Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow

‘Char Kway Teow’ or ‘stir-fried ricecake strips’ is arguably one of the most popular dishes among Malaysians of all races. The name is derived from the Hokkien term for ‘fried’ which is ‘char, while ‘kway teow’ refers to the ‘flat rice noodles’, which is the main ingredient.



The latter is stir-fried over very high heat with light or dark soy sauce, chili, while prawns, deshelled cockles, bean sprouts, chinese chives and eggs.

Among the chinese community, the char kway teow is traditionally stir-fried in pork fat with crisp croutons of pork lard and serve on a piece of banana leaf or plate. In some instances, slices of chinese sausage and fishcake are added to accentuate the taste.

Originally conceived as a poor man’s food, mostly consumed by laborers, farmers, fishermen and cockle-pickers, the dish has today evolved into one of the most-loved dishes among Malaysians – but with certain ingredients omitted to adhere to ‘halal’ guidelines of muslim community.

As the dish became more widespread, many cooks have come up with their own versions of ‘char kway teow’ but with the same essential ingredients ‘Char kway teow’ was said to have its origins in S.E.Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei) but the common consensus is that ‘Penang char kway teow’ tops the list when it comes to taste and originality.

In Kampar, Perak, the dish is cooked with cockles but no prawns, unless on request. In East Malaysia, other ingredients are used in the cooking eg beef, onions, sweet soya sauce etc.

There are also so-called ‘gourmet versions’ of char kway teow, especially in Ipoh, Penang, Taiping and even the Klang Valley, where seafood, crab meat and even duck eggs are added to suit discerning tastes.

~Info courtesy of Tourism Malaysia~

气象局预测东北季风期间 东海岸砂西部高雨量

气象局预测东北季风期间 东海岸砂西部高雨量



东北季风的来临，将使马来半岛东海岸和砂拉越西部出现可引发水灾的高雨量。

气象局预测，马来半岛东海岸州属和砂拉越西部，将在本月起至明年1月的东北季风期间，出现可引发水灾的高雨量现象。

科学、工艺与革新部长拿督斯里威弗烈丹敖指出，在这期间，我国将发生4至5次的强降雨，可造成大水灾。

他说，在马来半岛吉兰丹和登嘉楼所展开的天气预测，本月和12月的雨量料达约700毫米，彭亨和柔佛东部的雨量，预测将在下月和明年1月高达400毫米。

“这个情况可导致水灾，尤其是在河谷和低洼地区。”

他今天在国会下议院回答巫统巴力士隆区国会议员拿督诺莱妮博士的提问时，这么指出。

~以上新闻转自光华日报~

Aiming to make durian fest in Bentong a major hit

Aiming to make durian fest in Bentong a major hit

With 50,000 visitors, both local and foreign, expected to hit Bentong this weekend for the Malaysia International Durian Cultural Tourism Festival, organisers are looking at ways to liven up their experience even more.

Malaysia Belt and Road Centre (Mbrace) chairman Datuk Seri Chuah Poh Khiang said the festival, which takes place on Nov 25 and 26, is aimed at introducing the King of Fruits and to highlight Bentong’s eco-tourism potential as well.

“As of now, many of the major details have been settled and we’re just going over some minor ones and briefings,” said Chuah, who had just hosted another meeting yesterday before speaking to the press on the event.

“It also won’t be just durians, as we have a host of other activities, such as musical events,” said Chuah.

With that many visitors, committee member and Pahang senator Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said the committee was looking at allocating strategic spaces to help house the expected tourist buses and private cars.

Another concern, the committee said, would be the amount of durians on supply.

“Keep in mind that we want to present the best and freshest durians, to best represent Malaysia’s offerings,” said Hoh.

“Our durians are different from those in Thailand. Our durian quality will deteriorate after a couple of days and it’s best to eat the fruits fresh,” the senator added.

Hoh and Malaysian Durian Exporters Asso­ciation secretary-general Fred Lim said the participating orchards were hoping to gather around 10 tonnes of Musang King to feed the durian lovers over the weekend.

At least 20 orchards from around Bentong and Raub are expected to participate in the festival, Lim added.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak



No visitors will leave Malaysia without tasting our very own Nasi Lemak. Hot cooked rice with pandan aroma steamed with coconut cream goes heavenly well with sizzling spicy sauce or “sambal”. 

Generous sprinklings of roasted peanuts and salty dried anchovies with a hard boiled egg perfect this dish. 

A platter of everything good all wrapped up in banana leaves to further enhance its unique taste. Nasi Lemak is truly a national heritage of Malaysia.

~Courtesy of Tourism Malaysia~

Expect more rain until January, says weatherman

Expect more rain until January, says weatherman

The start of the northeast monsoon today will bring more rain to the east coast of the peninsula and parts of Sabah and Sarawak.

The wet season is expected to last until January.

MetMalaysia director-general Alui Bahari said the northeastern winds from the South China Sea will mark the start of the monsoon season.

“Right now, the winds are still from the southwest, they are variable, but by tomorrow, they will persist from the northeast,” said Alui when contacted yesterday.

He said an episode would range between three and four days of moderate to heavy rain.

This monsoon season is expected to see four to five such episodes.

MetMalaysia has its own colour coding for rainfall, with yellow indicating heavy rain is expected within the next one to three days, and if there is continuous rain, it will not last for more than six hours and the rainfall will be less than 60mm.

Meanwhile, orange indicates continuous heavy rain that will exceed six hours and rainfall collection of at least 60mm while red shows continuous heavy rain exceeding 240mm a day.

Alui said the department would also be monitoring wind speeds and wave heights, as monsoon winds could whip up waves.

For the day’s weather forecast, log on to www.met.gov.my/in/web/metmalaysia/forecasts/general/country.

~News courtesy of The Star~

RM1 flight levy starts January 2018

RM1 flight levy starts January 2018

ALL passengers leaving Malaysia by air will have to pay a levy of up to RM1 from January, following changes to the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) Act 2015.

“The Government spent almost RM30mil on Mavcom’s operational costs last year. The levy for air travellers is justified, considering the services Mavcom provides, which range from receiving and processing complaints to conducting educational activities,” he said.

The changes to the law also allows Mavcom to impose penalties for any non-compliance over guidelines on competition, regulatory fees and charges.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Bentong to host global durian fest

Bentong to host global durian fest

The Malaysia International Durian Cultural Tourism Festival 2017 will be held in Bentong, Pahang, on Nov 25 and 26, says MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

The event, organised by MCA’s Belt and Road Centre (Mbrace) and executed by Hunan Broadcasting System Company’s Mango Entertainment, hopes to attract at least 50,000 visitors to Bentong.

The thorny King of the Fruits was more than an agricultural product, Liow said, as it played a unique role in the friendship and diplomatic relations between people of Malaysia and China.

“Bentong, which is famous for Musang King, was chosen as the venue to host this festival. This will elevate Bentong as a charming international eco-tourism spot,” said Liow, who is Bentong MP. Hunan TV is well-known for reality shows Where Are We Going, Dad? and Super Voice Girls.

Mango Entertainment deputy chief executive officer Wang Pingbo said Hunan Broadcasting System would reach out to its audience to promote the festival via various channels, including social media, radio and TV stations.

Besides durian and durian-related products, the two-day festival will also feature other tropical fruits and agro products, such as Bentong ginger.

Nirvana Asia Group is the title sponsor, YY Dynamic Resources Sdn Bhd is the gold sponsor while Mah Sing Group is the silver sponsor.

At the event, MCA’s Mbrace also signed a strategic partnership agreement with Mango Entertainment for cooperation on trade, tourism and culture for the next five years.

~News courtesy of The Star~

明年起离境征收1令吉

国会三读通过 明年起离境征收1令吉

国会下议院周二三读通过2017年大马航空委员会（修正）法案，当局将于明年1月起向离境乘客征收1令吉服务费。

该法案在进入委员会阶段后，正式三读通过。

1令吉的监管服务费，仅限于离境的所有大马人及外国游客支付，主要是用作协助航空委员会监管航空业在经济领域方面的事务。

交通部副部长拿督阿都阿兹卡巴拉威在为该法案总结时表示，此收费是按照航空委员会的营运费用计算得出的。

他说，政府未来不会调高该服务费，征收该费用是为应付航空委员会的营运成本，并非为了牟利。

他说，航空委员会的职责包括设置所有航空公司降陆的电子登记系统、客户投诉管理系统等，每年的营运费用大约2500万至3000万令吉。

~以上新闻转自光华日报~

Happy Deepavali!

Happy Deepavali!
தீபாவளி நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்!
屠妖节快乐！

Tourism Tax 旅游税

Happy Independence Day 独立日快乐

8月1日落实酒店旅游税

Selamat hari raya 开斋节快乐

Clear skies expected over Raya

Clear skies expected over Raya

It will likely be a sunny Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year in most parts of Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.

The date for sighting the Syawal new moon to determine when Aidilfitri falls has been set for June 24, and many expect Hari Raya to start the next day.

Malaysian Meteorological De­­part­­ment director-general Alui Bahari said a detailed forecast for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period will only be released today but added that the weather is generally expected to be dry due to the current south-west monsoon.

The south-west monsoon started on May 17, and will continue until September, typically associated with lower rainfall in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.

“There is always heavy traffic on the highways during the Raya pe­­riod, but good weather conditions will hopefully help to make journeys safer as the roads are dry and visibility is better,” said Alui.

The volume of vehicles that will hit the roads starting this week as families make their way back to their hometowns is expected to grow.

PLUS Malaysia Bhd said traffic plying the North-South Expressway during peak days starting Wednes­day to July 3 is set to hit 1.7 million vehicles per day.

The figure is an increase of 30% from the reported 1.2 million vehicles during the Raya peak period two years ago.

Another highway concessionaire, Lingkaran Trans Kota Sdn Bhd (Litrak), expects a 10% increase in the number of vehicles on the Sprint and Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP) highways in Selangor as the Hari Raya celebration draws closer.

The LDP, which is normally used by more than 470,000 vehicles each week, may see an increase of about 10,000 vehicles this week.

Association of Highway Con­cessionaires Malaysia said in a statement that the volume of traffic is expected to increase by between 30% and 40% during the coming Raya period compared to normal times.

“The Kuala Lumpur-Karak Express­­way, East Coast Expressway (LPT1) and East Coast Highway 2 (LPT2) is expected to see an increase of 50% in traffic volume,” the statement said.

To cope with the traffic volume, PLUS has issued a travel time advisory to help the public plan their journey and to distribute traffic between June 21 and July 3.

Those planning to travel from the Klang Valley to their hometowns in Perlis, Kedah, Penang, northern Perak and Johor are advised to enter the highway before 10am.

Those heading towards nearer destinations such as in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, southern Perak and central Perak, are advised to start their journey and enter the North-South Expressway after 10am on designated days.

Meanwhile, Penang is expecting an influx of visitors who are set to take advantage of the four-day Aidilfitri holiday.

“Last year, the traffic was not so bad, but it is too early to predict the congestion this year,” said state traffic police enforcement chief Supt Roslan Ali.

He added that traffic police would be out daily under Ops Selamat from now until July 2.

Malaysian Hoteliers Association Penang Chapter chairman Khoo Boo Lim said most hotels in the state were almost full.

“Penang is a top choice for local tourists and many are definitely coming here during the break,” he added.

~News courtesy of The Star~

DPM: Tourism tax will be imposed

DPM: Tourism tax will be imposed

The Government is going ahead with its tourism tax to be imposed from July 1.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who disclosed this yesterday, said more funds were needed to support tourism promotion activities.

“At present, some states receive little (funds), some get more,” he said. Under the new tax, hotel guests will be charged between RM2.50 and RM20 for every night’s stay, depending on the classification of the hotel.

Dr Ahmad Zahid disclosed that the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday directed that the tourism tax spat involving Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz and the Sarawak and Sabah governments be put to an end.

“The Prime Minister chaired the Cabinet meeting and I have personally met with the Chief Ministers of Sarawak and Sabah.

“So the chapter is closed,’’ he told reporters after closing an Islamic education workshop here yesterday.

Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had called on the Government to defer the implementation of the tourism tax in Sarawak and Sabah. This invited criticism from Nazri.

Dr Ahmad Zahid also said RM10mil will be given to the Advisory Board for the Coordination of Islamic Education for the enhancement of Islamic educational institutions.

The workshop approved several resolutions, including one on a special mechanism to strengthen Federal-state cooperation in Islamic educational development.

~News courtesy of The Star~

More trains and buses for Raya

More trains and buses for Raya

The Transport Ministry hopes to add more trains and express buses to serve the balik kampung crowds during the coming festive season.

Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said he had already directed KTM Berhad to increase its services for the period.

“Most of the demand is from Kuala Lumpur to the northern states. So, they will be providing 27 trips daily to the northern states, some up to Padang Besar.

“There is a limit to how much we can increase for the time being, however, because we do not have enough train coaches,” he told reporters after launching the Hari Raya integrated operations and road safety campaign here yesterday.

The ministry, said Liow, was also working with express bus operators to try and increase the number of buses during the Hari Raya period.

However, he said there was a lack of bus drivers due to more stringent selection criteria.

Promoting safe trips: Liow talking to a passenger after launching the Hari Raya integrated operations and road safety campaign.

“(For some routes) we will need two drivers to take turns because of the long distance.

“These are among the shortcomings we have during the Raya season but we will work towards overcoming them,” he said.

On the road accident statistics for last year, Liow said the numbers had increased, especially for fatalities.

“Last year, we had 521,466 road accidents compared to 489,606 previously.

“The number of fatalities from road accidents showed a sudden increase – going up to 7,152 deaths last year compared to 6,706 in 2015.

“During the two-week road safety campaign last year, police recorded 20,982 accidents, with 299 deaths,” he said.

As over 60% of the fatalities involved motorcyclists, Liow said this year’s campaign would focus on raising awareness among this group of road users.

“None of these statistics mean that the previous campaign have failed. If you look at the ratio of accidents to registered vehicles, that has actually gone down.

“We went from four deaths for every 10,000 vehicles in 2010 to 2.59 deaths for every 10,000 vehicles last year.

“In developed countries, the ratio is two deaths for every 10,000 vehicles and we aim to reach this by 2020,” he said.

This year's road safety campaign, with the theme “Pandu Cermat Sampai Selamat” will run for two weeks and includes advocacy as well as enforcement of road safety rules and regulations.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Matta supports tourism tax

Matta supports tourism tax, but ...



The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (Matta) is urging the Government to delay the rollout of the impending Tourism Tax (TTx), or at least parts of it.

While saying the association is behind the tax, its president Datuk Hamzah Rahmat said the Aug 1 implementation date may not be an ideal time.

The TTx will not only affect domestic tourists, but also Malaysians who have to travel for other purposes such as studies, medical treatments or family obligations.

"Those people who have to travel will have to travel, and they will be forced to pay for it. It doesn’t just affect tourists," he said on Wednesday.

Hamzah suggests the TTx be imposed on 4-star and 5-star hotels first, but be deferred on lower-rated hotels, hostels and accommodation premises to a later date.

“I’m not saying that this tax shouldn't be imposed at all, but now is not the time for it,” he said.

Hamzah added that domestic travel is currently picking up due to the high cost of overseas travel, and he was concerned that an additional tax would deter Malaysians from travelling domestically.

The Penang, Langkawi and Malacca state governments are already charging RM2 to RM9 depending on the type of hotel the guest is staying in.

Passed as part of the Tourism Tax Bill 2017, TTx will see local and international tourists paying a levy to the operators of accommodation premises.

The tax rate is fixed and charged on a per-room, per-night basis.

The rates are RM20 for five-star accommodations, RM10 for four-star accommodations, RM5 for one- to three-star accommodations, and RM2.50 for non-rated accommodations, including budget hotels.

Engineer Lim Chze Hong, 33, who travels twice a month for work, said the TTx would be an unnecessary burden for Malaysians and should only be imposed on foreign tourists.

"It is an extra burden on top of the funds we need to spend to travel outstation for work, regardless if the rooms are paid for by the company or not.

“If this is a ‘tourism tax’, then they should not impose the tax on anyone who books a room using their MyKad,” he said.

Meanwhile, 41-year-old writer Vivan Chong said that she wouldn't mind paying the tax if the revenue was used to develop the local tourism industry.

She however asked if there are solid plans in place regarding the funding.

"The rates are not a burden money-wise, but I think the real question is, who is this supposed to benefit in the first place and why are we being taxed for already contributing to the economy by travelling locally," she added.

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz had said that the tax revenue would be spent mainly on tourism and infrastructure development throughout the country.

He said the tax was necessary because the Government needed to mitigate uncertainties in the oil-and-gas industry, adding that the Government was expected to collect about RM800mil annually through the new tax.

~News courtesy of The Star~

所有酒店8月起 向房客征旅游税

所有酒店8月起 向房客征旅游税

马来西亚政府宣布，从8月1日起，所有酒店将向房客征收每晚介于2.5令吉至20令吉的旅游税。

征税介于2.5至20令吉 视酒店级别而定

据关税局发表的公告，业者可从7月1日起向关税局登记。该局也列出不同酒店应征收的旅游税：五星级酒店20令吉；四星级酒店10令吉；一、二及三星级酒店5令吉；一、二及三胡姬花级酒店2.5令吉；无级别住宿2.5令吉。

无论如何，五种酒店及民宿可豁免登记及征收旅游税，分别为向旅游部民宿（Homestay）计划、甘榜住宿（Kampungstay）计划民宿、宗教团体所创办及注册的非商业用途住宿、少过10间客房的住宿及国州政府机构所经营的非商业用途住宿。

关税局说，业者必须在30天内向关税局注册，违例者可被判罚款不超过三万令吉或坐牢不超过一年，或两者兼施。

去年，旅游部长纳兹里坦承，由于国库收入减少，必须征收旅游税，作为推广马来西亚旅游业的经费。他预计这将为国家带来高达8.7亿令吉的税收。

由于马国目前落实消费税，加上马六甲、槟城及浮罗交怡的酒店早已征收文化遗产保护费、地方政府管理费及旅游推广费，因此酒店业者称这将进一步剥弱马来西亚旅游业的竞争力，因为一旦落实新的旅游税，国內酒店就会被征收双重或三重税务。

尽管旅游业者反对，但国会在4月通过了2017年旅游税法案。根据该法令，酒店业者必须向游客征收旅游税，游客若没有缴税，可被禁离境，直到还清旅游税为止，或给予一些能让关税局总监满意的抵押或保障。

~联合早报~

壁画花树拍拍拍！．美丽文冬游客爱

壁画花树拍拍拍！．美丽文冬游客爱

文冬市区的壁画至今绘了已1年多依然吸引游客竞相拍照，附近商家灵机一动美化店铺后巷，种植艳丽的花朵，形成一道美丽又浪漫的市景。



游客到文冬游玩，不忘在壁画前拍照留念。（图：星洲日报）

文冬市区的壁画至今绘了已1年多依然吸引游客竞相拍照，附近商家灵机一动美化店铺后巷，种植艳丽的花朵，形成一道美丽又浪漫的市景。

许多人经过该后巷，都会被美丽的景像吸引，甚至停下脚步拍照留念。

吴国华：老店重建改民宿引客

商家吴国华说，文冬旅游业正在起飞，尤其是周六和周日有许多游客到文冬游玩，除了品尝美食，购买土产，也喜欢在壁画前拍照。

该店距离壁画不远，于是他与家人决定把老店重建后，楼上改为民宿，楼下单位出租，并在后巷种植了一些花树，增添美感，没想到取得很好的效果，日前更有一对新人到来拍照。

他也说，文冬的民宿需求量大增，他的民宿就在文化街一带，附近有壁画和食档，为游客带来便利。

周广财：盼未来增更多壁画

另外，小食档东主周广财表示，许多游客到文冬一日游都会在壁画前拍照，可见壁画深受欢迎，希望在未来，文冬能增加更多有素质的壁画。

“游客的到来，使到我们经营熟食的生意量也增加不少，文冬也更热闹。”

薛翰才：商店美化带动经济民众薛翰才也说，实在没想到老店后巷经过美化后，把整条街道点缀得让人耳目一新，充满朝气。

他说，如果商家们配合旅游，主动和努力美化商店，肯定将为文冬市容带来不同的风貌，也带动经济繁荣。



果实累累的榴梿树壁画，最受游客欢迎。（图：星洲日报）



老店经过重建翻新，让人耳目一新，也增添市景的美感。（图：星洲日报）



一对甜蜜新人在后巷拍摄的效果别具一格，也让人感染喜悦。（图：星洲日报）

文章来源：
星洲日报‧东海岸‧2017.05.15

Hot, dry days until September

Hot, dry days until September

The southwest monsoon has brought with it hotter and drier weather to peninsular Ma­­laysia and Sarawak.

Malaysian Meteorological Depart­ment (MetMalaysia) director-general Alui Bahari said the monsoon season started yesterday.

He said the southwest monsoon came after the end of the inter-monsoon period which brought heavy rains to the peninsula last month.

The monsoon is expected to last until September.

“Generally, during the southwest monsoon, the country will experience lower rainfall in the peninsula and Sarawak,” Alui said in an email.

He said there would be more dry days ahead than wet ones in these two areas during this period.

“But Sabah will receive more rain than other states” he added.

According to the MetMalaysia website, there are four seasons in Malaysia - the southwest monsoon (May to September), northeast monsoon (early November to March), and two inter-monsoon seasons in between.

Rain is only expected to return in October during the next inter-monsoon period.

The northeast monsoon will bring heavy rain to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, west Sarawak and the northeast of Sabah.

Meanwhile, to escape the hot weather, more people have been seeking shelter in shopping malls

Malaysia Shopping Malls Asso­ciation adviser HC Chan said families would spend more time in malls when the weather got hotter.

“They will have many options in­­clu­­ding going to the restaurants and shops to escape the heat,” he said.

Chan said since the hot spell began recently, there has been a 10% increase in the number of visitors to shopping malls in the Klang Valley.

~News courtesy of The Star~

了解文冬开埠历史．民众抢先参观文化馆

了解文冬开埠历史．民众抢先参观文化馆

位于文冬陆佑街的文化馆尚未开幕和开放，已吸引不少民众前往参观，充满期待。



陆佑街17与18号店屋打造成文冬文化馆。（图：星洲日报）

位于文冬陆佑街的文化馆尚未开幕和开放，已吸引不少民众前往参观，充满期待。

文化馆两间店屋是文冬华人大会堂主席拿督斯里罗龙年家族的产业，配合文冬旅游火热，捉紧机会大力推动历史文化之旅，不但让本地人更加了解文冬的开埠历史，也加深游客对文冬的认识，深具意义。

罗龙年：将邀廖中莱开幕

罗龙年受询表示，该馆的最后装修工程尚未完成，届时将会邀请文冬区国会议员拿督斯里廖中莱开幕和正式开放。

他也说，配合文化馆刚设立，暂时免费开放让民众参观。

他表示，该馆的宗旨为发扬先贤开拓文冬，成就大业的精神，促进人文旅游活动。说到文冬历史，就得从开埠功臣陆佑说起，欢迎到来参观文冬文化馆，亲自寻找答案。

他也说，其中一间店面作为展览馆，展示文冬开埠历史与相片，另一间楼下作为餐厅，提供蛋糕、甜品与果汁等，方便人们休憩小吃，已在日前投入营业。

文冬市议员兼华堂妇女组主席王润清与理事陈金娇率先到文化馆参观和品尝下午茶，感觉环境舒适。

王润清说，文冬拥有许多美食，包括驰名中外的猫山王榴梿、文冬姜、各类蔬菜与水果，每逢星期六晚上举办的文化街，还有其他旅游景点，如情人瀑布及热水湖，欢迎远方的朋友来作客，亲自来寻幽探秘。

文章来源：
星洲日报‧东海岸

保障生态旅游 文冬发展蓝图须重划

廖中莱：保障生态旅游 文冬发展蓝图须重划

交通部长拿督斯里廖中莱强调，配合东海岸铁道计划及中枢大道的推展，文冬发展大蓝图急须重新规划及拟定，确保生态旅游的既定目标不受影响。

他预测，上述两项交通枢纽的宏计完成后，将为受惠范围的文冬县带来重大发展，把东西海岸及大吉隆坡、森美兰和南马等地距离拉近，达到无隔阂衔接。

“正是发展所带来的地貌及生态改变，我已指示文冬市议会及县署进行汇报会，着手探讨保护绿色环境的工作，善用有限的绿色资源，持续通过生态旅游的形式来发展文冬。”

廖中莱也是文冬国会议员，他今早为启文上午校运动会主持开幕仪式后，向记者发表谈话。他也宣布拨款1万令吉予该校，作为活动经费。

早前，他也通过文冬区国会议员服务中心，组成一支19人的文冬生态旅游发展工作考察团向台湾取经，学习该国生态旅游的管理经验。

他说，继大马旅游及文化部认可文冬的生态旅游发展，文冬当地政府机关有必要及早规划好未来的发展，避免周边森林出现过度砍伐及开发的现象。

他说，中国湖南卫视不久后将到文冬拍摄记录片，把文冬的人文风景及故事剪接成短片，向大陆游客介绍及吸引他们前来体验文冬的生态旅游。

~中国报~

家传手工面新张‧黎天发吁打造美食城 带旺文德甲旅游业

家传手工面新张‧黎天发吁打造美食城 带旺文德甲旅游业

本区华社领袖纷纷捐献，左起为叶树坤和赖志明，右起为黄达柱和黎天发。



淡属华团会长拿督黎天发说，美食业可将文德甲打造成一个旅游城，饮食业者通过集中营业，必可达致目标。

他今日为文德甲“家传手工面”新张义卖主持开幕时指出，彭亨中部的文德甲，占尽得天独厚的旅游地理位置，只要美食贩商密集成一个美食城，必可带旺旅游业，为本区发展与繁荣做出巨大贡献。

他表扬“家传手工面”，将超过60年的制面秘方带来文德甲，以乡镇古早味处理法，配制出非常可口的干捞和清汤面食，在为本区美食榜再添一新的号召。

“家传手工面也配合新张喜庆，为淡马鲁文德甲4间华小慈善义卖，此举深值表扬和倣傚。”

彭亨州青创会主席拿督周金镑也促请华青勇于创业，一方面开创更亮丽前程，另一方面为国为社会发展献力。

鼓励华青创业

“本会配合总会的努力，致力协助各州青年的创业，为国家的繁荣，做出贡献。”

“家传手工面”业主詹钦裁说，家传手工秘方面食63年前即从祖父三代流传至今，现在从砂拉越带至文德甲，以在本区美食事发展方面，献出绵力。

受惠学校计有淡马鲁启智华小、文德甲中华小学1和2校，以及文德甲姚贞暖华小。出席者包括彭亨州青创会顾问拿督王亚礼、拿督黄达柱、拿督黄建中、赖志明、署理主席干志伟、副主席叶树坤和欧金凤、淡属中华商会会长拿督黎铭豪、淡属华团副会长陈德隆和李佛贤等。

~以上新闻转自中国报~

Tourist injures himself while fleeing from wild monkeys

S. Korean tourist injures himself while fleeing from wild monkeys



Pyoeng Seok (centre) was believed to have been chased by the troop at about 11am while walking in the resort alone.

A South Korean tourist was slightly injured after being chased by a group of wild monkeys in Pantai Teluk Cempedak here, Monday.

Pahang Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) director Zainal Yusoff said the victim, Pyoeng Seok, 69, was believed to have been chased by the troop at about 11am while walking in the resort alone.

"The victim is said to have walked to Teluk Tongkang next to Teluk Cempedak not aware of the wild monkeys in tow.

"When the victim glanced back he was startled and tried to flee but fell on some rocks injuring his head and bruising his hands," he told Bernama.

Zainal added that they were informed about the incident at 11.13am and five personnel and an ambulance rushed to the scene.

The victim was given emergency treatment before being sent to a private hospital, he added.

~News courtesy of Bernama~

All airports are safe, says Liow

All airports are safe, says Liow

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has assured Malaysians that airports in the country are safe following tight security.

 "The airports are safe, and we will we will continue to strengthen our security," he told reporters after the launch of the Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Sungai Long Campus).

This follows the Feb 13 murder of Kim Jong-nam at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2).

The 45-year-old half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was killed at KLIA2 when two women swiped his face with a liquid. 

The liquid has since been identified as the deadly nerve agent VX, a banned chemical weapon of mass destruction.

The airport was declared cleared of any trace of the VX nerve agent after a sweep by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB), the Fire and Rescue Department and police early Sunday.

~News courtesy of The Star~

直落尖不叻浪大有水母 看到红旗别下水

直落尖不叻浪大有水母 看到红旗别下水



小朋友们听从家长的叮咛，只在沙滩上玩沙，不能下海戏水。

关丹近数日天气恶劣，不时大雨又狂风，导致关丹直落尖不叻海边海浪汹涌，更有水母（jelly fish）出现海面，因此民防部队促请民众要谨守“红旗”指示，下水前请三思。

拥有5年驻守海边工作经验的民防队人员卡沙里说，水母平时在海底，但雨天时会随着海浪出现在海面，凡不慎碰触水母的人士，会有如被电击的感觉，随后会出现皮肤红肿或痛痒现象，严重者须送医。

“自去年10月开始，海浪都汹涌，预料会持续至下月，所以一直高挂红旗，禁止民众戏水，除了避免被海浪卷走，也避免被水母致伤。”

他今天受询时说，该队共有3人，逢周五至周日、学校假期或公假，早上11时至晚上7时之间，驻守在沙滩的看台上观察游客。

可向民防队求救

他说，今年首两个月暂未发生任何溺毙案，最后一宗案件为去年一名外劳站在石头上拍照时，不慎坠海溺毙，所以他也提醒游客，雨天时勿爬上湿滑的大石头。

另一名民防队员阿利夫（24岁）说，沙滩上共有3支旗杆，每当发现海浪汹涌不宜戏水，都会挂上红旗，可惜许多人无视红旗的存在，不时会见到有人到海里戏水。

他说，家长一般都会紧盯着孩子，避免他们私自下水，但一些顽固青年则不听从劝告，执意要下水，所以意外发生，青年得自负后果。

他说，队员们的工作不仅限于海上，若发现任何游客不适或意外，他们也会施援，所以欢迎游客在紧急时，可到看台向他们寻求援助。

“我们除了用望远镜眺望海上的活动，每隔一小时也会沿海巡逻，发现有人冒险戏水，都会加以劝告。”

冀民众谨守指示

趁假日带孩子来关丹半日游，让孩子在沙滩玩沙，但不会让他们下水。

偶尔会带孩子到海岛度假，从中会教育他们，天气恶劣或海浪汹涌时不应戏水，他们都会明白安全的重要性，也希望民众谨守当局的指示，恶劣天气勿戏水。

民防队应增巡逻

我们一家5口来关丹探亲，原本要让孩子在沙滩上玩耍，碰上雨天，仅能在走道上散步。

我没有注意到红旗禁止民众戏水，民防队或可增加巡逻次数，向游客灌输安全知识，但我们也同时会注意小朋友的安全，尽管避免他们戏水，即使戏水，也会陪同在旁。

~以上新闻转自中国报~

洪水山顶冲下 林明山梯级铺黄泥

洪水山顶冲下 林明山梯级铺黄泥



攀登林明山的梯级在水灾后，清楚可见沾满黄泥。

遭洪水冲蚀后的林明山，四处堆积著黄泥，山脚下的沙石地段也在一夜间，成为潮湿厚泥泞，原本清新的环境饱受破坏。

在山脚下设摊的小贩钟汉明（52岁）指出，林明山上月尾发生洪流意外，洪水自山顶冲下，连带山上黄泥也随洪水流失至地面。

他今日受询时说，洪水自山顶直冲而下，造成从地面攀爬至林明山顶的梯级，在多个角落都堆积著黄泥浆，若不慎踩踏将会失足滑倒。

建议设地下输水管

他建议，只要在林明山增设地下输水管，即能让洪水排出至沟渠，减少洪水冲蚀林明造成环境污染。

关丹市议会一行官员，今日在主席拿督法兹拉率领下，联同巫统巴耶勿刹区国会议员拿督斯里阿都马南、林明区州议员拿督苏海米及乐芭区州议员拿督索海米，攀登林明山及前往热水湖考察，准备提升该两处景点，以推广为林明特色。

法兹拉指出，关丹市议会将向中央政府申请200万令吉拨款，作为发展林明景点用途，并以提升林明山及热水湖为重点。

~以上新闻转自中国报~

全国大团拜带来商机 准备美食土产迎游客

全国大团拜带来商机 准备美食土产迎游客



全国新春团拜即将来临，料将迎来众多游客参与，小贩也准备大量美食特产。

2017年全国新春大团拜即将来临，预计文冬市区和广场当天将人山人海，本地小贩和商家将准备大量的美食及土产，相信游客到时会掀起采购热潮。

据部分小贩和商家指出，适逢新年后，游子重返职场，本地市场也开始淡静，唯有期望游客来挽回疲软市场，刺激买气增加生意额。

他们说，这项国际性的新年团拜庆典落在文冬举行，必吸引全国各地的游客到来参与，也间接带旺本地市场，让小贩和商家受惠。

文冬小贩小商公会主席黎蔚纲说，当天小贩会准备大量美食土产，借此向外界推荐文冬的特产，并刺激旅游经济。

他说，小贩将把握该盛大庆典带来的商机。

人潮多会延长摆摊时间

文冬巴刹文冬家乡粽小贩李安鸿说，文冬未曾举行过如此盛大的春节庆典，估计当天的场面必定很震撼。

他说，文冬是美食天堂，游客来到文冬必先享受当地的美食，才前往文冬广场参与新春团拜。

“为了应付当天庞大的游客量，我会准备比平日多两倍的家乡粽数量，以免到时供不应求。”

巴刹土产小贩尹葵清说，若当天人潮多，会延长摆摊时间吸引游客购买土产，以提高生意额。

“如果新春团拜在周六举行会更热闹，在周日则会大打折扣，打工一族周一要上班，会影响当晚的游客量。”

姜贩张志康说，文冬姜素来受到游客欢迎，销售量也不错，当天会有售卖文冬姜片、姜粉、姜茶等姜制品等。

～以上新闻转自中国报～

披新装迎全国大团拜 文冬市区红彤彤

披新装迎全国大团拜 文冬市区红彤彤



文冬古庙广福庙悬挂红彤彤灯笼，晚上显得有新年气氛。

配合彭亨州旅游年以及全国华人新春大团拜在文冬举行，加上文冬已经成为全国注目的旅游热点，文冬市区将会悬挂更多红彤彤灯笼，预料文冬今年的新春气氛比往年浓。

文冬大会堂管辖的文冬古庙广福庙于日前已经悬挂红灯笼，展现出新年将来临，而每晚也看到红彤彤。

文冬文化街坐落在文冬崔贤街，该处也将会在近期县挂灯笼，而文冬辛炳街和陆佑街也将由市议会进行美化，以迎接华人农历新年到来。

文冬华人大会堂主席拿督斯里罗龙年受询时指出，该堂已经在广福庙县挂灯笼，而且也会负责在文化街，特别在文冬华人大会堂前悬挂更多灯笼，让所有旅客及人民能够感受到新年气氛。

“文冬的旅游业在大家努力推动下，已经成为旅游区，每个星期六、日或假期获得众多全国各地以及国外旅客到来文冬，所以身为文冬的一分子要全力配合，推动文冬旅游业。”

他希望文冬各团体也配合，将会馆及会所美化，让文冬能够展示出有更浓厚的新年气氛，让旅游带来更加好的回忆。

他说，大会堂前也将会有如往年一样进行布置，让旅客及市民能够有一个拍照的地点，让该街道有更浓厚的新年气氛。

广西会馆装LED柔性霓虹灯

文冬广西会馆大厦已经悬挂红彤彤的灯笼，该馆也已经从中国广州订购LED柔性霓虹灯，并会在这两天安装，预料星期六能够装好。

该会会长李茂权周三下午向记者指出，该会馆坐落文冬文化街，广西会馆是个重要地标，配合旅客到文冬，让大家对广西会馆能够留下好印象，所以在该4层大厦安装这种灯管。

他说，该馆董事多次到访中国广西而看到广西很多地标建筑物也安装这些灯管，所以回来讨论后，大家也一致通过为了提升文冬旅游业，也在建筑物四周安置。

“这些的LED柔性霓虹灯每天都开，直到午夜12时，而会馆前的红灯笼则悬挂到元宵，过后将拆下。”

他说，安装灯管时必须要租用升降机，为了避免交通受影响，安装工程将在午夜进行。

~以上新闻转自中国报~

别拿生命开玩笑！ 民众无视升红旗禁嬉水指示

别拿生命开玩笑！ 民众无视升红旗禁嬉水指示



周三的直落尖不叻海边，虽已升起红旗，仍有民众带着孩子在岸边嬉水作乐。



目前已进入雨季，关丹直落尖不叻海边每天都升起红旗，禁止民众下水。

关丹直落尖不叻海边每月平均发生约10宗不听劝及无视红旗，依然嬉水游泳的案件，让驻守在该处的关丹民防部队救生员大感无奈。

彭亨州民防部队天灾管理及行动组副主任阿末法兹里少校指出，虽没有正式记录在案，但据估计，该局自派救生员到关丹直落尖不叻海边驻守及展开拯救行动以来，每月发生约10宗不听救生员劝告，同时无视升起红旗禁止嬉水及游泳的指示，依然随心所欲的案件。

他说，该些不听劝者多是年轻人，他们虽没有对救生员破口大骂，但就是不肯遵从劝告，依然下水。

民众屡劝不听

“救生员站岗时，会巡视海边情况，并看到有人无视红旗并下水时，就会趋前给予劝告，一些民众会说，‘只玩一下就好，或者是只在岸边嬉水’，婉拒救生员的好意。”

他说，由于该局没有执法权，也没有法律条文来限制民众听劝，因此，救生员也无可奈何，只能站在原地保护该些不听劝者。

“民众若在海边发生意外，后果自负。”他说，从肉眼看去，已可发现海浪波涛汹涌，实在不宜下水，但就是有人不当一回事。

“只有升起白旗时，才可下水。”

他说，民众的自我保护意识有待提升，不能为了一时欢乐造成乐极生悲的下场。

“无论如何，据我观察，近年来，民众的自我保护意识稍微提升，但还有很大的提升空间。”

他解释，今年起至今，该海边并没有发生溺毙案，这是难得现象，也是民众意识提升的象征。

~以上新闻转自中国报~

Happy New Year 2017 新年快乐