Saturday 31 July 2010

JB Book Fair

Book fair

The Johor Book Fair will be held at Danga City Mall Expo Hall until Aug 3. There will be discounts on various books and entry to the book fair is free. For details, call 07-221 5008.

-Info courtesy of The Star-

Cultural affair

Cultural affair

There will be a special Indian cultural dance and singing performance at the Skudai Parade Shopping Mall here in conjunction with the Skudai Parade Music Mania carnival. For details, call 07-5588996 or 07-5588997.

-Info courtesy of The Star-

Band competition

Band competition

The Malaysia World Band Competition is on until July 31. The Malaysia WBC 2010 promises dazzling and best performances from participating bands converging in Malaysia for what is to be one of the most prestigious marching band competitions in Asia. It will be held at Dataran Bandaraya, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Persada Convention Centre & Kota Iskandar. For details, call 03-9282 5100.

-News courtesy of The Star-

Johor govt urged to upgrade Hutan Bandar

Johor government urged to upgrade Hutan Bandar

An assemblyman urged the state government to allocate RM2mil to improve and upgrade the facilities at the popular Hutan Bandar recreation area.

Chia Song Cheng (BN- Pengkalan Rinting) said many of the facilities in the area built in 1993, were not well maintained due to the lack of funds.

“I visited the area in June with the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) landscape director and found an array of problems,” he said during his debate at the state assembly last week.

He said bricks along the track for joggers had become mouldy and this caused the pavement to be slippery and posed a danger especially in the wee hours of the morning.

“I also found the roof of five chalets in the area leaking and all were just covered with a canvas,” Chia said.

He said the pond was covered with sand, earth and overgrown with weeds.

“Many of the facilities at the children’s playground are also old and needs to be better maintained,” he said hoping that the Mentri Besar would look into the matter as Hutan Bandar was a popular spot for many of the city folks.

Besides Hutan Bandar, Chia also raised concerns about cleanliness in the city including having a proper waste disposal system.

He also suggested that a special team be formed to check on cleanliness in the city area.

“I also hope that fines will be issued to those who litter,” he said, adding that more signages reminding and warning the public about littering should also be put up.

Chia said all public complaints need to be addressed immediately and Southern Waste Management (SWM) should not just wait for calls from assemblymen before taking action.

-News courtesy of The Star-

Attract more tourists from Indochina

Johor to double up efforts to attract more tourists from Indochina

The Johor tourism department has doubled up its effort to attract more tourists from Indochina as some 280,000 tourists who came to Malaysia last year bypassed Johor during their visits.

State Tourism Committee chairman Hoo Seong Chang said the number of foreign tourist to Malaysia from the region had increased by 27 percent last year compared to 2008.

“Most of the tourists from countries like Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia usually go for packages such as two nights stay in Kuala Lumpur and two nights in Singapore.

“A lot of them have heard of places like Desaru and Tanjung Piai but have never visited as they usually bypass the state to go to Singapore,” he said after launching the 12th Matta Travel Fair at Danga City Mall recently.

Hoo added that 60 percent of the total visitors from Indochina last year were from Vietnam.

“Out of the 15.5mil visitors who visited the state last year, only 1.6mil stayed overnight and the remaining were day-trippers.

“We are looking into upgrading our services and facilities so the visitors will stay at least one night in the state,” he said, adding that the travel fair was a good channel to provide more packages to foreigners.

Hoo said other than promoting the state in the Indochina region, the department was also looking at Japan and India.

“We are planning to invite journalists from Japan and India to visit and write about Johor’s attractions so people in these countries will be more aware of our tourism products.

“The department will be making frequent trips to these countries in a bid to encourage better international coverage for Johor,” he said.

Matta National president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun said the travel fair not only promoted tourism, it also generated economic activities in the state.

“I believe the three-day fair plays a critical role in helping the government in creating job opportunities, promoting tourism as well as economic growth.

“I urge the exhibitors to treat the customers with courtesy and practice good business ethics so more people purchase their travel products,” he said.

The three-day fair has a total of 46 exhibitors displaying 155 booths offering affordable and attractive travel packages to both international and domestic destinations.

-News courtesy of The Star-

Friday 30 July 2010

Water disruptions in Muar and Kluang

Water disruptions in Muar and Kluang

There will be two water disruptions in Muar and Kluang on Aug 3 due to maintenance work at two water treatment plants.

The disruption in Muar, which involves maintenance work at the Air Gersik water treatment plant, will be for 16 hours (8am to 12 mid­­night) while the Kluang disruption at the Air Sembrong plant, will last for 17 hours (9am and 2am).

Syarikat Air Johor Sdn Bhd corporate communications head Jamaluddin Jamil said Muar has been set as Zone A while Kluang was Zone B.

Areas affected in Zone A include the Jalan Muar-Malacca from Sultan Ismail Bridge to Sungai Kesang at the Malacca border including industrial areas, villages and housing estates, Jalan Kesang Laut including villages and housing estates around the area, Jalan Muar until Bukit Gambir including villages and housing estates, Jalan Bukit Gambir to Kundang Ulu until Parit Sawah, Bukit Serampang including the industrial areas, villages and housing estate around the area, Jalan Sengkang including villages around the area, Jalan Muar-Tangkak from Sungai Mati to Jalan Solok including the industrial areas, villages and housing estates, Jalan Sialang, Tangkak until Kg Cohong including villages and housing estates, Jalan Solok to Bukit Banjar, Pekan Bukit Kangkar to Teluk Rimba until Pengkalan Besar and Taman Tangkak Jaya.

As for Zone B the areas from Jalan Johor Tenggara until SMK Jalan Kota Tinggi Kluang, Taman Gunung Lambak, Kampung Dato Abdul Rahman Yassin, Hospital Baru and its surroundings, Taman Perumahan Rakyat, Hospital Pakar Utama, Kampung Gunung Lambak and its surroundings, whole of Yap Tau Sah area, Jalan Besar, Taman Kurnia, Jalan Pulai and its surroundings, from Jalan Kampung Melayu until GSA Batu 13 Jalan Mersing, Jalan Kampung Melayu, Jalan Bunga Raya, Jalan Dahlia and its surroundings, Jalan Wan Embong, Jalan Abdul Rahman, Jalan Iman Haji Ahmad and its surroundings, Taman Maju Padu, Taman Sri Jaya, Taman Kampung Majid and its surroundings, whole of Kluang Baru, Kampung Paya, Taman Indah Jaya, Taman Sri Paya, Taman Sri Permai and its surroundings, Kampung Palembang Baru, Taman Ilham, Taman Dato Amar Diraja, Taman Nasib, Taman Matahari and its surroundings, Taman Koperasi, Taman Sam Hoe, Taman Ria, Taman Bahagia, Taman Fajar, along Jalan Kampung Tengah and its surroundings, along Jalan Kampung Baru until Jalan Yong Peng Paloh, Taman Sri Tengah, Taman Anggerik, Taman Anggerik Merah, Taman Perkasa and its surroundings, Taman Impian, Kampung SC, Pengkalan Tereh, Pig sty and its surroundings, Pekan Nyior, CEP Nyior, Pekan Chamek, GSA and CEP Chamek and its surroundings, Paloh, Taman Kota Paloh, Taman Murni, Taman Kiara, Taman Wijaya Paloh and its surroundings, Kampung Muhibbah, Kampung India, Taman Melati Paloh, Taman Paloh and its surroundings, Ladang Kali Melaya, Ladang Bukit Paloh, Felcra Batu 4 Paloh, Ladang Mados Paloh, Kampung Batu 6 and Batu 7, Jalan Yong Peng Paloh, along Jalan Padang Tembak until QTS Polis and Kampung Sri Tenggara, Taman Lambak, Taman Kaseh, Taman Orked, Kampung Sembrong Dalam and Kampung Sembrong Lapis, Industri Lau Kim Teck, Industri Wawasan, Industri Sinaran, Industri Jalan Mersing 1 and 2, Taman Puteri, Kimberly Clark, Kampung Batu 5, Ladang Chuan Hoe, Ladang Renggo Malay and its surroundings, Penjara Kampung Gajah, Kampung Sri Tambak, Kampung Gajah, Taman Perdana, PLKN, Ladang Alifah, GSA Batu 13, all Secondary and Primary schools, Police Station and Government Office, masjid, surau and its surroundings.

Residents have been advised to store water during the period. For details, call SAJ Info Centre at toll free 1-800-88-7474, or SMS at 019-772 7474 or e-mail at customer.care@saj.com.my.

-News courtesy of The Star-

Iskandar Malaysia to be fully developed

Iskandar Malaysia to be fully developed in two years

The next two years will be a robust time for Iskandar Malaysia as many of its projects will be completed, said Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.

Abdul Ghani said projects, such as Legoland, an indoor theme park at Puteri Harbour, Newcastle University Medical Malaysia (NuMED) and Marlborough College in EduCity, and many others would be completed and operational by 2012.

“Several groundbreaking ceremonies have been scheduled this year, including the Johor Premium Outlet at Kulaijaya, the Senai Hi-Tech Park and CyberCity also in Kulaijaya,” he said in his speech during the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FFM) Johor branch dinner at The Zon Regency Hotel here.

Abdul Ghani also said the job market was becoming livelier while roads and other infrastructure were upgraded with new ones built in the Iskandar Malaysia economic region.

He said the focus was to ensure Iskandar Malaysia had all the elements to create a conducive environment that would spur its development into a vibrant and exciting regional commercial hub of the future.

“The next step, beyond the first three years of courting investors, is to see how much investment we can bring to Johor.

“For that, I hope all stakeholders will assist by working harder to bring in new investments,” he said.

Abdul Ghani said companies that embrace innovation and have the foresight to reshape and revitalise their activities would have many opportunities and bright prospects to be a global player.

“Malaysian companies, investors and entrepreneurs are urged to seize the opportunities before us and grow to become regional and global entities,” he said.

Abdul Ghani also urged local authorities to forge a better relationship with manufacturers.

“Local authorities have been reminded time and time again to provide efficient service towards manufacturers,” he said.

-News courtesy of The Star-

Outdoor hawker centre back in JB city

Outdoor hawker centre back in JB city

Johor plans to reintroduce the Ungku Puan night outdoor hawker centre as part of the Johor Baru city centre transformation plan.

Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said reopening the centre would help bring back the crowd to the city centre especially after office hours and at nights.

“This is one of the things that we want to include in the transformation plan,’’ he said at the opening of the Columbia Asia Hospital Nusajaya @ Afiat Healthpark recently.

The hawker centre, which was the biggest alfresco dining area in the city centre, was highly popular with locals and tourists but was closed several years ago by the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB).

Ghani said the reopening of the centre would have to include proper disposal of food wastes and hawkers must practice high standard of hygiene.

He said apart from the centre, the opening of Sungai Segget, which was covered and turned into a pedestrian walkway several years ago, would be the impetus of the transformation plan.

Prime Minister had recently announced that RM200mil would be allocated to open and clean up Sungai Segget, one of the filthiest rivers in Malaysia.

The river, which flows along Jalan Wong Ah Fook in Johor Baru city centre, was covered at a cost of RM6mil as the stench and sight of rubbish and raw sewage being dumped into it was becoming unbearable to many.

“We are looking at the Cheonggyecheon Stream that flows in downtown Seoul in South Korea to rejuvenate Sungai Segget,’’ said Ghani.

The 5.8km stream was such an eyesore before it was covered with concrete step by step over 20 years from 1958, while a 5.6km-long and 16m-elevated highway was completed in 1976.

In July 2003, then Seoul mayor Lee Myung-bak, now president of South Korea, initiated a project to remove the elevated highway and restore the stream.

Three years later, the once extremely filthy stream was rejuvenated at a cost of US$350mil (RM1.15bil) and now Cheonggyecheon has become a popular recreational park among Seoul residents and tourists.

-News courtesy of The Star-

Tuesday 27 July 2010

Visa free for Malaysia

No visa is required for U.S.A. citizens visiting Malaysia for social, business or academic purposes (except for employment).

No visa is required for a stay of less than one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries except Myanmar. For a stay exceeding one month a visa will be required, except for nationals Brunei and Singapore.

Nationals of countries other than those stated above (with the exception of Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month.

For national of Israel, visas are required and permission must be granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.

For national of Republic of Serbia and Republic of Montenegro, visas are required without permission granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.

Visa for Malaysia (2)

Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 3 Months

Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria (Vienna)
Bahrain
Belgium
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Brazil
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kirgystan
Kuwait
Kyrgyz Republic Lebanon
Lienchestien
Luxembourg
Morocco
Netherland
Norway
Oman
Peru
Poland
Qatar
Romania
St Marino
Saudi Arabia
Slovakia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Yemen

Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 1 Month

Armenia
Azerbaijan
Barbados
Belarus
Benin
Bolivia
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Cape Verde
Chad
Chile
Costa Rica
Equador
El Savador
Estonia
Gabon
Georgia
Greece
Guatemala
Guinea Republic
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong SAR
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Macao SAR
Macedonia Madagascar
Maldova
Mauritania
Mexico
Monaco
Mongalia
Nicaragua
North Korea
North Yemen
Panama
Paraguay
Portugal
Russia
Sao Tome & Principe
Senegal
Slovenia
Sudan
Surinam
Tajikistan
Togo
Ukraine
Upper Volta
Uzbekistan
Vatican City
Venezuela
Zaire
Zimbabwe

Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 14 Days

Iran (90 days)
Iraq (30 days)
Libya
Macao (Travel Permit/Portugal CI)
Palestine (30 days)
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Yemen
Syria (30 days)

Visa for Malaysia (1)

Countries That Require Visa

Afghanistan (Visa With Reference)
Angola
Bhutan
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Central African Republic
China
Colombia
Comoros
Congo Democratic Republic
Congo Republic
Cote D'Ivoire
Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea Ethiopia
Guinea-Bissau
Hong Kong (C/I or D/I)
India
Liberia
Mali
Myanmar (normal passport)
Nepal
Niger
Rwanda
Serbia & Montenegro
Taiwan
United Nations (Laissez Passer)
Western Sahara


Commonwealth Countries That Require Visa

Bangladesh
Cameroon
Ghana
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Sri Lanka

Entry requirements for Malaysia

To enter Malaysia, a visitor should fulfill the following conditions:

i. Passport or Travel Document

Every person entering Malaysia must possess a valid national Passport or internationally recognized Travel Document valid for travelling to Malaysia.

Any person not in possession of a Passport or Travel Document which is recognized by the Malaysian Government must obtain a Document in lieu of Passport.

Application for the Document in lieu of Passport can be made at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad.

Holders of Travel Documents such as Certificate of Identity, Laisser Passer, Titre de Voyage, Permanent Residence Certificate must ensure that their return ability to the country of origin is assured.

The documents shall be valid, for more than six (6) months from the date of entry.

ii. Fulfill visa requirement

A visa is an endorsement in a passport or other recognized travel document of foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted.

Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country.

Visa which has been granted is not absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia. The final decision lies with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.

iii. Valid return travel ticket and sufficient funds

A visitor is also required to proof his financial ability to stay in Malaysia and a confirm ticket to a third country.

iv. Not a prohibited person

Any person classified under Section 8 of Immigration Act 1959/63 will not be allowed to enter Malaysia even though he/she is in possession of a valid Passport or Travel Document, Visa, travel ticket and sufficient funds.

v. Complete in the arrival/departure card

A visitor is required to complete the Arrival/Departure Card (Imm.26) upon arrival at the gazette entry points. This card is obtainable at any entry point, Malaysian Representative office abroad or travel agencies.

A visitor must present his/her passport together with the duly completed arrival / departure card to the Immigration officer on duty and he/she must ensure that the passport or travel document is endorsed with the appropriate pass before leaving the immigration counter.

-Info courtesy of Malaysian Immigration Dept-

Air Entry Point

Sultan Ismail Airport, Senai
81250 Johor Bahru, Johor

Sea Entry Points

1. Tg. Pengelih, Pengerang, Kota Tinggi
2. Sebana Cove, Pengerang, Kota Tinggi
3. Stulang Laut, Kompleks Bebas Cukai, Johor Bahru
4. Pasir Gudang Port, Pasir Gudang
5. Muar Jetty, Jalan Maharani, Muar
6. Tg. Pelepas Port, Blok B, Wisma PTP, Gelang Patah
7. Tg. Belungkor, Kota Tinggi
8. Kukup, Pontian
9. Mersing Immigration Department, Jalan Ismail, Mersing

Land Entry Points

1. Tanjung Pagar Railway Station, Singapore
2. Kompleks Sultan Iskandar, Johor Bahru causeway
3. Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar, 2nd Link
4. Johor Bahru Railway Station

Monday 26 July 2010

Sights in Batu Pahat


Check out the famous Batu Pahat roundabout with the 100 year old tree.

* Tasik Y

Man made recreation lake very popular with the locals. The nearby park is filled with locals relaxing and exercising

* Dataran Penggaram


The showpiece of the city with it's unmistakable landmark (hammer, chisel and stone). The surrounding recreational park is also very popular with the locals. Easily seen from the mainroad of Jalan Rahmat, opposite the main Police Station.

* Wet World

Built around the town's famous Merdeka Lake, the waterpark spreads over a 44-acre landscaped park. It is located on the outskirts of the town centre (about 20 mins drive). It is the only waterpark in Johor. Opening hours: Weekdays - 1pm to 7pm Weekends, public & school holidays - 10am to 7pm. Closed on Tuesdays except for public & school holidays.

Admission: Weekdays & Weekends - RM10 (adult) & RM5 (child). Child rate applies for children aged 3 -12 years.

Facilities: Fast food outlet, gift shop, car park
Information: Tel: 607-434 6060 Fax: 607-433 6161 E-mail: ww2020@pd.jaring.my

Petting zoo

Petting zoo

Danga Bay Petting Zoo in Johor Baru is home to 180 species of animals and reptiles. Visiting hours are 3pm to midnight with twice-daily animal shows at 6.30pm and 10pm. Tickets are priced at RM10 for adults and RM5 for children.

-Info courtesy of The Star-

Jazz nite

Jazz nite

Head down to The ZON Johor Baru’s FUN ZON for Jazz Nite every Tuesday from 8.45pm to 11.45pm and be entertained by the MBJB Orchestra. For details, call 07-227 4045.

-Info courtesy of The Star-

Monday 19 July 2010

Identifying historical sites along Sg Johor

Move to identify historical sites along Sg Johor

Sungai Johor view from Teluk Sengat

The state has initiated a study to identify historical sites located along Sungai Johor which have the potential to be developed into tourist attraction destinations.

State Rural Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Asiah Md Arif said however, many of these sites were owned by land owners or situated at river reserve.

“If the state agrees to the setting up of the Sungai Johor Development Board (SJDB), land acquisition for the sites will be handled via the District Land Office,” she said during the state assembly last week.

She said after acquisition, the sites have to be gazetted before it can be turned into a tourist attraction product.

“The sites identified are part of the old Johor government after the fall of the Malacca government,” she said.

She added that the expedition program ‘Kembara Wangsa’, held in August last year was organised to discover the best way to develop these historical sites.

“Efforts have also been made with the aid of Universiti Sains Malaysia to excavate and maintain the historical sites around Bukit Seluyut which was the centre of the old Johor government.

“The site identified is also where Tun Seri Lanang started compiling and writing Malay annals,” she said.

She said the state government should acquire and gazette the sites where the graves of historical figures were located and preserve them for future generation.

Among the graves of historical figures discovered are Sultan Muzaffar Shah, Raja Fatimah, Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah I and Bendahara Tun Isap Misai.

-News courtesy of The Star-

Crystal Inn (Batu Pahat)

Photo courtesy of Batupahat.org

Crystal Inn
Address: 36 Jalan Zabedah, 83000 Batu Pahat
Tel: +607-431 5222
Fax: +607-431 8188

Email: crystinn@tm.net.my
Webpage: www.crystalinn-hotel.com

Sunday 18 July 2010

Water disruption in Segamat

Water disruption in Segamat

Segamat residents area advised to store water as there will be a seven-hour water disruption on Monday.

Syarikat Air Johor (SAJ) Holdings Sdn Bhd head of corporate communications Jamaluddin Jamil said the disruption were due to pipe replacement and tank maintenance works at Gemas Baru, Segamat.

The disruption will begin at 10am until 5pm and will affect New Village Gemas Baru, Taman Megah Gemas Baru, Taman Wira Gemas Baru, Taman Gemas Baru, Taman Gembira Gemas Baru, Taman Golden Hill Gemas Baru, Taman Bukit Lintang Gemas Baru and Taman Bintang-Bintang Gemas Baru.

For details, call 1-800-88-7474, via SMS at 019-722 7474 or via email at customer.care@saj.com.my.

-News courtesy of The Star-

Thursday 15 July 2010

Jazz nite

Jazz nite

Head down to The ZON Johor Baru’s FUN ZON for Jazz Nite every Tuesday from 8.45pm to 11.45pm and be entertained by the MBJB Orchestra. For details, call 07-227 4045.

-Info courtesy of The Star-

Vivid play on history

Vivid play on history

A vivid mixture of history, music, dance, martial arts and costumes was a sight to behold to those who attended the musical play entitled Bumi Berlantai Permata held in conjunction with the launching ceremony of the JB Arts Festival here.

The play, which was the main highlight of the ceremony, centred around attempts by the British to encroach into state affairs by creating the post of General Advisor to the Sultan which would be held by them.

It portrayed the Chinese and Malay pioneers in the state during the British colonial era.

Jasmine Chan, 20, said this was her first time watching a musical and was thrilled at the whole experience.

“I especially liked how the musical portrayed Wong Ah Fook, who spoke Malay with a Chinese accent. I also love the choreography and the music score which was fast paced and entertaining,” she said.

Another visitor, Desmond Dinesh, 25, said the wushu martial arts movements during the musical was his favourite part.

“I think the collaboration of history, Malay traditional dances and martial arts was spectacular. I was pleasantly surprised at the end of the play as I never expected it to be that good,” he said.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman who launched the festival was also among the spectators.

The Johor Society for the Performing Arts president Yap Siong Cheng said the play and other performances lined up during the JB Arts Festival was a way to build bridges within the various local communities.

“The festival allows the people to come together and appreciate performances and cultures within the community,” he said.

The 7th JB Arts Festival which runs until July 24 features dances, musical performances, contemporary and traditional performances and workshops.

For ticket inquiries, call 019-716 9900 or 019-713 9900.

-News courtesy of The Star-

Wednesday 14 July 2010

JB Arts Festival

Special event for youths at JB Arts Festival

JOHOR BARU: Visitors at the JB Art Festival are in for a treat on Friday as JOHO, a Johorean social networking portal, will be organising a gathering starting from 4pm at Bukit Timbalan.

Called ‘Gego’, the event is specially designed to cater to youths who uphold the Johor culture and heritage.

JOHO editor Khaleena Khalid said there were loads of exciting activities planned for the evening.

“There will be a junk sale, an open mike session, skateboard demonstrations, photography competition as well as local band performances such as Plague of Happiness, Redemption, Dewata, Gadisko and Radio Antic.

“Visitors will be entertained by demonstrations by skateboarders and BMX bike riders between 5pm and 8pm,” she said, adding that visitors were welcomed to join the show by bringing their own skateboards or bicycles.

She added that those interested in taking part in the open mike session from 6pm to 8pm can do so by bringing their own equipment to showcase their talent.

Health buffs can also participate in the laughter yoga workshop, which starts at 5pm.

“Join this unique exercise routine which combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing techniques,” she said.

Admission is free. For details, call 07-2210 628 or e-mail johobaru@gmail.com

-News courtesy of The Star-

Monday 12 July 2010

Football and dinner promotion

Football and dinner promotion

BANANA Leaf Restaurant at Danga City is keeping the fans happy by showing live World Cup matches on a 40-foot screen. Patrons can also enjoy special dinner promotions at RM5 per meal between 7pm and 9pm. For enquiries, contact 07-221 5008.

-Info courtesy of The Star-

Full electronic toll payment at Lima Kedai



Beginning 10.00 am on 15 July, only electronic toll payment through PLUSMiles card, Touch ‘n Go card or SmartTAG will be accepted at Lima Kedai Toll Plaza on the Secondlink.

Currently, all toll transactions at the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza on the Secondlink and the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Toll Plaza at the Johor Bahru Causeway are conducted electronically.

According to the PLUS Expressways Managing Director, Noorizah Hj Abd Hamid, “This initiative is aimed at ensuring smooth travel and reduce congestion and thus, supporting the Government’s call to preserve the environment as well.”

“As such, all cash transactions at Lima Kedai toll plaza will no longer be available. Electronic toll payments will ensure faster transactions at the toll plazas resulting in more convenience to highway users especially during festive seasons and long holidays.”

PLUS urges those who ply the Secondlink to get their PLUSMiles or Touch’n Go cards from any of the PLUS Customer Service Centres or petrol stations such as Petronas, Shell, Esso, Caltex and BHP in Johor Bahru.

-News courtesy of Plus-

Thursday 8 July 2010

Durian fair

Durian fair

The S’MART Durian Fair 2010 is at Supplier’S Mart (SMART) in Jalan Tebrau from now until August. Besides the D24, D101, D2 and D18 varieties, there will also be the Raja Kucing Hutan durian. Other fruits available at the fair are rambutan, mangosteen, longan, jackfruit and mango.

-Info courtesy of The Star-

Saturday 3 July 2010

Fashion week to promote the latest trends

Fashion week to promote the latest trends

Fashionistas here will get a rare treat when the latest fashion trends will be paraded by international models at Johor Baru City Square’s Fashion Week starting today.

Johor Baru City Square marketing and communications manager Irene Teo said the runway, measuring 45m, was the longest ever created for a fashion event at the shopping complex.

“There will be 12 participating outlets, covering footwear, apparel, accessories, sleepwear as well as bridalwear.

“The event will kick off with a footwear show at 5pm, displaying the latest Spring/Summer 2010 collection,” she said.

She said the three-day event was to promote the latest fashion to shoppers.

“Other than fashion shows, there will be violin and piano performances to entertain the crowd.

“There will also be booths set up around the runway area, where shoppers can buy the clothes and accessories they see on the model,” she said, adding that the mall intended to make the event an annual affair.

Photography enthusiasts can look forward to a photography contest held in conjunction with the fashion event.

“To enter, photographers are required to snap pictures of the fashion week, not only of the models but anything related to the event.

“There will be more than RM3,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs,” said Teo.

-News courtesy of The Star-

Thursday 1 July 2010

Mersing express bus


Departing from Mersing Johor, 8.30pm daily.
HP: 019-7216259 / 07-7998995