Malaysian Road Sign
Saturday 28 May 2011
Wednesday 25 May 2011
Budget airline’s southern hub flies to Kuching
Budget airline’s southern hub flies to Kuching
Budget airline Firefly commenced its inaugural flight from Senai International Airport to Kuching in Sarawak recently.
The twice-daily flight departs from Johor Bahru at 7.30am and 6.35pm respectively while the flights from Kuching to Johor Bahru are timed at 9.55am and 8.30pm.
The Johor Bahru-Kuching flight marks Firefly’s inaugural route from its southern hub.
From June 16, the airline will commence a twice daily return flight from Johor Bahru to Kota Kinabalu and both East Malaysian routes will operate using the Boeing 737-400 with a seating capacity of 162.
Firefly will go regional from its southern hub in August with flights to Surabaya and Bandung in Indonesia.
The company’s managing director Datuk Eddie Leong said tickets were already for sale and by the end of the year, the airline would commence flights from Johor Baru to Bangkok, Thailand.
“The introduction of Firefly’s services underline our commitment to develop Johor Bahru as our southern hub, offering Johoreans more travel choices and contribute significantly to the rapidly developing opportunities in commerce and tourism.
“Johor is a significant part of Firefly’s growth plan as our target market will now expand to mass passengers from the southern region, Singapore, Batam and transit passengers in East Malaysia,” he said.
Additional domestic flights have also been scheduled between Johor Bahru and Langkawi as well as Johor Bahru and Penang in conjunction with the school holidays in the second quarter of this year.
At Senai, flight FY816 took off at 7.30am with a 70% passenger load and touched down at Kuching International Airport at 8.55am.
The travel trade and media from Johor were among those onboard this inaugural flight.
They were greeted at the airport by children from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Negeri Sarawak and Salvation Army Kuching Children’s Home.
Sarawak Tourism Board’s CEO Datuk Rashid Khan led the welcoming party and children who greeted the passengers.
“I am pleased to welcome passengers from Johor Bahru to Kuching.
“At the same time, I also look forward to travel with Sarawakians to Johor Bahru on Firefly’s return flight,” said Rashid.
To date, Firefly has flown 3.6 million passengers. From its southern hub, the airlines is targeting to fly one million passengers by the end of 2012.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Budget airline Firefly commenced its inaugural flight from Senai International Airport to Kuching in Sarawak recently.
The twice-daily flight departs from Johor Bahru at 7.30am and 6.35pm respectively while the flights from Kuching to Johor Bahru are timed at 9.55am and 8.30pm.
The Johor Bahru-Kuching flight marks Firefly’s inaugural route from its southern hub.
From June 16, the airline will commence a twice daily return flight from Johor Bahru to Kota Kinabalu and both East Malaysian routes will operate using the Boeing 737-400 with a seating capacity of 162.
Firefly will go regional from its southern hub in August with flights to Surabaya and Bandung in Indonesia.
The company’s managing director Datuk Eddie Leong said tickets were already for sale and by the end of the year, the airline would commence flights from Johor Baru to Bangkok, Thailand.
“The introduction of Firefly’s services underline our commitment to develop Johor Bahru as our southern hub, offering Johoreans more travel choices and contribute significantly to the rapidly developing opportunities in commerce and tourism.
“Johor is a significant part of Firefly’s growth plan as our target market will now expand to mass passengers from the southern region, Singapore, Batam and transit passengers in East Malaysia,” he said.
Additional domestic flights have also been scheduled between Johor Bahru and Langkawi as well as Johor Bahru and Penang in conjunction with the school holidays in the second quarter of this year.
At Senai, flight FY816 took off at 7.30am with a 70% passenger load and touched down at Kuching International Airport at 8.55am.
The travel trade and media from Johor were among those onboard this inaugural flight.
They were greeted at the airport by children from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Negeri Sarawak and Salvation Army Kuching Children’s Home.
Sarawak Tourism Board’s CEO Datuk Rashid Khan led the welcoming party and children who greeted the passengers.
“I am pleased to welcome passengers from Johor Bahru to Kuching.
“At the same time, I also look forward to travel with Sarawakians to Johor Bahru on Firefly’s return flight,” said Rashid.
To date, Firefly has flown 3.6 million passengers. From its southern hub, the airlines is targeting to fly one million passengers by the end of 2012.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Saturday 21 May 2011
Cooling down in Kota Tinggi
Cooling down in Kota Tinggi
Scores of visitors are making a beeline to the waterfalls here to cool off from the scorching heat wave.
Kota Tinggi Waterfall Resort senior manager M. Rajah said the resort recorded a spike in visitors since the hot season started.
“We are currently receiving as many as 1,000 visitors a day and the number can reach up to 3,800 during weekends and public holidays,” he said.
Rajah added that most visitors were locals but they is also an increasing mumber of tourists from Singapore and foreign workers from Bangladesh, the Philippines and India.
Engineer Norawis Moh Hussin, 28, said submerging himself in the cooling waters under the waterfall was the best relief from the scorching sun.
“I stay about an hour away from the falls but decided to make the trip with 12 friends as we could not stand the heat,” he said, adding that it also a nice way to spend the Wesak Day holiday.
Fillipino Ernester Hernandez, 33, agreed that chilling underneath the cool foliage and dipping in the waterfall was the best way to escape the heat wave.
“I came with about a dozen friends as I heard from a colleague that the waterfalls here are beautiful and a great place to chill out,” said the procurement and expedite executive.
He said he preferred to cool off here instead of strolling through air-conditioned shopping malls.
Student, S.Renuka said the waterfalls are a regular retreat for her family, who lives about an hour away in Skudai. She added she mostly enjoyed dipping and playing in the shallower pools with her cousins.
Those interested to visit the resort can contact 07-8899222 or log on to www.owg.com.my.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Scores of visitors are making a beeline to the waterfalls here to cool off from the scorching heat wave.
Kota Tinggi Waterfall Resort senior manager M. Rajah said the resort recorded a spike in visitors since the hot season started.
“We are currently receiving as many as 1,000 visitors a day and the number can reach up to 3,800 during weekends and public holidays,” he said.
Rajah added that most visitors were locals but they is also an increasing mumber of tourists from Singapore and foreign workers from Bangladesh, the Philippines and India.
Engineer Norawis Moh Hussin, 28, said submerging himself in the cooling waters under the waterfall was the best relief from the scorching sun.
“I stay about an hour away from the falls but decided to make the trip with 12 friends as we could not stand the heat,” he said, adding that it also a nice way to spend the Wesak Day holiday.
Fillipino Ernester Hernandez, 33, agreed that chilling underneath the cool foliage and dipping in the waterfall was the best way to escape the heat wave.
“I came with about a dozen friends as I heard from a colleague that the waterfalls here are beautiful and a great place to chill out,” said the procurement and expedite executive.
He said he preferred to cool off here instead of strolling through air-conditioned shopping malls.
Student, S.Renuka said the waterfalls are a regular retreat for her family, who lives about an hour away in Skudai. She added she mostly enjoyed dipping and playing in the shallower pools with her cousins.
Those interested to visit the resort can contact 07-8899222 or log on to www.owg.com.my.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Relocation of Tg Pagar Train Station from July 1
Relocation of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station from July 1
The Tanjong Pagar Railway Station will be relocated to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint with effect from July 1.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the Bukit Timah Railway Station will cease all operations on that date.
And all arrival and departure trains will terminate and start at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
The Tanjong Pagar Railway Station will be relocated to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint with effect from July 1.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the Bukit Timah Railway Station will cease all operations on that date.
And all arrival and departure trains will terminate and start at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Sunday 15 May 2011
Saturday 14 May 2011
For ikebana lovers
For ikebana lovers
Ikebana enthusiasts can view over 30 creations at a special two-day event organised by the Ikebana International Johor Baru this month.
The club’s president Tunku Shahariah Tuanku Abdul Rahman said the yearly exhibition would take place at Mutiara Hotel here on May 27 and 28.
“Admission is free for exhibition and the ikebanas are creations by our members,” she said.
Beautiful decor: Tunku Shahariah (seated second from left) along with fellow members looking at a flower arrangement.
Tunku Shahariah added that the club would also be celebrating its 20th anniversary at the event.
“The anniversary celebrations would be graced by Raja Zarith Sofia Sultan Idris Shah on May 28,”she said.
And on the same day, the club would also be organising a gala dinner.
“We will auction off a happy tree brooch made of pearl during the dinner and the proceeds will go to the Japan disaster relief fund,” she said.
Ikebana is a Japanese art of floral arrangement using elements such as lines, space, mass and color.
For more information about the exhibition and ticket reservation for the dinner, the public can contact Shirley Cheah at 012-700 7830 or email shirlcmk@yahoo.com.sg.
In a separate function, members of the Ikebana International Johor Baru chapter had donated stationeries and toys to the sekolah kanak-kanak Istimewa Johor Baru.
During the event, Tunku Shahariah presented the gifts collected to the Johor Mentally Retarded Children Association president Datin Zahariah A. Hamid.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Ikebana enthusiasts can view over 30 creations at a special two-day event organised by the Ikebana International Johor Baru this month.
The club’s president Tunku Shahariah Tuanku Abdul Rahman said the yearly exhibition would take place at Mutiara Hotel here on May 27 and 28.
“Admission is free for exhibition and the ikebanas are creations by our members,” she said.
Beautiful decor: Tunku Shahariah (seated second from left) along with fellow members looking at a flower arrangement.
Tunku Shahariah added that the club would also be celebrating its 20th anniversary at the event.
“The anniversary celebrations would be graced by Raja Zarith Sofia Sultan Idris Shah on May 28,”she said.
And on the same day, the club would also be organising a gala dinner.
“We will auction off a happy tree brooch made of pearl during the dinner and the proceeds will go to the Japan disaster relief fund,” she said.
Ikebana is a Japanese art of floral arrangement using elements such as lines, space, mass and color.
For more information about the exhibition and ticket reservation for the dinner, the public can contact Shirley Cheah at 012-700 7830 or email shirlcmk@yahoo.com.sg.
In a separate function, members of the Ikebana International Johor Baru chapter had donated stationeries and toys to the sekolah kanak-kanak Istimewa Johor Baru.
During the event, Tunku Shahariah presented the gifts collected to the Johor Mentally Retarded Children Association president Datin Zahariah A. Hamid.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Emcee Jesz to rock down south
Emcee Jesz to rock down south
HOLD on to your seats as the first Tamil Rap concert by local artist Emcee Jesz will greet fans at the Johor Bahru Indoor Stadium on May 28.
Sultry-voiced pop diva Neha Bhasin from Bombay, India, and other Malaysian local stars such as Mc Loga, Young Ruff, Shamini, DJ Jolly, breakdancers Wakaka and Singapore dancers Pow Chicka Wow Wow are set to rock the stage at the concert dubbed Nerriki Sei South Side.
Emcee Jesz is a household name in the local and international scene and has been associated with the Tamil Rap world for a long time.
Having collaborated with big names like Yogi B and Natchatra (featuring him and Dr Burn) for the Vallavan album, Jesz later ventured out on his own and today has recorded 11 soundtracks for Tamil movies in India.
In the house: Jesz ready to greet fans.
Some of his notable hits for Tamil films include songs from Kuruvi, Laadam, 16days, Masilamani as well as his latest song Usumalarasi from the film Uthama Puthiran.
On May 25, 2009, his Tamil hip hop album Kavithai Gundar was released in Chennai, India.
It was a milestone for Emcee Jesz as he was the first Malaysian artist to get signed on by a major label, Studio 8 Production from India.
Known for his lyrics as well, he has held concerts in the United States, Sri Lanka, India, Singapore and London but lack of funds prevented him from performing a full-fledged Rap concert in Malaysia.
“Finally, I have the opportunity to organise a concert in Malaysia after the Malaysian Indian Youth Council stepped up to finance it. It is time to thank my fans,” he said.
According to him, this concert was first conceptualised in 2008 when the council approached him.
However, he had to put it on hold to complete his prior commitments.
Jesz decided to do it this year before his third album was released next month.
He chose Johor Baru as the first pit stop for the concert due to his large fan base in the state as well as neighbouring Singapore.
“The crew and target audience are there but, at the end of the year, I will organise a concert up north for the Penang and Ipoh fans,” he added.
This concert will be different and Jesz has promised a number of surprises.
Jesz said he will also be performing with Neha Bhasin for Apple Bottoms and Thanniye from her solo album and famed Indian music director Vijay Anthony may also turn up at the show.
Tickets are being sold in all major CD stores in Johor Baru and Singapore at RM30 and RM100 for VIP seats.
Others living in the Klang Valley can contact 010-821 1278 or visit www.facebook.com/emceejesz for more information.
~News courtesy of The Star~
HOLD on to your seats as the first Tamil Rap concert by local artist Emcee Jesz will greet fans at the Johor Bahru Indoor Stadium on May 28.
Sultry-voiced pop diva Neha Bhasin from Bombay, India, and other Malaysian local stars such as Mc Loga, Young Ruff, Shamini, DJ Jolly, breakdancers Wakaka and Singapore dancers Pow Chicka Wow Wow are set to rock the stage at the concert dubbed Nerriki Sei South Side.
Emcee Jesz is a household name in the local and international scene and has been associated with the Tamil Rap world for a long time.
Having collaborated with big names like Yogi B and Natchatra (featuring him and Dr Burn) for the Vallavan album, Jesz later ventured out on his own and today has recorded 11 soundtracks for Tamil movies in India.
In the house: Jesz ready to greet fans.Some of his notable hits for Tamil films include songs from Kuruvi, Laadam, 16days, Masilamani as well as his latest song Usumalarasi from the film Uthama Puthiran.
On May 25, 2009, his Tamil hip hop album Kavithai Gundar was released in Chennai, India.
It was a milestone for Emcee Jesz as he was the first Malaysian artist to get signed on by a major label, Studio 8 Production from India.
Known for his lyrics as well, he has held concerts in the United States, Sri Lanka, India, Singapore and London but lack of funds prevented him from performing a full-fledged Rap concert in Malaysia.
“Finally, I have the opportunity to organise a concert in Malaysia after the Malaysian Indian Youth Council stepped up to finance it. It is time to thank my fans,” he said.
According to him, this concert was first conceptualised in 2008 when the council approached him.
However, he had to put it on hold to complete his prior commitments.
Jesz decided to do it this year before his third album was released next month.
He chose Johor Baru as the first pit stop for the concert due to his large fan base in the state as well as neighbouring Singapore.
“The crew and target audience are there but, at the end of the year, I will organise a concert up north for the Penang and Ipoh fans,” he added.
This concert will be different and Jesz has promised a number of surprises.
Jesz said he will also be performing with Neha Bhasin for Apple Bottoms and Thanniye from her solo album and famed Indian music director Vijay Anthony may also turn up at the show.
Tickets are being sold in all major CD stores in Johor Baru and Singapore at RM30 and RM100 for VIP seats.
Others living in the Klang Valley can contact 010-821 1278 or visit www.facebook.com/emceejesz for more information.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Wednesday 11 May 2011
Taxi drivers to be Johor’s ambassadors
Taxi drivers to be Johor’s ambassadors
SENAI: Airport cabbies here are doubling up as part-time tour guides.
The initiative was undertaken by UEM Land Bhd by selecting taxi drivers at the Senai Airport as ambassadors to promote Nusajaya to tourists both domestic and foreign.
UEM Land Bhd’s strategic marketing general manager Zambry Ibrahim said the project was undertaken by the company to strengthen its ties with taxi drivers and promote attractions in Nusajaya.
“Taxi drivers are the frontliners for our tourism sector and we want them to reflect the image of Johor Baru especially to foreigners who frequent the airport,” he said after handing out uniforms, caps and pens to 120 taxi drivers at the airport.
He added that taxi drivers have always beeb helpful the company promote Nusajaya as they were knowledgeable about the attractions in the area.
“We can have all sorts of development and opportunities in Nusajaya but we need to find a way to relay that information to tourists and locals.
“Taxi drivers could help bridge the gap between the authorities and the society by sharing information to their customers,” he said.
Commenting on the subject, Senai Airport Taxi Driver Association president Abdul Razak Ibrahim said that his association members were honoured to be named the ambassadors of Nusajaya.
“Many tourists and locals often rely on us for information and hopefully we will be more up to date through this initiative with UEM Land Bhd.”
He added that the taxi drivers would try their best to promote the current and upcoming projects in Nusajaya to all their passengers.
~News courtesy of The Star~
SENAI: Airport cabbies here are doubling up as part-time tour guides.
The initiative was undertaken by UEM Land Bhd by selecting taxi drivers at the Senai Airport as ambassadors to promote Nusajaya to tourists both domestic and foreign.
UEM Land Bhd’s strategic marketing general manager Zambry Ibrahim said the project was undertaken by the company to strengthen its ties with taxi drivers and promote attractions in Nusajaya.
“Taxi drivers are the frontliners for our tourism sector and we want them to reflect the image of Johor Baru especially to foreigners who frequent the airport,” he said after handing out uniforms, caps and pens to 120 taxi drivers at the airport.
He added that taxi drivers have always beeb helpful the company promote Nusajaya as they were knowledgeable about the attractions in the area.
“We can have all sorts of development and opportunities in Nusajaya but we need to find a way to relay that information to tourists and locals.
“Taxi drivers could help bridge the gap between the authorities and the society by sharing information to their customers,” he said.
Commenting on the subject, Senai Airport Taxi Driver Association president Abdul Razak Ibrahim said that his association members were honoured to be named the ambassadors of Nusajaya.
“Many tourists and locals often rely on us for information and hopefully we will be more up to date through this initiative with UEM Land Bhd.”
He added that the taxi drivers would try their best to promote the current and upcoming projects in Nusajaya to all their passengers.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Hot spell likely to ease next week
Hot spell likely to ease next week
THE rising temperature now is caused by reduced air humidity and rainfall in the region caused by tropical storm Aere in northern Philippines that blew hot air to the country, said Malaysian Meteorological Department (Met) weather forecasting director Saw Bun Liong.
Saw told Bernama that the current hot spell in the peninsula was only temporary and likely to ease next week.
He said the hot spell was, however, normal in May and the temperatures recorded were lower than during the same period in 1998.
The country has beem experiencing warm weather since May 6. The highest temperature recorded throughout the country since May 6 is 36.2°C.
Cooling off: Children playing at the pool at Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers due to the hot weather recently. — By AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star.
The department will continue to monitor the situation continuously round the clock and will alert the National Security Council if any action needs to be taken.
Saw advised the public to avoid open burning, reduce outdoor activities and drink a lot of water.
According to information posted on the department’s website, Malaysia is now experiencing inter-monsoon season which will last until the end of the month..
During this period the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah will occasionally experience thunderstorms and heavy rain in the afternoon and fair weather over the eastern states of the peninsula.
Subsequently, the South-West Monsoon is expected from June to September. The South-West Mon-soon is comparatively drier throughout the country and this is attributed to relatively stable atmospheric condition due to less intense convective development.
It was also stated that the current La Nina condition is expected to continue weakening in the coming months and the weather will be back to normal by June.
The hot spell has resulted in more people staying indoors and drinking more water and switching on the air-conditioners.
Electrical product retailers like Courts and Harvey Norman confirmed that they had recorded an increase in sale of air-conditioners in recent weeks.
Consumers are spoilt for choice as the retailers are running promotions by air-conditioner brands like Panasonic, York, Mitsubishi and LG.
A spokesman from the Seri Andalas Fire and Rescue Department in Klang said they had received instructions to monitor the Kampung Johan Setia area, which is prone to peat fires during a drought and farmers conducting open burning of jungle waste.
“We have yet to receive any complaints about fires in the area.
“But the department has recorded fewer forest fires this year compared with previous years because we have taken early preventive measures and carry out regular monitoring,” he said.
At press time, Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd could not be contacted for comments on the water level at the dams in Sungai Langat, Klang Gates and Tasik Subang.
~News courtesy of The Star~
THE rising temperature now is caused by reduced air humidity and rainfall in the region caused by tropical storm Aere in northern Philippines that blew hot air to the country, said Malaysian Meteorological Department (Met) weather forecasting director Saw Bun Liong.
Saw told Bernama that the current hot spell in the peninsula was only temporary and likely to ease next week.
He said the hot spell was, however, normal in May and the temperatures recorded were lower than during the same period in 1998.
The country has beem experiencing warm weather since May 6. The highest temperature recorded throughout the country since May 6 is 36.2°C.
Cooling off: Children playing at the pool at Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers due to the hot weather recently. — By AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star.
The department will continue to monitor the situation continuously round the clock and will alert the National Security Council if any action needs to be taken.
Saw advised the public to avoid open burning, reduce outdoor activities and drink a lot of water.
According to information posted on the department’s website, Malaysia is now experiencing inter-monsoon season which will last until the end of the month..
During this period the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah will occasionally experience thunderstorms and heavy rain in the afternoon and fair weather over the eastern states of the peninsula.
Subsequently, the South-West Monsoon is expected from June to September. The South-West Mon-soon is comparatively drier throughout the country and this is attributed to relatively stable atmospheric condition due to less intense convective development.
It was also stated that the current La Nina condition is expected to continue weakening in the coming months and the weather will be back to normal by June.
The hot spell has resulted in more people staying indoors and drinking more water and switching on the air-conditioners.
Electrical product retailers like Courts and Harvey Norman confirmed that they had recorded an increase in sale of air-conditioners in recent weeks.
Consumers are spoilt for choice as the retailers are running promotions by air-conditioner brands like Panasonic, York, Mitsubishi and LG.
A spokesman from the Seri Andalas Fire and Rescue Department in Klang said they had received instructions to monitor the Kampung Johan Setia area, which is prone to peat fires during a drought and farmers conducting open burning of jungle waste.
“We have yet to receive any complaints about fires in the area.
“But the department has recorded fewer forest fires this year compared with previous years because we have taken early preventive measures and carry out regular monitoring,” he said.
At press time, Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd could not be contacted for comments on the water level at the dams in Sungai Langat, Klang Gates and Tasik Subang.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Drinks cost the same despite sugar price hike
Drinks to cost the same despite sugar price increase, say restaurant operators
GEORGE TOWN: Muslim restaurants will not be increasing the prices of their drinks although sugar now costs an extra 20 sen per kilo.
Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Noorul Hassan Saul Hameed said its 3,700 members would not increase the prices of drinks.
“We can easily absorb the cost,” he said yesterday.
He said restaurant operators had already reduced the amount of sugar in drinks following the Government's call for the public to consume less sugar.
“Our customers are also asking for less sugar in their drinks,” he added.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohd Zain Mohd Dom had announced that the price of coarse and fine sugar would be increased by 20 sen to RM2.30 per kilo.
Coffeeshops in Sibu have also pledged to maintain the prices of their drinks for the time being.
However, Sibu Coffeeshop and Restaurant Owners Association chairman Tong Ing Kok said it would have to consider any appeal from members for a price increase.
“The prices of other ingredients for drinks such as condensed milk, evaporated milk and coffee powder have also increased,” he added.
Tong said the per-carton price of condensed milk had increased from RM124.40 to about RM148 and evaporated milk from RM105.80 to about RM127.
He added that the price of coffee powder had increased from RM17 to RM22 per kilo.
“With or without a price increase, I strongly urge our members to maintain standards and not reduce the quality of their drinks, which can result in them losing customers,” he said, advising members to comply with the association's price list on drinks.
Malaysian Chinese Food Consumers Association vice-chairman Chia Yuk Koay said he had not received any feedback from his members on the sugar price increase.
~News courtesy of The Star~
GEORGE TOWN: Muslim restaurants will not be increasing the prices of their drinks although sugar now costs an extra 20 sen per kilo.
Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Noorul Hassan Saul Hameed said its 3,700 members would not increase the prices of drinks.
“We can easily absorb the cost,” he said yesterday.
He said restaurant operators had already reduced the amount of sugar in drinks following the Government's call for the public to consume less sugar.
“Our customers are also asking for less sugar in their drinks,” he added.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohd Zain Mohd Dom had announced that the price of coarse and fine sugar would be increased by 20 sen to RM2.30 per kilo.
Coffeeshops in Sibu have also pledged to maintain the prices of their drinks for the time being.
However, Sibu Coffeeshop and Restaurant Owners Association chairman Tong Ing Kok said it would have to consider any appeal from members for a price increase.
“The prices of other ingredients for drinks such as condensed milk, evaporated milk and coffee powder have also increased,” he added.
Tong said the per-carton price of condensed milk had increased from RM124.40 to about RM148 and evaporated milk from RM105.80 to about RM127.
He added that the price of coffee powder had increased from RM17 to RM22 per kilo.
“With or without a price increase, I strongly urge our members to maintain standards and not reduce the quality of their drinks, which can result in them losing customers,” he said, advising members to comply with the association's price list on drinks.
Malaysian Chinese Food Consumers Association vice-chairman Chia Yuk Koay said he had not received any feedback from his members on the sugar price increase.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Monday 9 May 2011
Wednesday 4 May 2011
Security tightens after Osama's death
Malaysia tightens security after Osama's death
KUALA LUMPUR: One day after the US announced that the death of its most wanted man, several governments around the world tightened security against possible retaliation from terror networks linked to Al Qaeda. Malaysia has also heightened security in key areas.
Speaking after meeting the visiting Indian Foreigh Minister SM Krishna, Malaysia's Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said a special counter terrorism taskforce is working closely with regional and international intelligence agencies to stay on top of the situation.
Mr Hishamuddin said: "Right now we have not seen any movement that will concern us...I can give assurance as of today there's no concern. Malaysia was never a target at the moment. I believe they have no plan making malaysia a target."
Malaysia recently set up a joint working committee with India to combat terrorism, arms smuggling, as well as human and drug trafficking. It is also actively sharing information with the US, UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia and China on cross border terror links.
The minister denied that Malaysia is seen as a breeding ground for regional terror networks.
He said: "It was never been seen as breeding ground. There's no room for them to breed, to train terrorism. But the world is porous now. Anywhere they exist, they move, they are mobile, they do end up on our shores and some stayed on."
Still the Malaysian authorities are not taking chances. The police have stepped up security measures at strategic locations in and around the capital, in particular the embassy enclave in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia is also putting in place a better mechanism to screen foreigners at entry checkpoints. This after reports that terror suspects were infiltrating Malaysian schools and institutions of higher learning to recruit students.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
KUALA LUMPUR: One day after the US announced that the death of its most wanted man, several governments around the world tightened security against possible retaliation from terror networks linked to Al Qaeda. Malaysia has also heightened security in key areas.
Speaking after meeting the visiting Indian Foreigh Minister SM Krishna, Malaysia's Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said a special counter terrorism taskforce is working closely with regional and international intelligence agencies to stay on top of the situation.
Mr Hishamuddin said: "Right now we have not seen any movement that will concern us...I can give assurance as of today there's no concern. Malaysia was never a target at the moment. I believe they have no plan making malaysia a target."
Malaysia recently set up a joint working committee with India to combat terrorism, arms smuggling, as well as human and drug trafficking. It is also actively sharing information with the US, UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia and China on cross border terror links.
The minister denied that Malaysia is seen as a breeding ground for regional terror networks.
He said: "It was never been seen as breeding ground. There's no room for them to breed, to train terrorism. But the world is porous now. Anywhere they exist, they move, they are mobile, they do end up on our shores and some stayed on."
Still the Malaysian authorities are not taking chances. The police have stepped up security measures at strategic locations in and around the capital, in particular the embassy enclave in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia is also putting in place a better mechanism to screen foreigners at entry checkpoints. This after reports that terror suspects were infiltrating Malaysian schools and institutions of higher learning to recruit students.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Monday 2 May 2011
Eco-Challenge route lengthened
Eco-Challenge route lengthened
PARTICIPANTS for the fourth Sultan Ahmad Shah International Eco-Challenge in Pulau Tioman will be covering a longer course.
The challenge will take place on May 14. Its organising chairman Lt Kol Datuk Seri Tengku Kamarulzaman Sultan Abu Bakar said they have increased the distance from 24km to 30km for the event starting at Berjaya Tioman Resort.
“It will be another new adventure for the athletes tackling a different course and an additional six kilometres. Although the island resort provides an ideal setting for the participants to appreciate the scenic natural landscape, the first half of the race is going to be tough. We have intentionally designed the second sector approaching the home stretch to be easier,” he added.
The participants will have to reach the 16km mark within the six-hour cut-off period.
Good luck: Lt Kol Tengku Kamarulzaman (right) greeting the participants at the start of the race last year.
Event director Lt Kol Datuk Thong Kok Sing said they have mapped out the course for the participants to overcome a major first hurdle with an uphill climb over a 474-metre high hill before passing the first quarter mark of the race.
“They will also have to endure the undulating course and rocky terrain including crossing three rivers in the first half of the race,” he added.
This year’s race has been named “The Royal Race” and the route also includes Kampung Nipah located at the south of the island.
The palace at the village where the late Al-Marhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar resided during his visits to the island is rated as one of the key attractions.
The organisers are also continuing the initiative in highlighting the conservation efforts at the Teluk Seri Intan turtle sanctuary.
“The event is a regular feature in Pahang’s annual eco-tourism calendar. It has gained the reputation as a well organised event with regular participants and new faces. We have also been providing adequate medical support to ensure the safety of the participants,” said Tengku Kamarulzaman, adding that they have also received tremendous support from the relevant authorities in hosting the event.
The organisers can accommodate up to 250 competitors and thus far over 200 participants have signed up in four categories. A total purse of RM10,000 will be offered to the top five men and women finishers in the international category.
In addition, there is a total prize money of RM9,150 for the top 10 local competitors in the men and women sections.
For details, visit www.eco-challenge.com.my
~News courtesy of The Star~
PARTICIPANTS for the fourth Sultan Ahmad Shah International Eco-Challenge in Pulau Tioman will be covering a longer course.
The challenge will take place on May 14. Its organising chairman Lt Kol Datuk Seri Tengku Kamarulzaman Sultan Abu Bakar said they have increased the distance from 24km to 30km for the event starting at Berjaya Tioman Resort.
“It will be another new adventure for the athletes tackling a different course and an additional six kilometres. Although the island resort provides an ideal setting for the participants to appreciate the scenic natural landscape, the first half of the race is going to be tough. We have intentionally designed the second sector approaching the home stretch to be easier,” he added.
The participants will have to reach the 16km mark within the six-hour cut-off period.
Good luck: Lt Kol Tengku Kamarulzaman (right) greeting the participants at the start of the race last year.
Event director Lt Kol Datuk Thong Kok Sing said they have mapped out the course for the participants to overcome a major first hurdle with an uphill climb over a 474-metre high hill before passing the first quarter mark of the race.
“They will also have to endure the undulating course and rocky terrain including crossing three rivers in the first half of the race,” he added.
This year’s race has been named “The Royal Race” and the route also includes Kampung Nipah located at the south of the island.
The palace at the village where the late Al-Marhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar resided during his visits to the island is rated as one of the key attractions.
The organisers are also continuing the initiative in highlighting the conservation efforts at the Teluk Seri Intan turtle sanctuary.
“The event is a regular feature in Pahang’s annual eco-tourism calendar. It has gained the reputation as a well organised event with regular participants and new faces. We have also been providing adequate medical support to ensure the safety of the participants,” said Tengku Kamarulzaman, adding that they have also received tremendous support from the relevant authorities in hosting the event.
The organisers can accommodate up to 250 competitors and thus far over 200 participants have signed up in four categories. A total purse of RM10,000 will be offered to the top five men and women finishers in the international category.
In addition, there is a total prize money of RM9,150 for the top 10 local competitors in the men and women sections.
For details, visit www.eco-challenge.com.my
~News courtesy of The Star~
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