Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Friday, December 14, 2018
Northeasterly winds expected till Sunday
Northeasterly winds expected till Sunday
Strong north-easterly winds of between 50kph and 60kph, with waves as high as 4.5m, are expected in waters off Samui and north Condore until this Sunday.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, such weather conditions are dangerous to all shipping and marine activities, including fishing and ferry services.
Meanwhile, strong north-easterly winds of between 40kph and 50kph, with waves as high as 3.5m, are expected in waters off Tioman, south Condore, north Bunguran, northwest of Reef South, Reef North, Layang-Layang and west Palawan until this Sunday.
A similar weather forecast is also expected in waters off Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang during the same period and will also be dangerous to small boats, sea sport and recreational activities.
According to the Kota Tinggi district management secretariat, they were evacuated when Sungai Pemandi overflowed its banks and entered into houses in nearby low-lying areas since 4pm.
“A total of 556 people from 162 families were evacuated to the relief centre at Dewan Kolej Vokasional Kota Tinggi at 9.15pm, while 49 people from nine families were evacuated to the relief centre at Dewan SJKC New Kota,” it said. — Bernama
Strong north-easterly winds of between 50kph and 60kph, with waves as high as 4.5m, are expected in waters off Samui and north Condore until this Sunday.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, such weather conditions are dangerous to all shipping and marine activities, including fishing and ferry services.
Meanwhile, strong north-easterly winds of between 40kph and 50kph, with waves as high as 3.5m, are expected in waters off Tioman, south Condore, north Bunguran, northwest of Reef South, Reef North, Layang-Layang and west Palawan until this Sunday.
A similar weather forecast is also expected in waters off Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang during the same period and will also be dangerous to small boats, sea sport and recreational activities.
According to the Kota Tinggi district management secretariat, they were evacuated when Sungai Pemandi overflowed its banks and entered into houses in nearby low-lying areas since 4pm.
“A total of 556 people from 162 families were evacuated to the relief centre at Dewan Kolej Vokasional Kota Tinggi at 9.15pm, while 49 people from nine families were evacuated to the relief centre at Dewan SJKC New Kota,” it said. — Bernama
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
No plans to open casino in Pulau Tioman
Pahang MB: No plans to open casino in Pulau Tioman
Pahang state government has no plans to consider applications to open a casino in Pulau Tioman, near Rompin here.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said such matter was never been discussed and would never be given consideration even if there were parties interested to apply for the casino licence there.
“We will never consider or have plans to offer gambling or casino licence on Pulau Tioman. We will never look into such applications and we hope the state government had made its stand clear on the matter,” he said when replying to a supplementary question by Sim Chon Siang (PKR-Teruntum) at the 14th state legislative assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang here today.
Sim had earlier asked the state government on the proposal to offer casino licence to interested operators to start the business on the island and the status of the Pulau Tioman airport in a move to lure more visitors to the island.
Meanwhile, Wan Rosdy said plans to build a new airport on the island was still being discussed between the state government, federal government and East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC).
He said a meeting was held between Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as well as menteri besar of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor early last month but there had yet to be any decision on the matter.
“Johor Menteri Besar (Datuk Osman Sapian) presented a proposal (to build an airport in Mersing, Johor) during the meeting but it was rejected as the priority is now to build an airport here (Pulau Tioman).
“However, there is no decision yet on the implementation of the project. It (construction of a new airport) might be carried out later,” he said.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Pahang state government has no plans to consider applications to open a casino in Pulau Tioman, near Rompin here.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said such matter was never been discussed and would never be given consideration even if there were parties interested to apply for the casino licence there.
“We will never consider or have plans to offer gambling or casino licence on Pulau Tioman. We will never look into such applications and we hope the state government had made its stand clear on the matter,” he said when replying to a supplementary question by Sim Chon Siang (PKR-Teruntum) at the 14th state legislative assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang here today.
Sim had earlier asked the state government on the proposal to offer casino licence to interested operators to start the business on the island and the status of the Pulau Tioman airport in a move to lure more visitors to the island.
Meanwhile, Wan Rosdy said plans to build a new airport on the island was still being discussed between the state government, federal government and East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC).
He said a meeting was held between Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as well as menteri besar of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor early last month but there had yet to be any decision on the matter.
“Johor Menteri Besar (Datuk Osman Sapian) presented a proposal (to build an airport in Mersing, Johor) during the meeting but it was rejected as the priority is now to build an airport here (Pulau Tioman).
“However, there is no decision yet on the implementation of the project. It (construction of a new airport) might be carried out later,” he said.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
离境税征收机制未决 陆兆福：稍后公布
离境税征收机制未决 陆兆福：稍后公布
交通部长陆兆福表示，政府尚未决定征收离境税的机制。
“究竟会加入乘客服务费或者由关税局征收？我们将会稍后公布。”
他今天在亚航总部的数码机场控制中心主持推介礼后，受询及离境税的课题时，如是表示。
他说明，2令吉乘客服务费与20令吉或40令吉的离境税不同，前者由马来西亚机场控股有限公司征收作为营运用途，非政府征收；后者是由政府征收，以提高政府的收入，政府预计每年可征收数亿令吉。
他说，离境税并非首创税务，实际上在泰国与印尼等国家早已经征收离境税。
陆兆福也希望我国机场与航空公司可以合作，缩短飞机抵达与起飞的周转时间（turnaround time）。
他透露，昨日甫从曼谷公干返国的他在4时25分抵达吉隆坡机场，但在5时10分才领取行李，令他认为有改善的空间。
“我希望在我们从抵达到行李运输带时，就可以领取行李。这需要航空公司、机场公司及相关单位的配合。”
针对政府希望出售30％机场房地产投资信托基金股权筹资40亿令吉资金，陆兆福表示，政府尚未鉴定涉及的机场（参与该机制），政府会稍后宣布。
另一方面，亚航创办人丹斯里东尼费南德斯则表示无意参与收购30％机场房地产投资信托基金股权的计划。
他说，亚航作为航空公司将会聚焦在航空事业，兴建机场并非他们的工作。
不过，他表明愿意与机场公司合作降低成本，从而调低机票价格。
询及政府落实的离境税会否导致亚航调高机票价格或者会否吸纳部分的离境税，东尼费南道斯说，由于整个机制尚未明朗，且让他们了解整个税务架构后才发言，目前，一切言之过早。
~光华日报~
交通部长陆兆福表示，政府尚未决定征收离境税的机制。
“究竟会加入乘客服务费或者由关税局征收？我们将会稍后公布。”
他今天在亚航总部的数码机场控制中心主持推介礼后，受询及离境税的课题时，如是表示。
他说明，2令吉乘客服务费与20令吉或40令吉的离境税不同，前者由马来西亚机场控股有限公司征收作为营运用途，非政府征收；后者是由政府征收，以提高政府的收入，政府预计每年可征收数亿令吉。
他说，离境税并非首创税务，实际上在泰国与印尼等国家早已经征收离境税。
陆兆福也希望我国机场与航空公司可以合作，缩短飞机抵达与起飞的周转时间（turnaround time）。
他透露，昨日甫从曼谷公干返国的他在4时25分抵达吉隆坡机场，但在5时10分才领取行李，令他认为有改善的空间。
“我希望在我们从抵达到行李运输带时，就可以领取行李。这需要航空公司、机场公司及相关单位的配合。”
针对政府希望出售30％机场房地产投资信托基金股权筹资40亿令吉资金，陆兆福表示，政府尚未鉴定涉及的机场（参与该机制），政府会稍后宣布。
另一方面，亚航创办人丹斯里东尼费南德斯则表示无意参与收购30％机场房地产投资信托基金股权的计划。
他说，亚航作为航空公司将会聚焦在航空事业，兴建机场并非他们的工作。
不过，他表明愿意与机场公司合作降低成本，从而调低机票价格。
询及政府落实的离境税会否导致亚航调高机票价格或者会否吸纳部分的离境税，东尼费南道斯说，由于整个机制尚未明朗，且让他们了解整个税务架构后才发言，目前，一切言之过早。
~光华日报~
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Departure levy different from airport tax
Departure levy different from airport tax
The departure levy proposed in Budget 2019 is completely separate from the existing passenger service charge (PSC), said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke was responding to a question on the need to impose the levy which was set at RM20 to Asean countries and RM40 for non-Asean countries.
The PSC is not something collected by the government, that’s collected by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to run the operations of the airport, he said.
“The departure levy introduced by the government, is a form of tax for anyone travelling out of the country. That is completely by the government, not by the airlines, not by the airports,” he said during the launch of AirAsia Bhd’s first fully-digitalised ground handling services control centre at klia2.
The departure levy is needed to raise revenue and the government could collect a few hundred million ringgit annually, he said.
Loke pointed out other countries such as Thailand and Indonesia had similar taxes for outbound travellers.
The mechanism, he said, would be announced later as implementation only starts on June 1.
He added the ministry has not decided on the mechanism to offer the 30% stake in the proposed Airport REIT (real estate investment trust), which forms part of the Budget 2019 proposal.
Fernandes hopes the proposed REIT would not increase costs.
“Obviously we would like to see full privatisation, so new airport operators can come in, we may see different ways of running airports, and not just giving 30% to Malaysian Airports as a different form of funding,” Fernandes said.
What the low-cost carrier needed, he added, was an airport operator and airport which understood AirAsia’s model in reducing costs, which he said would in turn reduce the costs of flying for passengers, allowing the carrier to build Malaysia into a strong aviation hub.
Meanwhile the ground handling services control centre will allow AirAsia’s Ground Team Red (GTR) to track aircraft handling, with real-time information on passenger boarding, baggage reconciliation and ramp-loading compiled on a digital dashboard at the control centre.
Loke was given an overall briefing of the way the centre functioned to compile the different data and identify any soft spots in the aircraft’s turnaround process.
~News courtesy of The Star~
The departure levy proposed in Budget 2019 is completely separate from the existing passenger service charge (PSC), said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke was responding to a question on the need to impose the levy which was set at RM20 to Asean countries and RM40 for non-Asean countries.
The PSC is not something collected by the government, that’s collected by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to run the operations of the airport, he said.
“The departure levy introduced by the government, is a form of tax for anyone travelling out of the country. That is completely by the government, not by the airlines, not by the airports,” he said during the launch of AirAsia Bhd’s first fully-digitalised ground handling services control centre at klia2.
The departure levy is needed to raise revenue and the government could collect a few hundred million ringgit annually, he said.
Loke pointed out other countries such as Thailand and Indonesia had similar taxes for outbound travellers.
The mechanism, he said, would be announced later as implementation only starts on June 1.
He added the ministry has not decided on the mechanism to offer the 30% stake in the proposed Airport REIT (real estate investment trust), which forms part of the Budget 2019 proposal.
Fernandes hopes the proposed REIT would not increase costs.
“Obviously we would like to see full privatisation, so new airport operators can come in, we may see different ways of running airports, and not just giving 30% to Malaysian Airports as a different form of funding,” Fernandes said.
What the low-cost carrier needed, he added, was an airport operator and airport which understood AirAsia’s model in reducing costs, which he said would in turn reduce the costs of flying for passengers, allowing the carrier to build Malaysia into a strong aviation hub.
Meanwhile the ground handling services control centre will allow AirAsia’s Ground Team Red (GTR) to track aircraft handling, with real-time information on passenger boarding, baggage reconciliation and ramp-loading compiled on a digital dashboard at the control centre.
Loke was given an overall briefing of the way the centre functioned to compile the different data and identify any soft spots in the aircraft’s turnaround process.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Monday, November 12, 2018
兴楼云冰国家公园
兴楼云冰国家公园 ENDAU ROMPIN NATIONAL PARK
兴楼云冰国家公园横跨彭亨及柔佛的交界处，佔地约870平方公哩，是马来西亚最新的自然保留区。这裡的生态旅游设施比较不够完善。兴楼云冰公园原先是专为生物学家及科学家充当研究用途的森林保留区。
这座未经开发的公园区域内，拥有濒临绝灭的苏门答腊犀牛、罕见的老虎、大象及貘等。此处的低地雨林是马来半岛硕果仅存的，其动植物皆非常独特。
兴楼云冰国家公园可以从云冰及TANJUNG GEMUK出发。
原：Facebook Johor My Hometown 我来自柔佛
兴楼云冰国家公园横跨彭亨及柔佛的交界处，佔地约870平方公哩，是马来西亚最新的自然保留区。这裡的生态旅游设施比较不够完善。兴楼云冰公园原先是专为生物学家及科学家充当研究用途的森林保留区。
这座未经开发的公园区域内，拥有濒临绝灭的苏门答腊犀牛、罕见的老虎、大象及貘等。此处的低地雨林是马来半岛硕果仅存的，其动植物皆非常独特。
兴楼云冰国家公园可以从云冰及TANJUNG GEMUK出发。
原：Facebook Johor My Hometown 我来自柔佛
Laksa
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup popular in Peranakan cuisine. Laksa consists of rice noodles or rice vermicelli with chicken, prawn or fish, served in spicy soup based on either rich and spicy curry coconut milk or on sour asam (tamarind or gelugur). Laksa is found in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Southern Thailand.
The type of laksa is based upon the soup base employed in its recipe; either rich and savoury coconut milk, fresh and sour asam (tamarind, gelugur or kokum), or the combination of the two.
There are three basic types of laksa: curry laksa, asam laksa, and other variant that can be identified as either curry or asam laksa.
Curry laksa is a coconut milk curry soup with noodles, while asam laksa is a sour, most often tamarind-based, soup with noodles. Thick rice noodles also known as laksa noodles are most commonly used, although thin rice vermicelli (bee hoon or mee hoon) are also common, and some recipes might create their own rice noodle from scratch. Some variants might use other types of noodles; Johor laksa for example uses spaghetti, while a fusion recipe might use Japanese udon noodle.
Laksa lemak, also known as nyonya laksa (Malay: Laksa nyonya), is a type of laksa with a rich coconut gravy. Lemak is a culinary description in the Malay language which specifically refers to the presence of coconut milk which adds a distinctive richness to a dish. As the name implies, it is made with a rich, slightly sweet and strongly spiced coconut gravy. Laksa lemak is usually made with a fish-based gravy (with vegetarian food stalls omitting fish) and quite similar to Thai laksa (Malay: Laksa Thai), perhaps to the point that one could say they are one and the same.
Asam laksa is a sour, fish and tamarind-based soup. Penang Asam Laksa listed at number 26th on World's 50 most delicious foods compiled by CNN Go in 2011. Asam is the Malay word for any ingredients that makes a dish tastes sour (e.g. tamarind, gelugur or kokum). Laksa typically uses asam keping, known as kokum in the English speaking world, which is a type of dried slices of sour mangosteens.
The modern Malay spelling is asam, though the spelling assam is still frequently used.
The main ingredients for asam laksa include shredded fish, normally kembung (small mackerel of the Rastrelliger genus), and finely sliced vegetables including cucumber, onions, red chillies, pineapple, lettuce, common mint, daun kesum (Vietnamese mint or laksa mint), and pink bunga kantan (torch ginger). Asam laksa is normally served with either thick rice noodles or thin rice noodles (vermicelli). And topped off with petis udang or "hae ko" (蝦膏), a thick sweet prawn/shrimp paste.
Source: Wikipedia and Facebook
The type of laksa is based upon the soup base employed in its recipe; either rich and savoury coconut milk, fresh and sour asam (tamarind, gelugur or kokum), or the combination of the two.
There are three basic types of laksa: curry laksa, asam laksa, and other variant that can be identified as either curry or asam laksa.
Curry laksa is a coconut milk curry soup with noodles, while asam laksa is a sour, most often tamarind-based, soup with noodles. Thick rice noodles also known as laksa noodles are most commonly used, although thin rice vermicelli (bee hoon or mee hoon) are also common, and some recipes might create their own rice noodle from scratch. Some variants might use other types of noodles; Johor laksa for example uses spaghetti, while a fusion recipe might use Japanese udon noodle.
Laksa lemak, also known as nyonya laksa (Malay: Laksa nyonya), is a type of laksa with a rich coconut gravy. Lemak is a culinary description in the Malay language which specifically refers to the presence of coconut milk which adds a distinctive richness to a dish. As the name implies, it is made with a rich, slightly sweet and strongly spiced coconut gravy. Laksa lemak is usually made with a fish-based gravy (with vegetarian food stalls omitting fish) and quite similar to Thai laksa (Malay: Laksa Thai), perhaps to the point that one could say they are one and the same.
Asam laksa is a sour, fish and tamarind-based soup. Penang Asam Laksa listed at number 26th on World's 50 most delicious foods compiled by CNN Go in 2011. Asam is the Malay word for any ingredients that makes a dish tastes sour (e.g. tamarind, gelugur or kokum). Laksa typically uses asam keping, known as kokum in the English speaking world, which is a type of dried slices of sour mangosteens.
The modern Malay spelling is asam, though the spelling assam is still frequently used.
The main ingredients for asam laksa include shredded fish, normally kembung (small mackerel of the Rastrelliger genus), and finely sliced vegetables including cucumber, onions, red chillies, pineapple, lettuce, common mint, daun kesum (Vietnamese mint or laksa mint), and pink bunga kantan (torch ginger). Asam laksa is normally served with either thick rice noodles or thin rice noodles (vermicelli). And topped off with petis udang or "hae ko" (蝦膏), a thick sweet prawn/shrimp paste.
Source: Wikipedia and Facebook
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Prepare for stormy days ahead
Prepare for stormy days ahead, says weather department
Bring out your umbrellas and rubber boots because heavy rains are expected to lash out soon, bringing with it high chances of floodings.
Malaysian Meteorological Department director-general Alui Bahari said the north-east monsoon was expected to last until March and has already brought heavy rainfall to Kelantan and Terengganu.
Rain will make its way to Pahang and Johor before shifting to Sabah and Sarawak later in the season.
“These states are expected to experience four to six heavy rainfalls as in previous years,” he said.
“If heavy rainfall, high tides and strong winds occur, it could cause rivers to overflow,” he added.
The situation could be worsened by spring tides that take place during the new and full moons.
While the east coast is typically the worst hit by floods during the rainy season, west coast residents should also be on the alert.
Last year, Penang was also hit by major floods, where the state sought help from armed forces after winds and rain lashed out, causing landslides and falling trees.
However, Alui said he did not expect such rainfall over Penang and Kedah this season.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Professor of Climatology and Oceanography Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang said the country was entering the monsoon period earlier compared to the average mid-November onset date.
However, he said this was within the “natural variability” of the monsoon period, which was affected by phenomena such as El Nino.
“Sea surface temperatures in the Eastern-Central Pacific Ocean are warmer than usual, indicating the progression of a weak El Nino by year end or early next year,” he said.
Due to this, he said, there was likely to be heavier rainfall in southern Peninsular Malaysia, which includes Johor and the Klang Valley.
He added there was a low possibility of extreme rainfall, which could lead to large-scale flooding as the Kelantan and Terengganu floods in December 2014.
According to his research, three phenomena should take place for such extreme weather to occur.
Firstly, he said there should be cold surges from the north and secondly, the Borneo vortex, a wind circulation system should be located close to Peninsular Malaysia.
“The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) must also be active and its low pressure-centre must be located near West Sumatra,” he said.
The MJO is a phenomenon in which a low pressure system crosses eastward from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
The people can monitor weather and flood situations through http://portalbencana.nadma.gov.my and www.met.gov.my or download relevant mobile applications such as myCuaca and myJPS.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Bring out your umbrellas and rubber boots because heavy rains are expected to lash out soon, bringing with it high chances of floodings.
Malaysian Meteorological Department director-general Alui Bahari said the north-east monsoon was expected to last until March and has already brought heavy rainfall to Kelantan and Terengganu.
Rain will make its way to Pahang and Johor before shifting to Sabah and Sarawak later in the season.
“These states are expected to experience four to six heavy rainfalls as in previous years,” he said.
“If heavy rainfall, high tides and strong winds occur, it could cause rivers to overflow,” he added.
The situation could be worsened by spring tides that take place during the new and full moons.
While the east coast is typically the worst hit by floods during the rainy season, west coast residents should also be on the alert.
Last year, Penang was also hit by major floods, where the state sought help from armed forces after winds and rain lashed out, causing landslides and falling trees.
However, Alui said he did not expect such rainfall over Penang and Kedah this season.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Professor of Climatology and Oceanography Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang said the country was entering the monsoon period earlier compared to the average mid-November onset date.
However, he said this was within the “natural variability” of the monsoon period, which was affected by phenomena such as El Nino.
“Sea surface temperatures in the Eastern-Central Pacific Ocean are warmer than usual, indicating the progression of a weak El Nino by year end or early next year,” he said.
Due to this, he said, there was likely to be heavier rainfall in southern Peninsular Malaysia, which includes Johor and the Klang Valley.
He added there was a low possibility of extreme rainfall, which could lead to large-scale flooding as the Kelantan and Terengganu floods in December 2014.
According to his research, three phenomena should take place for such extreme weather to occur.
Firstly, he said there should be cold surges from the north and secondly, the Borneo vortex, a wind circulation system should be located close to Peninsular Malaysia.
“The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) must also be active and its low pressure-centre must be located near West Sumatra,” he said.
The MJO is a phenomenon in which a low pressure system crosses eastward from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
The people can monitor weather and flood situations through http://portalbencana.nadma.gov.my and www.met.gov.my or download relevant mobile applications such as myCuaca and myJPS.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Saturday, November 3, 2018
明年6月起 离境国内外飞机乘客须缴税
明年6月起 离境国内外飞机乘客须缴税
明年6月1日起，政府将向所有乘搭飞机出国的本地与外国乘客征收离境税。
政府建议2019年6月1日起，向所有乘搭飞机出国的本地与外国乘客征收离境税。
财长林冠英说，离境税共分为2种，飞往东盟诸国的收费为20令吉，东盟以外的国家则收40令吉。他说，有关收费不比其他国家和地区征收的离境税来得高，例如香港15美元、日本10美元及泰国20美元。
～光华日报～
明年6月1日起，政府将向所有乘搭飞机出国的本地与外国乘客征收离境税。
政府建议2019年6月1日起，向所有乘搭飞机出国的本地与外国乘客征收离境税。
财长林冠英说，离境税共分为2种，飞往东盟诸国的收费为20令吉，东盟以外的国家则收40令吉。他说，有关收费不比其他国家和地区征收的离境税来得高，例如香港15美元、日本10美元及泰国20美元。
～光华日报～
Departure levy at airports
Travel, departure levy at airports
AVID traveller Shahida Sakeri will think twice about going overseas for her holiday next year when the departure levy on travellers leaving Malaysian airports is introduced on June 1.
The government has proposed a fee of RM20 per head for those departing for Asean countries and RM40 for other countries.
Shahida said since she was used to travelling solo, it might not affect her as badly as those travelling in a large group.
“For my aunts and uncles with many children, they will now have to bear the additional costs,” she said.
“I want to see more facilities for the disabled at our tourist attractions, such as increasing accessibility at museums and parks,” she added.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Datuk Tan Kok Liang, on the other hand, described the move as “disappointing”.
“It will not have any significant impact on domestic tourism as leisure travellers are on extreme budget constraints and very price sensitive.
“Domestic tourism can be improved by providing healthier tourism fundamentals, better tourism packages and capping on domestic airfares,” he said.
However, Tan welcomed the RM100mil grant for private companies to boost international tourist arrivals through marketing efforts, which he called a “good surprise”.
Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association president Uzaidi Udanis said the money collected from the departure levy could be used to promote inbound travel.
However, he also warned that the move might deter airlines from increasing connectivity from the country.
“If there is lower demand for outbound travel, airlines might not be interested in introducing new routes from the country,” said Uzaidi.
Malaysia Airlines in a statement said that any funds generated and channelled back to the development of the aviation industry in general would only be positive for the sector.
Budget 2019 also allocated RM20mil to the Malaysia Healthcare Tourism Council (MHTC) to promote the country’s medical tourism industry.
MHTC chief executive officer Sherene Azli said this would further propel Malaysia’s profile as a leading global destination for healthcare tourism.
“This will go a long way in bringing Malaysia’s healthcare tourism to new heights while making a significant positive economic impact on the nation,” she said.
~Courtesy of The Star~
AVID traveller Shahida Sakeri will think twice about going overseas for her holiday next year when the departure levy on travellers leaving Malaysian airports is introduced on June 1.
The government has proposed a fee of RM20 per head for those departing for Asean countries and RM40 for other countries.
Shahida said since she was used to travelling solo, it might not affect her as badly as those travelling in a large group.
“For my aunts and uncles with many children, they will now have to bear the additional costs,” she said.
“I want to see more facilities for the disabled at our tourist attractions, such as increasing accessibility at museums and parks,” she added.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Datuk Tan Kok Liang, on the other hand, described the move as “disappointing”.
“It will not have any significant impact on domestic tourism as leisure travellers are on extreme budget constraints and very price sensitive.
“Domestic tourism can be improved by providing healthier tourism fundamentals, better tourism packages and capping on domestic airfares,” he said.
However, Tan welcomed the RM100mil grant for private companies to boost international tourist arrivals through marketing efforts, which he called a “good surprise”.
Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association president Uzaidi Udanis said the money collected from the departure levy could be used to promote inbound travel.
However, he also warned that the move might deter airlines from increasing connectivity from the country.
“If there is lower demand for outbound travel, airlines might not be interested in introducing new routes from the country,” said Uzaidi.
Malaysia Airlines in a statement said that any funds generated and channelled back to the development of the aviation industry in general would only be positive for the sector.
Budget 2019 also allocated RM20mil to the Malaysia Healthcare Tourism Council (MHTC) to promote the country’s medical tourism industry.
MHTC chief executive officer Sherene Azli said this would further propel Malaysia’s profile as a leading global destination for healthcare tourism.
“This will go a long way in bringing Malaysia’s healthcare tourism to new heights while making a significant positive economic impact on the nation,” she said.
~Courtesy of The Star~
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Apam Balik
Apam balik (English: 'turnover pancake') or terang bulan (English: 'bright moon') or martabak manis (English: 'sweet martabak') common in Southeast Asia. It is usually sold at specialist roadside stalls throughout Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
The pancake's batter is made from a mixture of flour, eggs, sugar, baking soda, coconut milk and water. The batter is cooked upon a thick round iron frying pan in plenty of palm margarine to avoid it sticking to the pan.
Then other ingredients are sprinkled as filling; the most common or traditional is crushed peanut granules with sugar and sweetcorn kernels (available from cans), but modern innovations such as chocolate sprinkles and cheddar cheese are also available. Then, the pancake is folded (hence the name: "turnover pancake") and cut into several pieces.
The texture of the apam balik can vary depending on the amount of batter and type of pan used, from one that is akin to a crispier form of crumpets to small thin light pancake shells that break when bitten (the latter is usually called apam balik nipis, 'thin apam balik').
The dish has been declared a heritage food by the Malaysian Department of National Heritage.
~wikipedia~
The pancake's batter is made from a mixture of flour, eggs, sugar, baking soda, coconut milk and water. The batter is cooked upon a thick round iron frying pan in plenty of palm margarine to avoid it sticking to the pan.
Then other ingredients are sprinkled as filling; the most common or traditional is crushed peanut granules with sugar and sweetcorn kernels (available from cans), but modern innovations such as chocolate sprinkles and cheddar cheese are also available. Then, the pancake is folded (hence the name: "turnover pancake") and cut into several pieces.
The texture of the apam balik can vary depending on the amount of batter and type of pan used, from one that is akin to a crispier form of crumpets to small thin light pancake shells that break when bitten (the latter is usually called apam balik nipis, 'thin apam balik').
The dish has been declared a heritage food by the Malaysian Department of National Heritage.
~wikipedia~
Monday, October 29, 2018
卤面
卤面是来源于福建漳州、泉州、兴化及福州一带的面食，与打卤面或淋面相似，先煮好一锅浓稠的卤汤，在顾客点餐后才将黄面烫熟盛进碗内，铺上铺料，淋上卤汤再撒上香菜或油葱酥端上。随着早期福建籍的移民大量移民至马来半岛一带，目前在马来西亚与新加坡福建社区的面食可轻易找到这道面食。
早期是闽南人神诞时作为供馔供奉神明的一道面食。后来社会经济好转，开始在婚礼或其他喜庆中开始食用。在马来西亚的卤面随着煮面方式的不同而分为两派，在以槟城为主的北马地区及新加坡，当地的卤面是依循漳州及福州卤面的做法，先将黄面烫熟之后，在淋上预先做好的卤汤，其中卤汤是以虾汤为底，加入了黑酱油、五香粉等，使得汤汁呈现深褐色，搭配的配料以卤肉片、排骨、卤蛋、香菇、鸡脚等为主，吃的时候会拌入参巴辣椒酱及乌醋，一般贩售福建面（虾面）的店家都会同时贩卖这道面食。
在以吉隆坡为主的中马地区，当地的卤面的煮法与泉州及兴化地区的类似，即面条与汤汁同煮，最后才加入地瓜粉勾芡且打入蛋花。当地的卤面又因为汤汁颜色的深浅可分为黑白两派。
在雪兰莪州的乌鲁音（Ulu Yam）当地的卤面在烹煮的过程中，会在卤汁中加入酱油及乌醋，据说是上世纪20年代，在当地有人在新加坡吃了当地的漳州式卤面后，念念不忘，便依样画葫芦，自创了加入黑酱油及乌醋版本的卤面，有别于吉隆坡与雪兰莪一带的白色卤面，深受当地人欢迎，因此在乌鲁音许多店家也开始推出这道面食，成为当地的代表性美食。
在中马其他地区的卤面则出现在华人的大排档内，将蒜末及比目鱼粉爆香后，加入高汤、面条、蔬菜、猪肉片、海鲜等，加盖将面条焖至熟透，最后勾芡及打入蛋花，加上猪油渣，以浅色的汤汁与食客相见，吃时才依个人的口味，自行加入乌醋调味。
~维基百科~
早期是闽南人神诞时作为供馔供奉神明的一道面食。后来社会经济好转，开始在婚礼或其他喜庆中开始食用。在马来西亚的卤面随着煮面方式的不同而分为两派，在以槟城为主的北马地区及新加坡，当地的卤面是依循漳州及福州卤面的做法，先将黄面烫熟之后，在淋上预先做好的卤汤，其中卤汤是以虾汤为底，加入了黑酱油、五香粉等，使得汤汁呈现深褐色，搭配的配料以卤肉片、排骨、卤蛋、香菇、鸡脚等为主，吃的时候会拌入参巴辣椒酱及乌醋，一般贩售福建面（虾面）的店家都会同时贩卖这道面食。
在以吉隆坡为主的中马地区，当地的卤面的煮法与泉州及兴化地区的类似，即面条与汤汁同煮，最后才加入地瓜粉勾芡且打入蛋花。当地的卤面又因为汤汁颜色的深浅可分为黑白两派。
在雪兰莪州的乌鲁音（Ulu Yam）当地的卤面在烹煮的过程中，会在卤汁中加入酱油及乌醋，据说是上世纪20年代，在当地有人在新加坡吃了当地的漳州式卤面后，念念不忘，便依样画葫芦，自创了加入黑酱油及乌醋版本的卤面，有别于吉隆坡与雪兰莪一带的白色卤面，深受当地人欢迎，因此在乌鲁音许多店家也开始推出这道面食，成为当地的代表性美食。
在中马其他地区的卤面则出现在华人的大排档内，将蒜末及比目鱼粉爆香后，加入高汤、面条、蔬菜、猪肉片、海鲜等，加盖将面条焖至熟透，最后勾芡及打入蛋花，加上猪油渣，以浅色的汤汁与食客相见，吃时才依个人的口味，自行加入乌醋调味。
~维基百科~
Roti John
Roti john is an omelette sandwich founded by a Malay who lived in Singapore during the British colonial times before being widely popular throughout the Malay Peninsula in present-day Malaysia.
Roti is the Hindi, Urdu and Malay word for bread, and more generally for any bread-based or bread-like food, including sandwiches and pancakes. The origin of john in the name is allegedly due to the Western origin of the baguette and British colonial rule in British Malaya and Singapore island.
The ingredients include minced meat (chicken or mutton), onion, egg, tomato-chilli sauce and a baguette-type loaf.
~Wikipedia~
Roti is the Hindi, Urdu and Malay word for bread, and more generally for any bread-based or bread-like food, including sandwiches and pancakes. The origin of john in the name is allegedly due to the Western origin of the baguette and British colonial rule in British Malaya and Singapore island.
The ingredients include minced meat (chicken or mutton), onion, egg, tomato-chilli sauce and a baguette-type loaf.
~Wikipedia~
Friday, October 12, 2018
东海岸柔佛将遭遇多场豪雨
东海岸柔佛将遭遇多场豪雨
随着东北季风来临，东海岸3州和柔佛将由11月初至明年3月，遭遇4至6场豪雨。
气象局总监拿督阿鲁依指出，此情况将可导致容易涨水和低洼的地区发生水灾。
“我们现在处于季风交替的时期，这现象预料将于10月尾结束，过后就会进入东北季风季节。
“预料上述季风将先于11月在吉兰丹和登嘉楼刮起，过后于12月扩大至彭亨和柔佛，1月朝沙巴和砂拉越前进。”
他今日出席2018/2019年东北季风全国气候论坛后，对记者这么说。
阿鲁依说，3个因素将导致这次的季风带来水灾，分别是持续性豪雨、大涨潮和风向。
“大涨潮现象将获严密监督，因为此现象1个月内发生两次。
“我们也担心在这次东北季风的首3个月，如果上述3个现象同时发生，确实是会发生水灾，因为河水将溢出。”
另外，他说，柔佛新山和雪兰莪部分地区昨天所发生的闪电水灾和大涨潮现象，为目前正在发生的季风交替所带来的影响，预测它将持续至下月初。
阿鲁依也呼吁公众下载MyCuaca应用程序，以掌握最新的天气，以及其他有关天灾如地震和海啸警告的资讯。
“我们希望此程序可协助公众计划他们每一次发生天灾时的行程，尤其是水灾，根据截至目前的记录，约有8万名手机用户已使用此程序。”
~光华日报~
随着东北季风来临，东海岸3州和柔佛将由11月初至明年3月，遭遇4至6场豪雨。
气象局总监拿督阿鲁依指出，此情况将可导致容易涨水和低洼的地区发生水灾。
“我们现在处于季风交替的时期，这现象预料将于10月尾结束，过后就会进入东北季风季节。
“预料上述季风将先于11月在吉兰丹和登嘉楼刮起，过后于12月扩大至彭亨和柔佛，1月朝沙巴和砂拉越前进。”
他今日出席2018/2019年东北季风全国气候论坛后，对记者这么说。
阿鲁依说，3个因素将导致这次的季风带来水灾，分别是持续性豪雨、大涨潮和风向。
“大涨潮现象将获严密监督，因为此现象1个月内发生两次。
“我们也担心在这次东北季风的首3个月，如果上述3个现象同时发生，确实是会发生水灾，因为河水将溢出。”
另外，他说，柔佛新山和雪兰莪部分地区昨天所发生的闪电水灾和大涨潮现象，为目前正在发生的季风交替所带来的影响，预测它将持续至下月初。
阿鲁依也呼吁公众下载MyCuaca应用程序，以掌握最新的天气，以及其他有关天灾如地震和海啸警告的资讯。
“我们希望此程序可协助公众计划他们每一次发生天灾时的行程，尤其是水灾，根据截至目前的记录，约有8万名手机用户已使用此程序。”
~光华日报~
餐饮业包括露天场合明年起禁烟
餐饮业包括露天场合明年起禁烟 违者罚1万或监2年
卫生部副部长李文材宣布，明年1月1日起，国内所有餐饮业包括露天经营者强制禁止烟民吸烟，违例者可被罚款1万令吉或监禁2年。
此外，他提醒业者，如果没有在经营的餐饮业设立禁止吸烟告示牌，也将被罚款2500令吉。
他说，政府此决定主要是让国民有健康的用餐环境。
李文材今日出席亚洲医学院为健康饮食研讨会开幕礼後，在记者会这麽表示。
~光华日报~
卫生部副部长李文材宣布，明年1月1日起，国内所有餐饮业包括露天经营者强制禁止烟民吸烟，违例者可被罚款1万令吉或监禁2年。
此外，他提醒业者，如果没有在经营的餐饮业设立禁止吸烟告示牌，也将被罚款2500令吉。
他说，政府此决定主要是让国民有健康的用餐环境。
李文材今日出席亚洲医学院为健康饮食研讨会开幕礼後，在记者会这麽表示。
~光华日报~
Ministry: Eateries nationwide to be smoke-free from next year
Ministry: Eateries nationwide to be smoke-free from next year
Smoking in all restaurants, coffee shops and hawker centres nationwide will be banned starting next year, even in open-air eateries.
Apart from the existing smoke-free zones in public places and government buildings, the new ruling under the Health Ministry will encompass all restaurants and eateries, including open-air hawker centres and street stalls, according to Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye.
Those caught smoking at prohibited areas will be fined up to RM10,000 or face two years’ jail.
Eateries found to allow their patrons to light up will be fined up to RM2,500.
“This time, all restaurants regardless whether they are an enclosed area, air-conditioned or open-air will need to comply with the ruling from next year,” he said after opening a conference at the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology yesterday.
Dr Lee said smokers or restaurant owners who violated the ruling would face action under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 under the Food Act.
He added that the ruling was not only to encourage smokers to kick the habit, but also to protect non-smokers from the effects of secondhand smoke.
“We are ready to face objections from smokers and restaurant owners, but we will not compromise when it comes to looking after the health of the people.
“No doubt smokers will say they have the right to smoke, but non-smokers also have the right to enjoy their food without being harmed by cigarette smoke.
“Business operators and traders need not worry about getting fewer customers as we are confident that more non-smoking customers will eat at places without the presence of cigarette smoke,” said Dr Lee.
He also said imposing the ban on roadside and illegal eateries was still a challenge and that the ministry had yet to decide on the details.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Smoking in all restaurants, coffee shops and hawker centres nationwide will be banned starting next year, even in open-air eateries.
Apart from the existing smoke-free zones in public places and government buildings, the new ruling under the Health Ministry will encompass all restaurants and eateries, including open-air hawker centres and street stalls, according to Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye.
Those caught smoking at prohibited areas will be fined up to RM10,000 or face two years’ jail.
Eateries found to allow their patrons to light up will be fined up to RM2,500.
“This time, all restaurants regardless whether they are an enclosed area, air-conditioned or open-air will need to comply with the ruling from next year,” he said after opening a conference at the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology yesterday.
Dr Lee said smokers or restaurant owners who violated the ruling would face action under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 under the Food Act.
He added that the ruling was not only to encourage smokers to kick the habit, but also to protect non-smokers from the effects of secondhand smoke.
“We are ready to face objections from smokers and restaurant owners, but we will not compromise when it comes to looking after the health of the people.
“No doubt smokers will say they have the right to smoke, but non-smokers also have the right to enjoy their food without being harmed by cigarette smoke.
“Business operators and traders need not worry about getting fewer customers as we are confident that more non-smoking customers will eat at places without the presence of cigarette smoke,” said Dr Lee.
He also said imposing the ban on roadside and illegal eateries was still a challenge and that the ministry had yet to decide on the details.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Malaysia eyes 30 million tourist arrivals by 2020
Malaysia eyes 30 million tourist arrivals by 2020
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is targeting 30 million tourist arrivals by 2020.
Deputy Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said this would increase the contribution of tourism to the Gross Domestic Product from 14.9 per cent last year, when there were 26.1 million tourist arrivals, to 15.1 per cent.
He said the increase in tourist arrivals proved that tourism promotions had been successful.
“We are now asking for a bigger budget for tourism promotion because it is key to the sustainability of the tourism industry,” he told reporters after flagging off the 2018 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Penang, here, today.
He said there was a need to go all out to promote the country’s tourism industry as there was stiff competition from neighbouring countries.
He urged tourism organisations to use the tagline, Malaysia Truly Asia, in their promotions as it had proved to be effective in wooing tourists.
Bakhtiar said the ministry was working with the Education Ministry to introduce staggered school holiday breaks according to states to distribute the domestic tourist load.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is targeting 30 million tourist arrivals by 2020.
Deputy Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said this would increase the contribution of tourism to the Gross Domestic Product from 14.9 per cent last year, when there were 26.1 million tourist arrivals, to 15.1 per cent.
He said the increase in tourist arrivals proved that tourism promotions had been successful.
“We are now asking for a bigger budget for tourism promotion because it is key to the sustainability of the tourism industry,” he told reporters after flagging off the 2018 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Penang, here, today.
He said there was a need to go all out to promote the country’s tourism industry as there was stiff competition from neighbouring countries.
He urged tourism organisations to use the tagline, Malaysia Truly Asia, in their promotions as it had proved to be effective in wooing tourists.
Bakhtiar said the ministry was working with the Education Ministry to introduce staggered school holiday breaks according to states to distribute the domestic tourist load.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Ministry cautions public on 12 dangerous water recreation areas
Ministry cautions public on 12 dangerous water recreation areas
The Housing and Local Government Ministry has advised the people to exercise caution when carrying out any activities at 12 water recreation areas nationwide which are considered dangerous and prone to tragedies.
Its deputy minister Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad said the 12 areas were five rivers, one lake/mine/dam, three waterfalls and three beaches.
The rivers are Sungai (Sg) Kampung (Kg) Batu Payung, Tawau, Sabah; Sg SJKC Kg Timah, Sg Ciling and Sg Gasi in Selangor; and Sg Kg Sabak, Kelantan.
“Semenyih Dam, Selangor; Sg Sendat Waterfall (Selangor), Lata Berembun Waterfall and Chamang Waterfall in Pahang. The beaches include Nipah and Muara Tok Bali (Kelantan) and Teluk Bahang, Penang,” he said.
He told reporters after launching the Water Activity Safety Awareness Campaign organised by the Water Activity Safety Council (MKAA) in Pulau Warisan here today.
According to the statistics, Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah said Selangor recorded the highest number of water-related deaths namely 44, followed by Sarawak (34) and Perak (22). - Bernama
The Housing and Local Government Ministry has advised the people to exercise caution when carrying out any activities at 12 water recreation areas nationwide which are considered dangerous and prone to tragedies.
Its deputy minister Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad said the 12 areas were five rivers, one lake/mine/dam, three waterfalls and three beaches.
The rivers are Sungai (Sg) Kampung (Kg) Batu Payung, Tawau, Sabah; Sg SJKC Kg Timah, Sg Ciling and Sg Gasi in Selangor; and Sg Kg Sabak, Kelantan.
“Semenyih Dam, Selangor; Sg Sendat Waterfall (Selangor), Lata Berembun Waterfall and Chamang Waterfall in Pahang. The beaches include Nipah and Muara Tok Bali (Kelantan) and Teluk Bahang, Penang,” he said.
He told reporters after launching the Water Activity Safety Awareness Campaign organised by the Water Activity Safety Council (MKAA) in Pulau Warisan here today.
According to the statistics, Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah said Selangor recorded the highest number of water-related deaths namely 44, followed by Sarawak (34) and Perak (22). - Bernama
Monday, September 24, 2018
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Asam Pedas
Asam Pedas
Asam Pedas (Indonesian and Malaysian Malay: Asam Pedas, Minangkabau: Asam Padeh, English: Sour and Spicy) is a Minangkabau and Malay sour and spicy fish stew dish. It is popular in Indonesia and Malaysia.
The spicy and sour fish dish is known widely in Sumatra and Malay Peninsula. It is part of the culinary heritage of both Minangkabau and Malay traditions, thus its exact origin is unclear. The Minang asam padeh can be easily found throughout Padang restaurants in Indonesia and Malaysia.
It has become a typical cuisine of Malays from Jambi, Riau, Riau Islands, Malacca, and as far north in Aceh. The spice mixture and the fish used might be slightly different according to the area.
~wikipedia~
Asam Pedas (Indonesian and Malaysian Malay: Asam Pedas, Minangkabau: Asam Padeh, English: Sour and Spicy) is a Minangkabau and Malay sour and spicy fish stew dish. It is popular in Indonesia and Malaysia.
The spicy and sour fish dish is known widely in Sumatra and Malay Peninsula. It is part of the culinary heritage of both Minangkabau and Malay traditions, thus its exact origin is unclear. The Minang asam padeh can be easily found throughout Padang restaurants in Indonesia and Malaysia.
It has become a typical cuisine of Malays from Jambi, Riau, Riau Islands, Malacca, and as far north in Aceh. The spice mixture and the fish used might be slightly different according to the area.
~wikipedia~
Monday, September 17, 2018
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Tourism contributes 14.9% to Malaysia's economy
Tourism contributes 14.9% to Malaysia's economy
The tourism industry continued its significant contribution to the country’s economic growth with a share of 14.9 per cent last year as compared to 10.4 per cent in 2005.
In a statement, chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the figure showed an upward trend since 2005 and was growing rapidly with an average annual growth rate of 11.2 per cent over the past twelve years.
“The direct contribution of the tourism industry to the nation’s gross domestic product last year recorded 6.1 per cent with a value of RM82.6 billion compared to RM76.6 billion in 2016,” he said.
He said foreign tourist arrivals dropped to 25.9 million last year from 26.8 million in 2016.
The number of domestic visitors increased from 189.3 million in 2016 to 205.4 million in 2017, he said adding that Selangor was the most visited state by number of tourists.
According to Mohd Uzir, shopping remained as the largest component of tourism product with a value of RM26.8 in 2017, followed by accommodation and transportation which recorded RM20.7 billion and RM15 billion respectively.
He said as for total employees involved in the tourism sector, the number also increased to 3.4 million in 2017 from 1.5 million in 2005.
Mohd Uzir said retail trade continued to be the largest contributor to the national economy with a share of 44.8 per cent and posted a double digit growth of 12.4 per cent in 2017 as compared to 10.5 per cent in the previous year.
He said this was followed by food and beverage serving service with 16.3 per cent and accommodation with 12.8 per cent.
- Bernama
The tourism industry continued its significant contribution to the country’s economic growth with a share of 14.9 per cent last year as compared to 10.4 per cent in 2005.
In a statement, chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the figure showed an upward trend since 2005 and was growing rapidly with an average annual growth rate of 11.2 per cent over the past twelve years.
“The direct contribution of the tourism industry to the nation’s gross domestic product last year recorded 6.1 per cent with a value of RM82.6 billion compared to RM76.6 billion in 2016,” he said.
He said foreign tourist arrivals dropped to 25.9 million last year from 26.8 million in 2016.
The number of domestic visitors increased from 189.3 million in 2016 to 205.4 million in 2017, he said adding that Selangor was the most visited state by number of tourists.
According to Mohd Uzir, shopping remained as the largest component of tourism product with a value of RM26.8 in 2017, followed by accommodation and transportation which recorded RM20.7 billion and RM15 billion respectively.
He said as for total employees involved in the tourism sector, the number also increased to 3.4 million in 2017 from 1.5 million in 2005.
Mohd Uzir said retail trade continued to be the largest contributor to the national economy with a share of 44.8 per cent and posted a double digit growth of 12.4 per cent in 2017 as compared to 10.5 per cent in the previous year.
He said this was followed by food and beverage serving service with 16.3 per cent and accommodation with 12.8 per cent.
- Bernama
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Malaysia aims to be in world's top 10 tourist destinations by 2019
Malaysia aims to be in world's top 10 tourist destinations by 2019
Malaysia aims to be among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations in 2019, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi today. Photo credit: Hafiz Sohaimi
Malaysia aims to be among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations in 2019, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi today.
He said the ministry has undertaken several efforts to promote Malaysia as a must-visit destination and will set new strategic directions to provide a conducive environment for industry players to drive and boost tourism growth.
“It is our aim to improve the country’s position after being ranked number 12 last year. We must be more competitive internationally.
“We will have good cooperation between federal and state governments to promote Malaysia and discuss with local airlines companies to have more direct flights to Malaysia,” he told a press conference after launching the Matta Fair 2018 at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here today.
Mohamaddin said with resilience, innovation, product quality and excellent service standards, the tourism sector should be able to drive the nation forward, making Malaysia a preferred travel destination for tourists.
He said the tourism industry in Malaysia had grown significantly and is targeting a foreign tourist arrival goal of 26.4 million with a total expenditure of RM84.9 billion this year.
From January to April 2018, Malaysia recorded 8.4 million international tourists, an increase of 37.2 per cent from China, India (21.2 per cent, South Korea (26.5 per cent, Canada (28 per cent) and United States of America (23 per cent).
The 46th edition of the Matta Fair being held from Sept 7 to 9 features 1,336 booths offering international and domestic travel promotions and discounts, including 86 booths offering umrah packages. – BERNAMA
Malaysia aims to be among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations in 2019, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi today. Photo credit: Hafiz Sohaimi
Malaysia aims to be among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations in 2019, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi today.
He said the ministry has undertaken several efforts to promote Malaysia as a must-visit destination and will set new strategic directions to provide a conducive environment for industry players to drive and boost tourism growth.
“It is our aim to improve the country’s position after being ranked number 12 last year. We must be more competitive internationally.
“We will have good cooperation between federal and state governments to promote Malaysia and discuss with local airlines companies to have more direct flights to Malaysia,” he told a press conference after launching the Matta Fair 2018 at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here today.
Mohamaddin said with resilience, innovation, product quality and excellent service standards, the tourism sector should be able to drive the nation forward, making Malaysia a preferred travel destination for tourists.
He said the tourism industry in Malaysia had grown significantly and is targeting a foreign tourist arrival goal of 26.4 million with a total expenditure of RM84.9 billion this year.
From January to April 2018, Malaysia recorded 8.4 million international tourists, an increase of 37.2 per cent from China, India (21.2 per cent, South Korea (26.5 per cent, Canada (28 per cent) and United States of America (23 per cent).
The 46th edition of the Matta Fair being held from Sept 7 to 9 features 1,336 booths offering international and domestic travel promotions and discounts, including 86 booths offering umrah packages. – BERNAMA
Sunday, September 9, 2018
Air Terjun Chamang 情人瀑布
Air Terjun Chamang 情人瀑布
平时的Chamang瀑布的确很吸引，时常有三五成群的年轻人结伴来嬉水，也有不少家庭携老带幼到这里野餐。来这里坐下来，呼吸新鲜的空气，聆听自然的交响曲，让思绪静下来，投入大自然的怀抱。
情人瀑布距离文冬市区不远，大概七八公里左右。驾车就可以直达，根本无需费力地爬高爬低走进树林，就可轻松抵达瀑布，非常方便。
在雨天里，Chamang瀑布水势将变得非常急促，有时还会引发洪水。所以切忌雨天时在水里嬉戏，因为这里出名的原因是夺走过很多人命。和一般的瀑布一样，她的水說來就來，雨季还是不要玩水好。
Air Terjun Chamang 情人瀑布
地点：Kampung Chamang，28700 Bentong, Pahang
平时的Chamang瀑布的确很吸引，时常有三五成群的年轻人结伴来嬉水，也有不少家庭携老带幼到这里野餐。来这里坐下来，呼吸新鲜的空气，聆听自然的交响曲，让思绪静下来，投入大自然的怀抱。
情人瀑布距离文冬市区不远，大概七八公里左右。驾车就可以直达，根本无需费力地爬高爬低走进树林，就可轻松抵达瀑布，非常方便。
在雨天里，Chamang瀑布水势将变得非常急促，有时还会引发洪水。所以切忌雨天时在水里嬉戏，因为这里出名的原因是夺走过很多人命。和一般的瀑布一样，她的水說來就來，雨季还是不要玩水好。
Air Terjun Chamang 情人瀑布
地点：Kampung Chamang，28700 Bentong, Pahang
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Monday, September 3, 2018
Enjoy your satay, there’s no tax for it at food outlets
Enjoy your satay, there’s no tax for it at food outlets
IPOH: There will be no Sales and Service Tax on satay sold in food outlets, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.
He said the SST on the popular Malaysian food was imposed during the processing stage for the purpose of packaging and sales.
“It is the sales that get the SST, not at the outlets,” he told reporters after a briefing on the SST at a hotel here yesterday.
Lim was replying to a question on whether the SST would be imposed on chicken or beef satay sold in food outlets, as it was among the items listed as taxable under “preparation of meat”.
He said failure to do so would mean that they could not charge the SST and would have to use their own funds to pay the tax to the government.
His call was echoed by Customs Department director-general Datuk Seri T. Subromaniam, who said friendly visits by the department found that there were still food providers who had not updated their systems.
“We advised them to update their systems so that the 6% service tax could be charged,” he said.
In Shah Alam, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Jamil Salleh said the real impact of the SST on the prices of general goods was expected to be fully felt in the second week of its implementation.
This is because goods sold during the first week after the end of the tax holiday are actually tax-free.
Noting that traders had bought the goods during the tax holiday period, he said the tax-free stocks should be sold at prices minus the SST.
“However, some traders might want to take advantage of the situation but we are ready for that.
“We have mobilised 1,000 enforcement personnel to check against profiteering.
“Legal action will be taken against profiteers, and I want them to be severely punished to deter others from doing the same,” he said after visiting a juice-producing factory yesterday.
The Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act provides a fine of up to RM100,000 or a three-year imprisonment upon conviction.
~News courtesy of The Star~
IPOH: There will be no Sales and Service Tax on satay sold in food outlets, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.
He said the SST on the popular Malaysian food was imposed during the processing stage for the purpose of packaging and sales.
“It is the sales that get the SST, not at the outlets,” he told reporters after a briefing on the SST at a hotel here yesterday.
Lim was replying to a question on whether the SST would be imposed on chicken or beef satay sold in food outlets, as it was among the items listed as taxable under “preparation of meat”.
He said failure to do so would mean that they could not charge the SST and would have to use their own funds to pay the tax to the government.
His call was echoed by Customs Department director-general Datuk Seri T. Subromaniam, who said friendly visits by the department found that there were still food providers who had not updated their systems.
“We advised them to update their systems so that the 6% service tax could be charged,” he said.
In Shah Alam, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Jamil Salleh said the real impact of the SST on the prices of general goods was expected to be fully felt in the second week of its implementation.
This is because goods sold during the first week after the end of the tax holiday are actually tax-free.
Noting that traders had bought the goods during the tax holiday period, he said the tax-free stocks should be sold at prices minus the SST.
“However, some traders might want to take advantage of the situation but we are ready for that.
“We have mobilised 1,000 enforcement personnel to check against profiteering.
“Legal action will be taken against profiteers, and I want them to be severely punished to deter others from doing the same,” he said after visiting a juice-producing factory yesterday.
The Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act provides a fine of up to RM100,000 or a three-year imprisonment upon conviction.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Sunday, September 2, 2018
SST: Not much difference for service sector
SST: Not much difference for service sector
The implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) beginning this Saturday is not expected to make a major difference in the price of services.
According to tax expert Norsa’adah Ahmad, this was because the six per cent tax imposed on services such as those provided by hotels, insurance, and food catering companies was the same as that imposed by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) before this.
“There should not be much difference with the previous price...most (prices) will remain the same.
“Compared to the effect (of SST) on the price of other goods where the public is watching to see if prices increase or not, the price of services is not expected to show much difference,” she told Bernama today.
However, Norsa’adah who is also a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) did not discount the possibility of double taxation on the price of food and drinks sold in food outlets.
She said a 10 per cent sales tax is imposed on certain products like canned drinks at the production stage and it was not impossible that restaurants would increase their prices to cover the service tax.
Among the services on which the SST is imposed are those provided by night clubs, private clubs, golf clubs, casinos, lotteries, telecommunications, paid television, legal services, accounting services, forwarding agents, architects, engineers, valuers, security, parking, car rentals, advertising, domestic services, information technology services, credit cards and electrical services.
Meanwhile, hoteliers also do not expect an increase in room rates with the SST except for the usual increase during peak periods such as school holidays due to high demand.
However, executive director of the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners Shaharudin M.Saaid said if the mechanism for the tax was the same as the previous SST, the room rates are expected to decrease.
“If the mechanism is the same as SST 1.0 before the GST was imposed, then room rates should be cheaper as the SST 1.0 did not impose a six per cent tax on service charges,” he said.
He said under the GST, a six per cent tax was imposed on service charges, resulting in an increase in the price of rooms and other services.
However Shaharudin hoped the mechanism for the implementation of the new SST is explained to the hotels quickly to avoid any confusion.
“We are waiting for clarification from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department,” he said. - Bernama
The implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) beginning this Saturday is not expected to make a major difference in the price of services.
According to tax expert Norsa’adah Ahmad, this was because the six per cent tax imposed on services such as those provided by hotels, insurance, and food catering companies was the same as that imposed by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) before this.
“There should not be much difference with the previous price...most (prices) will remain the same.
“Compared to the effect (of SST) on the price of other goods where the public is watching to see if prices increase or not, the price of services is not expected to show much difference,” she told Bernama today.
However, Norsa’adah who is also a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) did not discount the possibility of double taxation on the price of food and drinks sold in food outlets.
She said a 10 per cent sales tax is imposed on certain products like canned drinks at the production stage and it was not impossible that restaurants would increase their prices to cover the service tax.
Among the services on which the SST is imposed are those provided by night clubs, private clubs, golf clubs, casinos, lotteries, telecommunications, paid television, legal services, accounting services, forwarding agents, architects, engineers, valuers, security, parking, car rentals, advertising, domestic services, information technology services, credit cards and electrical services.
Meanwhile, hoteliers also do not expect an increase in room rates with the SST except for the usual increase during peak periods such as school holidays due to high demand.
However, executive director of the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners Shaharudin M.Saaid said if the mechanism for the tax was the same as the previous SST, the room rates are expected to decrease.
“If the mechanism is the same as SST 1.0 before the GST was imposed, then room rates should be cheaper as the SST 1.0 did not impose a six per cent tax on service charges,” he said.
He said under the GST, a six per cent tax was imposed on service charges, resulting in an increase in the price of rooms and other services.
However Shaharudin hoped the mechanism for the implementation of the new SST is explained to the hotels quickly to avoid any confusion.
“We are waiting for clarification from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department,” he said. - Bernama
Friday, August 31, 2018
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Malaysia welcomes tourists from all over the world
Malaysia welcomes tourists from all over the world
Malaysia continues to welcome tourists from all over the world, including China, without any restriction.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s office today said other than the usual immigration requirements for all foreign tourists, there are no other restrictions for anyone including visitors from China.
“Tourists from China will still be given a single-entry visa for up to 30-days stay in the country and are eligible to take up other programmes organised by the government as well,” it said.
The statement said property purchases by foreigners were also allowed irrespective of nationality but there were certain conditions imposed by the government.
“Purchase of property, however, does not guarantee automatic residency in the country. But for foreigners who wish to make Malaysia their permanent residence, they could consider the ‘ Malaysia, My Second Home (MM2H)’ programme.
”Malaysian government also welcomes foreign direct investment that contributes to the transfer of technology, provides employment for locals and the setting up of industries locally,” the statement read.
It added that last year Malaysia received 2.3 million Chinese tourists from China and it now aims to multiply the number to 10 million visitors in time to come.
Information on these programmes and conditions are available.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Malaysia continues to welcome tourists from all over the world, including China, without any restriction.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s office today said other than the usual immigration requirements for all foreign tourists, there are no other restrictions for anyone including visitors from China.
“Tourists from China will still be given a single-entry visa for up to 30-days stay in the country and are eligible to take up other programmes organised by the government as well,” it said.
The statement said property purchases by foreigners were also allowed irrespective of nationality but there were certain conditions imposed by the government.
“Purchase of property, however, does not guarantee automatic residency in the country. But for foreigners who wish to make Malaysia their permanent residence, they could consider the ‘ Malaysia, My Second Home (MM2H)’ programme.
”Malaysian government also welcomes foreign direct investment that contributes to the transfer of technology, provides employment for locals and the setting up of industries locally,” the statement read.
It added that last year Malaysia received 2.3 million Chinese tourists from China and it now aims to multiply the number to 10 million visitors in time to come.
Information on these programmes and conditions are available.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Monday, August 27, 2018
Teh Tarik
Enjoy a good start of the day with a cuppa of our national drink, Teh Tarik which literally means 'pulled tea'. It is a hot Indian milk tea beverage.
Its name is derived from the pouring process of "pulling" the drink during preparation. It is made from black tea, condensed milk and evaporated milk.
In Malaysia, there are occasions where teh tarik brewers gather for competitions and performances to show their ability to drag a long stream of tea. ✌
~Tourism Malaysia FB~
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