Friday, December 31, 2010

NST : Sentenced to oblivion

2010/06/22

By Noel Achariamstreets@nstp.com.my



Convicts hand painting the walls of Pudu Jail.

KUALA LUMPUR: The people want a part of Pudu Jail be preserved for future generations.

The 115-year-old Pudu Jail is being demolished in stages to make way for a mixed development project.

The demolition, which started two days ago, included the tearing down of its 300m mural wall to enable the widening of the road and construction of the Jalan Pudu underpass. The demolition work is expected to be completed early this morning.

Despite the start of the demolition on Monday, many are asking that a part of the prison be preserved.

They are asking that the arch and entrance leading to the prison gates, which is located in Jalan Hang Tuah, remain as a historical site.

The developer, UDA Holdings Bhd, is expected to build a mixed development project, which will accommodate a transit centre, service apartments, office towers, recreation centres and a hotel at the Pudu Jail site.

Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation vice-chairman of the Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said that he was disappointed with the demolition of Pudu Jail.

“I have many vivid memories of Pudu Prison when I was a member of parliament for Bukit Bintang.

“I can still recall the time when I used to pass by Pudu Prison and see the prisoners busy painting the mural outside the prison wall. I also remember making many official and non-official visits on behalf of my constituents to check on the welfare of the prisoners there. It’s sad to lose a piece of history,” he said.

Lee, a former Bukit Bintang member of parliament who had served four terms as an elected representative, said it was not right to obliterate history.

“I understand that the land on which Pudu Jail sits is prime real estate in the city. Although there are plans to develop the area it is not right to demolish the entire structure of the prison. Part of the facade should be preserved for future generations,” he said.

Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun said that he was disappointed that the government didn’t take into account the heritage value of Pudu Prison.

“Buildings that are more than 100 years old in the city should be preserved. In other countries the people are preserving the outlook of their historical buildings, I don’t see why we can’t do it here,” he said.

Fong said now that a part of history is gone, he hoped that those responsible will at least maintain the arch and the entrance of the prison.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng echoing Fong sentiments said that the gate should be preserved as a historical site.

“The developer should at least preserve part of it for tourists and our future generations,” he said.

Eurasian Association president Herman Anthony noted that Pudu Prison was once in the Guinness World Book of Records for having the largest mural in world. “I don’t see why part of it can’t be preserved,” he said.

Berjaya Hotel marketing and communications director Abel Nelson Nang, who is from Sarawak, said many foreign and local guests he meets are in awe of the hand-painted mural on the Pudu Jail walls.

“Many enjoy seeing the hand painted mural on the Pudu Prison walls. It’s a shame that now it is being torn down to make way for development,” he said.

Quantity surveyor Azmi Azimialifah Abdul Hamid, 37, who was armed with a viewcam, said he was documenting history before it vanished.

“When I heard that work had begun to demolish Pudu Jail, I rushed from the office to capture what was left of Pudu Jail before it was completely demolished. This piece of history is for my children, grand children and their children,” he said.

In a statement, Heritage of Malaysia Trust said the organisation had for the past several years been advocating against the demolition of Pudu Jail (see letter below).

It was reported that Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin had said the prison would not be turned into a heritage site.

“Firstly, it’s because it is the government’s view that Pudu Jail is not something to be proud of, and secondly, it is not suitable to be turned into a heritage site despite its age,” he said at the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Monday.

Awang Adek also said a museum would not be built at the prison site and the government would proceed with the development.

Read more: Sentenced to oblivion http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Sentencedtooblivion/Article#ixzz19eEghGTv

GENTING THEME PARK DISCOUNTS


STAR : Foreign guides to be let in

Wednesday July 14, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign tour guides will soon be allowed to work in Malaysia on a case-by-case basis, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

She said the foreign tour guides would be closely monitored by the ministry and would only be allowed into the country when there was a need.

“It is not an open licence but we will allow them to come on an ad hoc basis to ensure that we do not open a floodgate for them to work in Malaysia,” she told a press conference after a dialogue session with tourism industry players here yesterday.

She said currently, there was a shortage of Malaysian tour guides who could speak Japanese, Korean, Iranian and Russian, causing a drop in tourists from these countries.

“For example, there were 250,000 Koreans who visited Malaysia in 2005 but the number dropped to 78,000 last year.

“We have no choice but to bring in foreign tour guides because very few Malaysian tour guides can speak these languages, which is the main reason for the sharp reduction in tourists from these countries,” she said.

She said this was a wake-up call for local tour guides to buck up and learn more foreign languages to cater for tourists from these countries.

Last year, she said, the ministry spent RM3.6mil in capacity-building programmes such as basic tour guide and foreign language courses.

To date, 480 participants joined these programmes, of which 245 existing tour guides joined the foreign language course and 235 graduates from institutions of higher learning participated in both courses, she added.

On another matter, Dr Ng said travel agencies would be allowed to join any tour operator associations recognised by the ministry other than the Malaysian Association of Travel and Tours Agencies by October this year.

Dr Ng also said this was to allow travel agents to choose the association that best represented their unique needs and nature of business.

The other associations that travel agencies can join are the Malaysia Chinese Tourist Association, Malaysia Inbound Tourist Association, Malaysian Indian Travel and Tours Association and Bumiputra Travel and Tours Association of Malaysia.

More : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/14/nation/6658456&sec=nation

My Appeal to YAB Prime Minister on PM Facebook Page

Sent: Mon, 19 July, 2010 12:40:17


On behalf of the tourist guides in Malaysia, we hope you will hear uson our dilemma.

FOREIGNERS AS MALAYSIA TOURIST GUIDES to replace our job when we aresuffering without much tour assignment.

We believe in your strong advocating in 'RAKYAT DIDAHULUKAN' but here with 5000 families at stake in this move..., it is certainly difficult to convince my members of what we have been supporting the BN Government and Policies.

It is certainly unfair to mention that tourist are notcoming to Malaysia because our guides are no good.

It is unfair to sayour guides do not have quality when the process of Selection-Training-Examination-Licensing are been under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism.

YAB Prime Minister, please hear us and assure us of your protection as Malaysian.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Getting-Foreigners-to-be-Malaysia-Tourist-Guides/136208136410763

President Jimmy Leong
Malaysian Tourist Guides Council

TM : A HUNDRED YEARS IN IPOH





































STAR : Tracing the textile history

Saturday August 14, 2010
By JADE CHANjade@thestar.com.my Photos by P. NATHAN


Located in Jalan Sultan Hishamudin, Kuala Lumpur, near the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is the little known National Textile Museum.

National Textile Museum director Janet Tee said the museum traced the development and trend of textile that had characterised and shaped the lifestyle of the people from prehistoric times till today.

“We hope to also inculcate an interest and inspire enthusiasts of the arts and textile to use the museum as a resource centre and place of inspiration,” she said.

“The exhibits, or even motifs and elements found in the displays, can serve as an inspiration that they can use for all sorts of art and craft work like pottery, woodcarving and painting,” she said.

Beautiful structure: The National Textile Museum is housed in a building of Moorish architecture in Jalan Hishamudin near the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

The museum is housed in a historic building of Moorish architecture that was built alongside the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and completed in 1896.

Designed by architect A.C. Norman to house the headquarters of the Malay States Railways, it was subsequently occupied by various government departments and institutions before it was refurbished as a museum in October 2007.

The building has also been gazetted as a historical building and national heritage.

The National Textile Museum comes under the management of the Department of Museums Malaysia, under the purview of the Information, Communication and Culture Ministry.

Opened to the public on Jan 9 this year, the museum is located in a 2½-storey building with four galleries, and another for changing exhibitions, activities and demonstrations.

The galleries, which Tee said were named after traditional elements inspired by textiles, are:
Origins of textiles: An exhibition on Iban ceremonial cloth at the Pohon Budi Gallery.

·Pohon Budi Gallery — displaying the origins of textiles from prehistoric times and its growth through trade;
·Pelangi Gallery — exhibiting some of the selected heritage collections from the various communities;
·Teluk Berantai Gallery — highlighting the richness and beauty of the Malay heritage collection; and
·Ratna Sari Gallery — showcasing jewellery and personal adornments of various ethnic groups.

“Most of the collection belong to the Department of Museums, which have been collecting them since the ‘70s,” said Tee.

The exhibits were bought from donations and bequeaths from all over Malaysia.

Saindera Gallery has hosted numerous activities like a Baba and Nyonya sarong-wearing demonstration, batik-canting, beading workshop, talks, and theatre of textiles.

On future programmes at the museum, Tee said there were plans to organise regular activities especially during the school holidays and hands-on workshops to enhance knowledge and appreciation of Malaysian textiles.

Exquisite work: An exhibition on beaded collars at the Pohon Budi Gallery.

“We will be getting and training volunteers to conduct guided tours around the museum early next year.

“To create greater awareness of the museum, we are working with our neighbours Restoran Warisan and Central Market and sending postcards and posters to tour agents and travel guides,” she said.

The museum is also open to hosting themed dinners, photo shoots and other events.

Admission is free at the moment, though Tee said there were plans to impose fees similar to the National Museum early next year.

The museum is located at 26 Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, KL.

It is within walking distance from the Pasar Seni/Masjid Jamek LRT stations and KL KTM Commuter station.

Parking facilities are available at Menara Dayabumi and Dataran Merdeka.

Visiting hours are from 9am to 6pm daily.

The museum will be closed on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji.

Free guided tours by a curator, selected group activities and access to the resource centre are available upon advance request.

For more information, call 03-2694 3457/ 3461 or visit www.jmm.gov.my/content/national-textile-museum.

More : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/14/central/6831645&sec=central

STAR : 18 injured as tourist bus crashes

Friday September 3, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: A tourist bus from Genting Highlands skidded and crashed at KM35.1 of the Karak Highway, leaving 18 people injured.

Gombak OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Rahim Abdullah said the incident occurred at 4.30pm yesterday as the bus was driving through heavy rain towards Kuala Lumpur.

“The wet conditions caused the bus to skid. The bus fell on its left side and blocked two lanes,” he said, adding there were 25 passengers on the bus.

It is learnt the bus driver was thrown out of the bus from the impact of the crash and suffered serious injuries.

More : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/3/nation/6973111&sec=nation

One passenger, one hand baggage enforcement effective 1 October 2010

Effective from tomorrow (1 October 2010) we will enforce the one passenger one hand baggage policy strictly in all classes of travel at KUL (KL International Airport). This ruling will also include the City Air Terminal – KLCAT at KL Sentral. We have been lenient on this ruling and it is time to enforce this ruling in line with best practices among airlines.


Hand baggage for all passengers will be screened at all various options of check-in i.e. at the counters and at the bag drop-off areas for those who check-in via the web and kiosks.


MAHB (Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad) will enforce this ruling for all airlines operating into and from KLIA. Strict screening will be done at all entrance points for flights. Checks will also be conducted at the check-in counters and boarding gates.


Safety and Comfort in the Cabin


Limiting the number of hand baggage pieces in the cabin minimises injuries caused by oversized baggage falling from the overhead compartments and ensures that each passenger has enough place to stow/keep their bags in the cabin.


The number of hand baggage pieces is determined by the class of travel.


Economy Class passengers are allowed 1 piece while First and Business Class passengers are allowed 2 pieces.


The one passenger, one hand baggage policy for all airlines at KLIA will be strictly enforced by MAHB and checks will be conducted at the entrance points for flights. For First and Business Class passengers who are allowed the 2nd hand baggage, this piece must be tagged at the check-in counter.


In addition to the hand baggage, the following personal items are allowed *:
· handbag, pocket book or purse
· briefcase
· an overcoat, wrap or blanket
· electronic equipment such as laptop, ipad & camera
· a small camera or a pair of binoculars
· a reasonable amount of reading material for the flight
· an infant carry cot
· Infant & children food for consumption in-flight
· Fully collapsible baby stroller (on wide body aircraft only)
· walking stick/canes or crutches and/or braces/prosthetic devices, which the passenger is dependent on
· Syringes or needles for personal medical use with needle guard in place. These have to be accompanied by the medication in its original labeled container.
*All hand baggage beyond the 1st piece must be tagged. Please enquire with the check-in/baggage drop-off counter staff.


More information on the baggage dimension can be found on the following link: http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/hq/en/bkinfo/trvlinfo/airport/baginfo/baggage-info.aspx





Checks at pre-embarkation and embarkation


At all check-in counters at KLIA and KL City Air Terminal, hand baggage test kits will be placed at the check-in area and departure hall entrances.


Our staff together with MAHB security personnel will insist that the hand baggage is sighted/produced at check-in, entrance points for flights and at the boarding gate. If the hand baggage exceeds the weight (5kg), customers might be required to have their bags placed in the cargo hold. Again, this is for safety.


Our Call of action


While this may be perceived as being rather unfriendly and inhospitable, please take the effort to explain this enforcement to our customers, corporate clients, travel agents, partners, Enrich members, public and private sector stakeholders.


Limiting the number of hand baggage pieces allows us to raise safety standards and comfort in the cabin for passengers and cabin crew:
· Customers are able to move in and out of seats easier as the passage ways are cleared of baggage,
· Embarkation and disembarkation from the aircraft cabin is quicker and efficient,
· Movement during transfers between flights/terminals is also faster and
· Most importantly, in the event of an emergency, the evacuation from the cabin is quick.


Duty Travel/Privilege-Rebated Travel for staff


For the 19,000 of us, we are also impacted by this policy enforcement too.


As staff travelers, the next time you travel for duty or leisure, do adhere to the weight limits of the hand baggage and check-in baggage.


Next – systemwide implementation & communication


While this is rolled out at KUL, regional/area/district/airport managers will be advised of effective dates when they will also need to match this guideline at their station for consistency in the MH network.


In several regions/stations based on airport authority or home base airline ruling, this policy is already imposed on Malaysia Airlines and its customers for strict compliance.


Travel advisory notices/reminders on our website will be uploaded later today and signages at check-in islands at level 5-KLIA and KLCAT will be also placed. Concise briefing packs for MH Team Talks among the frontline teams will be emailed to the various departmental heads/team leaders later today. It will also be loaded onto MH Pulse/Think Customer/Products and Services (http://mhpulse.mas.net/).


If you have any questions on the mechanics and implementation of this policy or have useful feedback, please send me an email at yusopj@malaysiaairlines.com or ssaad@malaysiaairlines.com

NST : Guide clueless and misinformed

Hi All readers,

The following excerpt are comments made against a Tourist Guide. In summary, do not think your guest have zero knowledge on Malaysia. Please make sure that you are well prepared in providing correct information.

Administrator


http://travel.nst.com.my/Current_News/TravelTimes/article/YourSay/20080211111945/Article/index_html

Baffled Malaysian

RECENTLY, I went on a Singapore-Kuala Lumpur-Singapore cruise. While in Kuala Lumpur, our group, including foreign media members, was given a guided tour of the city.

We visited the Eye On Malaysia, MidValley Megamall and a chocolate wholesale outlet. We also had a sumptuous buffet lunch in Restoran Seri Melayu in Jalan Conlay which made the few hours spent in the city really worth it.

However, as a Malaysian, I was appalled by the guide who did not know the essentials of the country’s history.

We were told that Malaysia was never colonised except for the Straits Settlements. We were even told that Sabah and Sarawak once belonged to Indonesia before Malaysia got them “for free”!

Where on earth did the guide get such misconstrued information? He got me pondering about the education in this country. What type of history did he study? Are our tourist guides properly trained and assessed before they are given as licence to operate?

Thursday, December 30, 2010

LOKOMOTIF 90 TAHUN ASET SEJARAH


TM : FABULOUS FOOD 1MALAYSIA FOOD TRAIL 2009







TM : CITY OF DIGITAL LIGHTS




MTGC TOURIST GUIDES PROFESSIONAL FEES ( Effective : 01 Mar 2009 )







MTGC CIRCULAR : Pembatalan Lesen Pemandu Pelancong

Dear All,

Please be informed that the following are no longer licensed tourist guides:

Penang
Chan Meng Keng TG9426

Selangor
Teng Kai Luan TG6154
Jaafar Bin Mohamed TG6235

Sabah
Landrito M Lerado @ Bingo TG4281
Sahari @ Patrick bin Padam Lal TG7093
Donnysah bin Itin TG7115
Mohd Syafendy bin Yajit TG7147
Zakri Bin Bakri TG7148
Jon Bin Taran TG7145
Mohd Daisah bin Kapar TG7146
Norazemah Binti Ahmad TG7170
Sharon Wong Sheng Ren TG1843
Lee Yoan Man TG2437
Cesar Bajado Duran TG2789
Dares Saham bin Asaad TG2887
Patrick Tsen Sam Hing TG3319
Telephorus Chin Thien Loong TG3332
Teo Ho Ken TG3323
Alexter Japrin TG7092
Mohd Nazef bin Abdul Majid TG7095
Anna Marie Chai Vun Ying TG2879
Nuhairi Bin Kintai TG7222
Jabanus bin Miun TG7167
Estevao Hector Gomes TG2465

Pahang
Mathavan a/l Kanniah TG7544


Thanks

Diana Lee
Executive Secretary, MTGC

Develop green tourism, says DPM

Tuesday October 5, 2010
By MUGUNTAN VANAR vmugu@thestar.com.my

KOTA KINABALU: World tourism bodies under the United Nations should develop measures for green tourism that can be adopted by nations developing their tour industry.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said this could be done by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO), adding that the latest technology and information on green tourism should also be disseminated.

“There is a need to come out with clear guidelines, may be some standard approach on how this issue can be managed by governments and also by the various stakeholders,” he told reporters yesterday after opening the World Tourism Conference attended by about 500 delegates from 44 countries.

He said environment and conservation were important, and Malaysia wanted to push tourism into the forefront of generating revenue for the country while not harming the environment.
Muhyiddin also said tourists currently preferred to move away from cities and “head towards nature”.

“They want to go up the mountain, they want to enjoy the environment. These are the pristine values of tourism that need to be conserved for future generations,” he added.

Earlier in his speech, Muhyiddin said Malaysia was keen to develop green technology and implement the best practices in sustainable development to resolve adverse environmental issues frequently attributed to tourism.

More : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/5/nation/7162297&sec=nation

MTGC CIRCULAR : WAITING AREA FOR TOUR BUSES TO DO PICK-UP / DROP-OFF AT JALAN PETALING


Dear TGA Chairpersons,

MTGC was involved in the above meeting discussions, but we have yet to receive the said letter.

The following announcement was through our members who were also members of MATTA.

Thank you.


Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) has issued a letter on 2 November 2010, to overcome the problem of tour buses picking-up / dropping-off tourists at Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur.

A meeting was held a few months back, and it was discussed and that the proposal has been implemented as follows:

a) The existing taxi stop at Jalan Sultan in front of Kompleks Selangor to be designated as a stop for tour buses to pick-up and drop-off tourists. The waiting period for each bus is only 20 minutes. This stop has already been in use since 20 October 2010.

b) For longer periods of waiting, the tour buses can park near Sekolah Rendah (J) Kebangsaan Davidson at Jalan Hang Jebat or at Stadium Merdeka at Jalan Stadium car park.




Monday, December 27, 2010

TRAVEL INDUSTRY : Bugis Street Kopitiam

Tuan,

Kami Bugis Street Kopitiam, menawarkan makan dan minum percuma untuk ahli-2 tuan yang membawa pelancong luar/tempatan untuk singgah makan atau minum dikedai kami beralamat di:-

Bugis Street Kopitiam
No 2 Jalan Pandan Indah 1/23D,
Pandan Indah 55100,Kuala Lumpur.

(Facebook : Bugis Steet Kopitiam - Restaurant/Cafe)
Email: bugisstreet88@gmail.com
Tel:- 012-9191845/012-4539214

Kami menyediakan Makanan halal secara Ala Carte dengan 88 Menu makanan dari Tradisional Melayu, India, Cina dan Barat. Dengan harga yang berpatutan iaitu RM1.50 sehingga RM7.00. Waktu operasi kami ialah 10am sehingga 1am.

Kami mempunyai 180 tempat duduk terbuka dan tertutup yang selesa untuk pelanggan dan kawasan parking yang senang dan luas dihadapan kedai.

Landmark : MRR2 : MPAJ : Hospital KPJ : The Store

Terima Kasih


Mohd Amin Abdul Rahim
Pengarah Urusan

MTGC CIRCULAR : Licensed Tourist Guides who do not sit for their Confirmation Examination

Attention: All Affiliates,

The Licensing Division of the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia had issued letters to the many numbers of licensed tourist guides who have not bother to sit for their confirmation examinations after their two years of probation.

The letters are serious in their nature, as failure to adhere to the requirement would have their licenses revoked.

The Malaysian Tourist Guides Council had on many occasions reminded all tourist guides who needed to sit for their confirmation examinations to take it seriously but regret that many tourist guides prefer to ignored the reminders rather than to sign up for the courses.

In this aspect, MTGC hope that all Affiliates would audit their members, and identify the numbers required to sit for the confirmation examinations and to organize the Courses for them accordingly.

Should any of the Affiliates face any problems in such organizing these Courses, please kindly refer to MTGC for further details and assistance.

Thank you for your kind attention.

President Jimmy Leong Wie Kong
Malaysian Tourist Guides Council

NST : RM30 passport gives tourists 7-day rides

2010/11/05
By Audrey Dermawan
audreymd@nst.com.my

GEORGE TOWN: Public transport operator Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd has introduced a new product, Rapid Passport, for foreign and domestic tourists visiting the state. The Rapid Passport is a pre-paid ticket which allows tourists to enjoy seven days unlimited travel onboard Rapid Penang buses for RM30.

It comes with a free Queensbay Mall tourist and traveller card, which entitles them to a series of exclusive deals in various affiliate outlets, great rebates of up to 75 per cent and exclusive complimentary extras on shopping, dining, services, accommodation, entertainment, travel and tours.

Rapid Penang creative and communications manager Melissa Sandhu said all tourists had to do was present the Rapid Passport as they hopped on for a free ride on Rapid Penang buses.

"With our extensive routes, tourists will have many options to choose from," she said at the launch of Rapid Passport at the Firefly Komtar sales office here yesterday.

Also present was Penang Firefly head of sales Audrey Yu.

The airline is collaborating with Rapid Penang in this latest promotion.

Rapid Passport is available at all Rapid Penang kiosks, onboard Firefly's Penang-bound flights, Firefly Komtar sales office, Hard Rock Hotel, Hard Rock Cafe and Paradise Sandy Beach Resort.

Prior to the Rapid Passport, Rapid Penang had introduced the Rapid Emas, a special monthly pass for the convenience of senior citizens and the disabled, Rapid Youth for students and Rapid Preferred which offers unlimited travel around the island for 30 days.

Read more: RM30 passport gives tourists 7-day rides http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/23paso/Article/#ixzz19FCUdAiK

PERINGATAN : PENGGUNAAN LOGO TOURISM MALAYSIA DI KAD NAMA PEMANDU PELANCONG

Please click image to enlarge.


MTGC CIRCULAR : Diving - Training and Packages

Sent: Wed, 22 December, 2010 17:14:19

Dear TGA Chairpersons,

MTGC sits on the working group of SIRIM for scuba diving together with the diving associations NAUI and PADI.

Mr. Michael Tong of NAUI has kindly offered the following to our members/tourist guides, and anyone interested can contact him directly.

Thank you.

Diana Lee
Executive Secretary, MTGC


From: mike@nauipacific.com
Subject: RE: Diving - Training and Packages
Date: Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:15:16 +0800

Diana .

Hope you are fine and well.

Quotation for Scuba Diving Course training in Kuala Lumpur. RM600.00 per candidate.
3 days Class room & Swimming pool – 10:00am -5.00pm .
Include : Scuba Diver Textbook, Log book , c-card & certificate – 3 class room session.
Swimming pool -skin diving & scuba diving session pool sessions.

Island trip – Pulau Tioman - at own expense - per person including boat ride/food/triple-sharing 3 days 2 nights.Make own way to Mersing jetty with own transportation to be confirmed later. Around RM 600.00 –RM700.00 per person.

If required, we can come to give presentation about the Scuba courses & Island trips.

A Merry Christmas to you & family.

Thank you.

Mike Tong
012 -2208202

MTGC CIRCULAR : CANCELLATION OF TG LICENSES AND NOTICE TO PAY COMPOUND FINES

Sent: Fri, 24 December, 2010 22:59:23

Dear TGA Chairpersons,

The following persons have had their licenses cancelled by MoTour:

1. TAN CHIA YIT - KUALA LUMPUR - TG2028
2. WINSTON MARSHALL - SARAWAK - TG2067
3. HASMAH BINTI SALLEH - SELANGOR - TG1968
4. TEO CHIN KION - SABAH - TG1926
5. LEE CHOW MENG - PERAK - TG2811
6. LAI WAH YIN - SELANGOR - TG2880
7. SABDIN BIN SAID - SABAH - TG2886
8. WONG KIM SIONG - PERAK - TG2815
9. MICHAEL NG @ NG MENG FEI - KUALA LUMPUR - TG2844
10. BENJAMIN S BUGAY - SABAH - TG2867
11. THAM WAI KIM - KUALA LUMPUR - TG1697


The following TG has been issued warning to pay up the compound:

1. MOHD RAMZAN BIN ZAINAL - SELANGOR - TG.9761 - RM300.00


Please take note.


Thank you.


Diana Lee
Executive Secretary, MTGC

MTGC CIRCULAR : HOMESTAY PACKAGES AND LICENSING

Sent: Fri, 24 December, 2010 23:23:52

Dear All,

MoTour has issued a circular reminder to MTGC and all other tourism industry stakeholders as follows:

".......sejak akhir-akhir ini banyak pihak telah menyalahgunakan program homestay dengan memprosikan pakej penginapan "homestay" yang tidak berdaftar dengan Kementerian Pelancongan. Ini telah menimbulkan pelbagai isu dan aduan yang telah menjejaskan imej program homestay. Selaras dengan langkah bagi memastikan kualiti perkhidmatan dan kemudahan di homestay adalah memenuhi standard yang ditetapkan, maka aktiviti mempromosi dan menjual pakej pelancongan program homestay perlu dilaksanakan kepada homestay-homestay yang berdaftar dengan Kementerian Pelancongan sahaja.

Sehubungan itu, pihak Tuan boleh mendapatkan senarai homestay-homestay yang berdaftar dengan Kementerian ini dengan merujuk ke laman web http://www.go2homestay.com/.

Kerjasama dan perhatian Tuan dalam perkara ini amatlah dihargai."



Thanks

Diana Lee
Executive Secretary, MTGC

Thursday, February 18, 2010

MALAYSIA MAKES IT INTO GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

Mount Kinabalu’s via ferrata has made into the Guinness World Records as World’s Highest Via Ferrata. The official announcement of the certification was held on 15 December 2009, in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The certificate was officially presented to YBrs. Tuan Haji Azizan Noordin, Deputy Director General (Planning) Tourism Malaysia by a representative from Mountain Torq Sdn Bhd, the company which operates Mount Kinabalu’s via ferrata in a ceremony here today.

Located in the state of Sabah, Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu stands at a height of 4095m.

A via ferrata is a mountain path which comprises of a series of rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock face. Mountain Torq’s via ferrata begins at 3,411 metres and ends at 3,776 metres.

There are more than 300 via ferrata routes worldwide, predominantly in Italy, Germany, and France, among others.

Mountain Torq currently operates two via ferrata routes on Mount Kinabalu. For seasoned climbers, the company offers the Low’s Peak Circuit while Walk the Torq route is designed for novice climbers and family groups with members aged 10 years and above.

Since its inception, about 5,000 people have completed the routes.

For more information on Mountain Torq’s via ferrata, kindly visit its website at www.mountaintorq.com or contact the Sales and Marketing Director, Ms Quek I-Gek at +60 19 813 8162/+60 88 268 126 or via email at i-gek@mountaintorq.com



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Issued by: Communications & Publicity Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 18 Jan 2010
Tel: +603 2615 8188; Fax: +603 2615 8299
Email: wardatul@tourism.gov.my
Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Life in the kampung

By :Sager Ahmad (story and pictures)
From : http://travel.nst.com.my/Current_News/TravelTimes/article/LeisureChoice/20080901145821/Article/index_html#

The homestay programme in Kelantan offers participants a choice of experiencing life on a fishing island or in a mainland kampung, writes SAGER AHMAD.

IT was a long, overnight train journey from Kuala Lumpur to Tumpat in Kelantan and we arrived four hours late as the train slowed down along many stretches as tracks were being upgraded. However, the journey was made bearable as trip co-organiser Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad had rolled out a special air-conditioned events coach with karaoke set for a non-stop supply of food, drinks and entertainment. Some of us caught up on our reading, penned notes and sang at karaoke sessions while others were engaged in lively discussions on current politics. On arrival, our group (comprising 40 members of the Malaysian Bumiputera Tour Guide Association lead by zack and the media) was greeted by silat and rebana ubi (drum) performances. From Tumpat, we would be going to two homestays — at Kampung Wawasan Laklok in Machang and on Pulau Pantai Suri, an island off Tumpat.

Island Surprise

After a typical Kelantanese lunch at Restoran Nasi Kerabu at the Cultural Centre in Kota Baru, we went to Kok Majid jetty for a 40-minute boat ride to Pulau Pantai Suri. The journey took us through several tributaries of the river dotted by villages. The riverbanks were lined with nipah palms and further inland, rows and rows of coconut trees. At the jetty, we were surprised to discover that Pulau Pantai Suri was not quite your typical island with sandy beaches, swaying palms and surrounded by blue sea. In fact, it doesn’t look like an island at all. It’s a cluster of islands in a delta, formed by soil sediment deposited by the river.

Look Ma, No Cars

The village turned up in full force to greet us — men, women and children — with goats, chicken and monkeys lurking in the background. As we walked to the village hall, we couldn’t help but smile to see our luggage being rolled along on wheelbarrows. These were very handy for transporting goods around the island as there were no cars and people moved about on foot or by bicycle and motorcycle. We were divided into groups of three or four to a foster family. My hosts were Rokiah Abdullah and Ibrahim Sulaiman, a coastal fisherman whose family was among the earliest settlers on the island. Dinner was rice with prawn sambal and kerabu pucuk nipah (nipah palm shoot salad), simple fare that’s a heavenly change for city folks. Those not familiar with pucuk nipah were amazed that a simple ingredient could taste so good.

Fresh Catch

That evening, the hall sizzled and reverberated with the sounds of gendang, gong and serunai as well as dikir barat songs. There was a silat performance and Moi Thai boxing demonstration by the islanders. Life may be simple for the small community of about 500 but the villagers proved to be a multi-talented lot. After the ceremony, we did not retire to bed though we were tired. Instead, we gathered at the jetty to see if we could catch some fish. Well, we did, plenty of them. The next, day we went out in a boat to watch members of our foster family haul in crab traps set the previous night. Crabs and prawns provide additional income for the fishermen aside from the fish they catch and sell as ikan masin (salted fish).

Then we took a detour to the rivermouth where the muddy teh tarik coloured water met the light green sea. In the distance was the darker green and blue of the South China Sea.

Poor Finale

To supplement their income, the villagers also make kueh kapit (love letter cookies), handicrafts and rokok daun (cigarettes made from the leaves of nipah palm). We watched a live demonstration of a beruk (short-tailed monkey) plucking coconuts. Lunch was served in the village hall, with a main dish of gulai kawah (meat curry cooked in large cauldron). Sadly, our foster families didn’t join us; we found out later that the committee members handling the homestay programme had left them out. That took the fun out of the finale. Village headman Che Othman Che Ibrahim told us that of the 12 inhabited islands in the delta, the biggest were Pulau Pantai Suri, Pulau Beluru and Pulau Tokong. He said the homestay programme on Pulau Pantai Suri started five years ago but was only actively promoted in the last two years, with participants coming from China, Japan, France, the Middle-East and Europe.

Let The Games Begin

We returned to Kok Majid jetty to board a bus for Kampung Wawasan Laklok in Machang. The drive took about an hour. The village was modern looking, with narrow roads, lots of fruit trees and friendly people but I felt there were fewer attractions here than in Pulau Pantai Suri. We were given an official welcome in a hall near a field where telematches would be held the next day. That night, we were entertained to a lively cultural show at the same hall. The head of my foster family was Abdul Rahman Che Lah, a small time contractor and rubber smallholder. He and his wife Che Som Che Isa, greeted us warmly. The next day, we took part in telematches, competing against the home team. There were lots of prizes for events that included coconut bowling, gunny sack race, reverse tug of war (where participants pulled the rope facing away instead of towards their opponents), panjat tiang licin (climbing a slippery pole) and bola hantu galah (football match on stilts) that had people falling over in stitches. It may be a good idea for Kampung Wawasan Laklok homestay, started last year, to include village attractions like rubber tapping, fishing in the pond, trekking through the secondary forest and visiting cottage industries.

Visit Kelantan Year

The Laklok homestay programme was officially launched by Kelantan State Secretary Datuk Aiseri Alias who said 5.75 million visitors were expected this year for Visit Kelantan Year 2008. He hoped the campaign would generate more income for the people. “Kelantan is unique and we hope to introduce local culture that visitors can learn about and appreciate.”

Farewell To Old Station

We left the village by bus for Kuala Kerai and boarded the train back to Kuala Lumpur. We were, perhaps, among the last passengers to use the old train station as not long after our trip, it was demolished. Kuala Kerai station was the last stop for the train in Kelantan until 1923 when the Guillemard Bridge was built across the Kelantan River and trains could go all the way to Tumpat near the Malaysia-Thai border. Unfortunately, the authorities did not see the importance of the historic old station in Kuala Kerai and the building was demolished.

GO ZACK GO

From : http://travel.nst.com.my/Current_News/TravelTimes/article/TravelSavvy/20080803103440/Article/index_html

ZULKIFLI Ismail or Zack, has been in the travel industry for over two decades. He was bitten by the travel bug early in his life when he lived in Kuching, Sarawak (where his father served as an army officer), and he turned the huge State into his travel “playground”.

He spent 15 years in Malaysia Airlines and 7 years in other Airlines, working in inflight services, reservations, ticketing, controler pre- and post-departures,traffic and sales. Later he moved on to be assistant sales manager for the Royal Jordanian Airlines in Kuala Lumpur before plunging headlong into the tourism industry.

Running a programme called Continuing Tourism Related Education (CTRE) and doing product updates for over 250 members of the Malaysian Bumiputra Tourist Guide Association are currently his priorities.

He plans to set up his own travel agency consultant and a tourism school. It will be called Professional Tourism Academy and it will manage a training centre for professional tourist guides and others who wish to acquire skills like ticketing and reservation.

Tell us about your most interesting travel experience.
At a recent CTRE programme at Tasik Raban, Perak, 90 members went fishing and then grilled the catch on the spot. The siakap, toman, sebarau and a deer that we bought from the deer farm for BBQ were delicious,
Another trip was to Pulau Kapas for squid jigging. The sea was calm but many members were seasick.
We also visited a unique school for monkeys in Marang where Haji Lah trains them to pluck coconuts. The primates have a strange habit — after coming down from the tree, they would take a bath at a nearby well.

Have you ever had a really bad experience?
A near accident on a trip up north. A bus veered into our lane and missed us by a cat’s whisker. On another occasion, our bus broke down at 3am on the highway near the Rawang rest stop and we were stranded for five hours.

How best do you unwind on your holiday?
Relaxing in a cosy resort with a good view of the sea and sunset.

What type of holidays do you prefer?
The hills, a river cruise and island hopping.

Who do you usually go holiday with?
Like-minded colleagues who are not fussy about sharing costs.

What can’t you leave home without when you travel?
My camera, handphone, torchlight, medications and first aid kit etc.

Which is your favourite holiday destination in Malaysia? Does it also give you the best holiday memory?
Sarawak, where I met my Iban friends while studying at Penrissen Secondary School. I had a scare when a picture of me taken at the Bako National Park showed a being with long fangs standing behind me!

What’s the best hotel you’ve stayed in so far?
Nexus Carambunai Hotel in Sabah.

What or who do you miss most when you go away on vacation?
I miss my late parents.

What do you hate most while travelling?
Waiting in line, check-in delays and lack of service.

Where next would you like to go?
Definitely Sabah — Mt Kinabalu, the islands and Nexus Karambunai and Clubmed

Where would you recommend your friend to go?
Sabah and Sarawak. There’s more Nature there and varied ethnic communities.

What was the best thing you bought on your travel and where?
T-shirts with prints of nature photographs, a beads and pearls necklace at the Filipino Market in Sabah.

What was the best food you ever tasted during your travel and where?
Food at a seafood restaurant on the way to Pulau Gaya in Sabah. The prawns were very cheap. I also like salted ikan terubuk in Kuching, Sarawak.

Are you a compulsive traveller or do you follow your budget and itinerary carefully?
I may, at times, just get up and go on a holiday.

Any advice or tips for travellers?
Be careful with your valuables, including your wallet, cash and jewellery. Do your homework and know who you are dealing with when making tour arrangements. Don’t simply be sold by the hype.

Any comment on Malaysian tourism: places of interest, services, etc?
Operators and authorities should maintain a high standard of service like providing hygienic toilets and clean rooms. Signages should be accurate and clearly visible, not hidden behind trees.