understanding and cooperation from all visitors especially FRIM regular joggers to refrain from using the Rover Track.

 

FRIM’s decision to close both the Canopy Walkway and Rover Trail was made with public safety in mind. For any query or assistance, call the FRIM One Stop Centre at +603-62797592/+603-62797649 or e-mail to: frim_enquiry@frim.gov.my.

Damages to the FRIM Canopy Walkway caused by the recent storms. A Melembu tree fell onto the second part of the walkway, causing stress on the whole system.

The decision to close Rover Track and Canopy Walkaway at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia is for the long-term sustainability of its forests.

All information is correct at time of publication. 

Visitors are advised to contact the event organiser for the latest updates.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Intensive Government Efforts To Promote Shopping In Malaysia

The Malaysian shopping sector has progressed from local to global, an outstanding feat, no less, since more than three decades ago. It has emerged from the back engine of Malaysia’s economic growth to the forefront of the country’s tourism industry, contributing the second biggest share of tourist expenditure after the accommodation sector in recent years.

In 2014, tourists spent RM21.6 billion on shopping in Malaysia, an increase of 9.3% compared to RM19.8 billion in 2013. Total tourist receipts for 2014 were RM72 billion, making tourism as the second largest foreign exchange earner for Malaysia (after manufactured goods).  Today, the retail sector is one of Malaysia’s most dynamic industries, thanks to the consistent efforts by the Malaysian Government through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Ministry’s agency Tourism Malaysia. 

Recognising the potential of the retail sector to further boost tourist expenditure in the country, Tourism Malaysia formed Secretariat Shopping Malaysia 12 years ago in 2003 to streamline all efforts in intensifying the development of the shopping sector as a major component of Malaysia’s tourism economy. The Secretariat’s strategies, including development initiatives and collaborations with relevant parties, were instrumental in positioning the shopping sector to a higher level. By bridging the gap between government agencies and the private sector, the Secretariat continues to foster relationships crucial in positioning the Malaysian shopping sector on par with other world-renowned shopping destinations. 

The relationship with industry players was built over time to promote shopping not only to the locals but also foreign tourists. One of the early initiatives was to increase the annual nation-wide Mega Sales Carnival from once a year previously to thrice yearly to spur shopping in Malaysia. The three national level annual campaigns are the 1Malaysia Grand Prix Sale in March, 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival from June to September and 1Malaysia Year-End Sale from November to January. These mega shopping seasons lure shoppers with big marked down prices, huge range of products, including duty-free goods, as well as value buys and numerous promotional activities. Shopping malls and retailers nationwide have continued to support these campaigns by offering highly attractive bargains, incentives and rewards for shoppers, including special shopping schemes for tourists, such as special redemptions and exclusive tourist privilege cards with a host of shopping benefits.

Shopping Malaysia eventually becomes a recognisable brand associated with top notch shopping. It is promoted in the country and overseas through all Tourism Malaysia’s offices as well as via various online marketing platforms, including websites and social media that reach out to a worldwide audience. Tourism missions, dialogues and meetings at national and international levels encompass the promotion of Shopping Malaysia. These are part and parcel of strategies under the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan 2020 towards 36:168, which positions the Ministry of Tourism and Culture at the forefront to encourage innovation and creativity to achieve the target of 36 million tourist arrivals and RM168 billion in receipts by 2020. In 2014, Malaysia registered 27.4 million tourist arrivals and RM72 billion in receipts. Clearly a concerted effort must be put in place to achieve these targets. The Government henceforth introduced a detailed plan under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), which amongst others set the target for the tourism industry to raise its contribution to the Gross National Income (GNI) to RM103.6 billion by 2020 from RM36.9 billion in 2009. Achieving the target has also been spelt out in the Tourism National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) strategic plan with 12 Entry Point Projects (EPPs), three of which are related to shopping and clustered under the theme ‘Affordable Luxury’. They are:

EPP 1 – Positioning Malaysia as a duty-free shopping destination:Competitive pricing has been used as a key driver to attract tourists and increase tourist expenditure on shopping. The abolishment of import duties results in tax-exempted products, making them more attractive for shoppers. Duty-free items include electronic gadgets, chocolates, fragrances and cosmetics as well as nearly 400 other items. 

EPP 2 – Designating vibrant shopping precincts in Malaysia: This strategy has resulted in the formation of the BBKLCC Tourism Association in 2011, comprising of major shopping malls in the area. The joint efforts of Tourism Malaysia and the association has turned BBKLCC into one of Malaysia’s major shopping precincts with seamless connectivity via covered walkaway and public transportation between shopping malls and hotels in the two areas. The association further drives the vibrancy of this shopping destination by organising top quality, world-class events and attractions involving various retail and service sectors, such as shopping malls, hotels, retailers and F&B outlets. In fact, the concerted efforts by the association and merchants in the area as well as the undivided support and guidance by Tourism Malaysia paid off when Kuala Lumpur received international accolades, as listed on page 3. The progress made in BBKLCC was one of the key reasons for the recognition of Kuala Lumpur as a world-class shopping destination.

 

EPP 3 – Establishing three new premium outlets in Malaysia:‘Affordable Luxury’ has already been made available at two premium outlets in the country, namely Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) with 130 designer and brand stores clustered in Kulaijaya, Iskandar Malaysia, Johor, and Mitsui Outlet Park which features 127 outlets of top international and local brands. Mitsui Outlet Park is located 6km from KLIA in Sepang. Transit passengers are provided a shuttle bus service to and from KLIA and KLIA2, while flight check-in systems, flight information displays and free baggage storage service are also available at the park. A third premium outlet in Penang is on the cards to attract shoppers in the northern region particularly tourists holidaying in Penang as well as top Indonesian tourists en route to Thailand. A target has been set for Malaysia to earn RM900 million from these premium outlets by 2020 and help drive the national economy forward.

Under the Tourism NKEA, eight clusters of major shopping destinations have also been identified for high-impact development, namely (1) Klang Valley – Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (2) Penang (3) Johor (4) Malacca (5) Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (6) Federal Territory of Labuan (7) Kuching and Miri in Sarawak, and (8) Langkawi in Kedah. Additionally, Extended Shopping Zones with attractive shopping attributes have also been earmarked for development and promotion along with the major shopping destinations. The Extended Shopping Zones are Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman Heritage Shopping Zone, Kuala Lumpur (private sector participation in this area is driven by the Batu Road Retailers Association or BARRA, representing some 300 businesses at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman); Bandar Utama, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya and Mutiara Damansara, Selangor; George Town, Penang; Malacca; Johor Bahru, Johor; and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, and Kuching and Miri in Sarawak.

Going to the various shopping hubs in the country will be much easier with the newly launched Tourism Malaysia’s Shopping Malaysia Maps. There are four separate Shopping Maps covering Malaysia’s major shopping precincts with a high potential of attracting both foreign and local shoppers. The first map covers Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya; the second one highlights Penang; third – Johor and Melaka; and fourth – Sabah and Sarawak. Besides featuring a detailed map of each shopping precinct, various places of interest and a list of shopping malls in various locations are included, making it easy for tourists to identify and choose where to go. The maps also contain useful information on Malaysia’s Tourist Refund Scheme. A step-by-step guide is given to help tourists claim GST refund of 6 per cent on shopping spend of at least MYR300, including GST in a single invoice or receipt. Refund validation counters are located at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA 2 as well as airports in Subang, Kuantan, Senai, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. There are also approved refund agents in these locations to help tourists with their GST refund claims.

In line with the recent trends in shopping in major shopping capitals of the world, such as London, New York and Tokyo, Tourism Malaysia is also focusing on promoting experiential shopping packages in Malaysia. The promotion essentially highlights unparalleled shopping experiences with the elements of lifestyle that incorporates the enjoyment of culinary delights, entertainment, and rest and recreation for all age groups in integrated, contemporary shopping malls. In addition, places of significant interest surrounding the malls are also included in the total shopping experience packages.  

In promoting a total retail and travel experience that enhances the modern lifestyle, less emphasis is given on the range of products and discounts. However, value buys and attractive promotions for a wide range of products, including duty-free goods, continue to be promoted to attract shoppers at large. 

Another strategy is having more tactical campaigns instead of generic ones. Tactical campaigns to reach specific target markets, namely Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, and Australia and New Zealand have already been initiated. The Tourism Malaysia offices in these countries have been mobilised to develop more specific shopping packages tailor-made for the specific country’s target market in collaboration with both conventional and online travel agencies, as well as airlines. 

Tourism Malaysia also holds regular dialogues with representatives of the retail industry and supporting industries. Dialogues are a platform to exchange information, raise concerns, and share ideas and solutions for the common goal of making Malaysia’s shopping sector more dynamic than ever. Exchanging ideas, introducing best practices and updating each other on industry trends and performances will lead to the common goal of continuing to make shopping a lucrative and vibrant sector. 

Continuous collaborations with the industry players and the steadfast commitment of the government to bring the performance of Malaysia’s shopping sector to the highest possible level have brought rewards in recent years in the form of coveted international awards and accolades. These are:

• The second top position in the Muslim Travel Shopping Index for the category of the Best Shopping Destination 2015 for Muslims in the OIC Destination voted by CrescentRating and MasterCard. Kuala Lumpur is second only to Dubai but is ahead of Istanbul and Antalya in Turkey and Manama in Bahrain, thus making the top five on this international Index. Penang also made it to the Top 10 on this Index, securing the 9th position ahead of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. 

• Kuala Lumpur was voted by global news network CNN as the world’s 4th Best Shopping City, after New York, Tokyo and London, and ahead of Paris, Hong Kong and Dubai, for two consecutive years – 2012 and 2013.

• Kuala Lumpur was ranked by Geneva-based Globe Shopper Index as the 2ndBest Shopping Destination in Asia Pacific in 2012, with a score that was only 3.5 behind Hong Kong. Kuala Lumpur beat Singapore, Bangkok, Sydney, Tokyo and Seoul. This ranking, together with the recognition by CNN, made Kuala Lumpur the best shopping destination in Southeast Asia and among the top in Asia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

WAITGC 2015 Grand Final Arrives In Selangor

SELANGOR, 17 November 2015 – After five challenging qualifying rounds, the champion of this year’s World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship (WAITGC) will be determined at the Sungai Long Golf & Country Club and The Mines Resort & Golf Course.

The 3-day Grand Final kicked off today with a participation of 25 teams (100 players) from Australia (8 teams), Brunei (9 teams), India (1 team), Japan (2 teams), and Malaysia (5 teams).

The 18-hole Sungai Long Golf & Country Club is designed by famous golf master Jack Nicklaus. Dubbed as the “Garden of Eden”, it features a unique, modern yet classy layout that offers a fair challenge for golfers of all levels.

The Mines Resort & Golf Course has won numerous accolades, which includes ‘The Best Golf Course in Malaysia’, with its beautiful 18-hole par 71 course. It maintains the greens immaculately with strict ‘buggy only’ rule.

Tourism Malaysia has invited 11 media from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland, to cover the Grand Final and help promote the 2016 WAITGC in the European market. 

The 22^nd WAITGC attracted a total of 126 teams with 504 players from Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. They participated in five qualifying rounds, which were held in Johor, Sabah, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka, from March to October.

WAITGC is Tourism Malaysia’s initiative to promote the country as a top-of-mind golf destination in the region, attracting more than 500 international amateur golfers and spouses annually. Since its debut in 1994, WAITGC has emerged as a well-regarded tournament and one of the highly anticipated golfing events in the region. WAITGC is managed by the Golf Club Managers Association of Malaysia (GCMAM) and sanctioned by the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA).

To golfers, WAITGC is more than just a gateway for them to compete against golfers from other countries, or to test their talent and skills and conquer some of the best fairways and greens in the country; it is also a perfect holiday package, where they get to visit some of the country’s best tourist attractions.

Golf tourism has been identified as one of the key priority sectors to increase the nation’s tourism contribution to the economy and has been underscored in the country’s Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). Last year, golf tourism receipts amounted to RM312 million.

-Tourism Malaysia.