Wednesday 25 December 2013
Sunday 22 December 2013
Pasar tani's new image could boost tourism
Pasar tani's new image could boost tourism
I had the opportunity to attend the state-level launch of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority's (Fama) pasar tani recently to learn about the new image makeover.
The event, which took place at the pasar tani in Bandar Baru Uda, here, was launched by Tanjung Puteri assemblyman Datuk Adam Sumiru.
It was a joyous occasion for the traders as the pulasan, rambutan, jackfruit, guava and other locally-grown fruits they were selling, were quickly snapped up.
From the feedback that I gathered, the traders are certainly looking forward to a brighter future now that the pasar tani has a new image.
The stalls will sport tablecloths of different colours according to the type of products sold. The colour of the canopies will also be changed.
I was informed by state Fama director Faridulatrash Md Mokri that the move was aimed at providing convenience for shoppers.
He said the market had been around for 28 years.
Fama introduced the usage of coloured tablecloths two years after the inception of pasar tani.
However, tablecloths of the same colour was used for all types of products.
After 26 years, Fama decided that it was time for the pasar tani to have a new image.
Fama is also placing more emphasis on the quality of goods sold at the markets.
I remember the pasar tani stall had blue and green canopies or blue canopies and blue tablecloths. Every stall looked the same from afar.
Therefore, I am happy with the new image.
I think colour-coded tablecloths will help shoppers to save time because they can go directly to the right stalls to look for the items that they want to buy.
Informative banners with the traders' names and phone numbers will be used as backdrops, making it easy for shoppers to get in touch with them.
Fruit trader Fadilah Ismail, 41, said this would give traders more business opportunities, especially when fruits are in season.
Those in the food business will also be able to make more money when their services are required for events or functions.
The new image will be implemented in stages at the state's 58 pasar tani.
A new image for pasar tani is timely as Visit Malaysia Year 2014 is approaching.
Besides catering to locals, pasar tani which are clean and attractivecan also serve as tourist attractions.
For example, when I went to Kota Kinabalu, the Filipino market was recommended to me as one of the shopping destinations.
I hope the new image of pasar tani will boost business opportunites for traders and be a boon for the tourism industry as well.
Shoppers snapping up local fruits.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
I had the opportunity to attend the state-level launch of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority's (Fama) pasar tani recently to learn about the new image makeover.
The event, which took place at the pasar tani in Bandar Baru Uda, here, was launched by Tanjung Puteri assemblyman Datuk Adam Sumiru.
It was a joyous occasion for the traders as the pulasan, rambutan, jackfruit, guava and other locally-grown fruits they were selling, were quickly snapped up.
From the feedback that I gathered, the traders are certainly looking forward to a brighter future now that the pasar tani has a new image.
The stalls will sport tablecloths of different colours according to the type of products sold. The colour of the canopies will also be changed.
I was informed by state Fama director Faridulatrash Md Mokri that the move was aimed at providing convenience for shoppers.
He said the market had been around for 28 years.
Fama introduced the usage of coloured tablecloths two years after the inception of pasar tani.
However, tablecloths of the same colour was used for all types of products.
After 26 years, Fama decided that it was time for the pasar tani to have a new image.
Fama is also placing more emphasis on the quality of goods sold at the markets.
I remember the pasar tani stall had blue and green canopies or blue canopies and blue tablecloths. Every stall looked the same from afar.
Therefore, I am happy with the new image.
I think colour-coded tablecloths will help shoppers to save time because they can go directly to the right stalls to look for the items that they want to buy.
Informative banners with the traders' names and phone numbers will be used as backdrops, making it easy for shoppers to get in touch with them.
Fruit trader Fadilah Ismail, 41, said this would give traders more business opportunities, especially when fruits are in season.
Those in the food business will also be able to make more money when their services are required for events or functions.
The new image will be implemented in stages at the state's 58 pasar tani.
A new image for pasar tani is timely as Visit Malaysia Year 2014 is approaching.
Besides catering to locals, pasar tani which are clean and attractivecan also serve as tourist attractions.
For example, when I went to Kota Kinabalu, the Filipino market was recommended to me as one of the shopping destinations.
I hope the new image of pasar tani will boost business opportunites for traders and be a boon for the tourism industry as well.
Shoppers snapping up local fruits.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Wednesday 18 December 2013
Johor, a popular destination
Johor, a popular destination
The Puteri Harbour Theme Park, Legoland Malaysia and the Johor Premium Outlets are tourism magnets for the state
JOHOR'S year-end tourism market is flourishing as a result of regular arrivals from Singapore and the influx of Indonesian visitors following the availability of a direct flight connecting the Senai International Airport and several Indonesian cities.
This despite a sharp drop in Chinese visitors as the newly-introduced no shopping policy in tour packages implemented by China has led to a sharp rise in the price of tour packages, thus making it expensive for them to visit Malaysia.
The arrival of Japanese tourists are also dropping, probably because of the bad economic outlook next year.
Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong said the Puteri Harbour Theme Park, Legoland Malaysia and the Johor Premium Outlets remained the biggest tourism magnet in Johor.
"Singaporeans remain our biggest market.
"However, their pattern of travelling has changed recently, probably due to an increase in awareness on logistic availability through travel websites.
"Now, they travel in small groups on their own, and no longer on tour coaches.
"They book their accommodation in advance," he said.
Leong said the convenience and reliability of tourism-related services in Johor had taken a quantum leap over the years, which explained why independent travellers could travel on their own without having to join a tour package.
He said information on travel web sites made it easier for foreigners travelling to Johor.
"Flight connectivity has also brought in tourists. The Senai Airport is now connected to Bandung, Jakarta, Surabaya and Pekan Baru.
"Now, Indonesians do not have to land at Changi or Kuala Lumpur to get to Johor.
"The flight connectivity will also enable Indonesian travel agents to tie up with our travel agencies, hotels and other related sectors.
"The spillover effect is marvellous.
"In fact, I was told that Senai will be linked to more cities in neighbouring countries in future.
"This is good as far as tourism development is concerned, especially for tour guides," he added.
Legoland is a popular attraction with a steady stream of visitors.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
The Puteri Harbour Theme Park, Legoland Malaysia and the Johor Premium Outlets are tourism magnets for the state
JOHOR'S year-end tourism market is flourishing as a result of regular arrivals from Singapore and the influx of Indonesian visitors following the availability of a direct flight connecting the Senai International Airport and several Indonesian cities.
This despite a sharp drop in Chinese visitors as the newly-introduced no shopping policy in tour packages implemented by China has led to a sharp rise in the price of tour packages, thus making it expensive for them to visit Malaysia.
The arrival of Japanese tourists are also dropping, probably because of the bad economic outlook next year.
Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong said the Puteri Harbour Theme Park, Legoland Malaysia and the Johor Premium Outlets remained the biggest tourism magnet in Johor.
"Singaporeans remain our biggest market.
"However, their pattern of travelling has changed recently, probably due to an increase in awareness on logistic availability through travel websites.
"Now, they travel in small groups on their own, and no longer on tour coaches.
"They book their accommodation in advance," he said.
Leong said the convenience and reliability of tourism-related services in Johor had taken a quantum leap over the years, which explained why independent travellers could travel on their own without having to join a tour package.
He said information on travel web sites made it easier for foreigners travelling to Johor.
"Flight connectivity has also brought in tourists. The Senai Airport is now connected to Bandung, Jakarta, Surabaya and Pekan Baru.
"Now, Indonesians do not have to land at Changi or Kuala Lumpur to get to Johor.
"The flight connectivity will also enable Indonesian travel agents to tie up with our travel agencies, hotels and other related sectors.
"The spillover effect is marvellous.
"In fact, I was told that Senai will be linked to more cities in neighbouring countries in future.
"This is good as far as tourism development is concerned, especially for tour guides," he added.
Legoland is a popular attraction with a steady stream of visitors.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Get a taste of local crafts
Get a taste of local crafts
Kraftangan Malaysia under the Tourism and Culture Ministry is having a Malaysian Craft Promotion at Angsana Johor Baru Mall until Dec 25.
"At the same time, this will encourage more people to embrace our own crafts. Visitors will also be able to get information on the products available there."
Some 292 craft entrepreneurs from nationwide are involved with the promotion here.
Other activities are fashion show, new products showcase, craft and traditional kuih demonstration, interactive craft, sales and art performances.
The carnival is held from 10am till 10pm daily. For more information, call 07-235 0433 or visit www.kraftangan.gov.my
A visitor looking at food covers made from rattan.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Kraftangan Malaysia under the Tourism and Culture Ministry is having a Malaysian Craft Promotion at Angsana Johor Baru Mall until Dec 25.
"At the same time, this will encourage more people to embrace our own crafts. Visitors will also be able to get information on the products available there."
Some 292 craft entrepreneurs from nationwide are involved with the promotion here.
Other activities are fashion show, new products showcase, craft and traditional kuih demonstration, interactive craft, sales and art performances.
The carnival is held from 10am till 10pm daily. For more information, call 07-235 0433 or visit www.kraftangan.gov.my
A visitor looking at food covers made from rattan.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Monday 9 December 2013
The fun begins at Legoland Hotel
The fun begins at Legoland Hotel
LEGOLAND Hotel Malaysia is now open for business, and guests can enjoy the numerous facilities and experience the interactive learning process right from its doorsteps.
Finding one's way to the hotel is a breeze, as there are many signboards along the roads.
Visitors will spot the hotel almost immediately, thanks to its bright-coloured exterior.
There are more than 150 parking bays in the basement and it is free of charge.
At the driveway, guests can already spot Legoland's mascot Ollie the Dragon poking through the roof, and giant Lego minifigures guarding the entrance.
The lobby area is a children's paradise. There are play areas in the lobby and in front of Bricks Family Restaurant, with more than 100,000 Lego and Duplo bricks.
There is also an X-Box 360 video console where children and adults can keep themselves entertained, if they decide to stay indoors.
There are two structures -- a castle and a pirate ship -- built with Lego bricks in the lobby which will keep the children busy, while the adults are busy checking in at the reception. Guests are welcomed with a frenzy flavoured drink.
There are more than 12,000 minifigures lined up behind the counter.
There are numerous picture opportunities all over the hotel.
Key-cards are required to access the rooms and lifts.
The lifts are also Lego-themed and feature funky disco music.
The six-storey, four-star Legoland Hotel has 249 rooms. Seven are Pirate-themed deluxe rooms and eight are Kingdom suites. There are also seven connecting standard rooms.
All rooms include a king-sized bed and a separate sleeping area for up to three children, complete with a bunk bed, pull-out trundle bed, and an entertainment set.
The walls, carpets, beds, soft furnishings and fittings come with Lego features that will definitely keep both adults and children occupied.
Another interesting feature is the treasure box. There is question sheet with four questions. The answers to the questions can be found in the room.
Guests who have the four correct numbers can open the treasure box to reveal the treasure, which consists of free Lego merchandise.
The rooms are comfortable with coffee- or tea-making facilities, and a mini fridge.
Additional fixtures include lowered sinks and mirrors for children's convenience.
Legoland Hotel's Bricks Family Restaurant has a capacity of 465 pax, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a buffet spread.
Chef Abraham Lingcorn prepares delicious local, western and fusion dishes.
There is a separate island within the restaurant for children which offers tasty favourites such as miniature sandwiches, burgers, nuggets, lots of deserts and a chocolate fudge counter.
Other facilities in the hotel include a Skyline Bar, Lego retail outlet, courtyard gardens, business centre, surau, handicapped friendly guest rooms, luggage storage and wi-fi services.
Basic room rates start from RM400++ for a family room of five and includes breakfast.
Legoland Hotel director Sean S.L. Choo said hotel guests should take advantage of a current promotion which offers a two-day combo ticket which allows unrestricted movement to both the theme and water parks at the price of one.
A day adult combo ticket is priced at RM150 (aged between 12 and 59) and RM120 for the child combo (aged 3 to 11)/senior citizens (aged 60 and above).
Choo also said attractive packages that included discounted entrance tickets to the Legoland theme or water park, could be tailor-made to meet guests' requirements.
Bookings can be made at www.legoland.com.my/en/Hotel/Home/. Legoland annual pass holders can book room-only packages at a special rate by calling 07-597 8888.
Legoland Hotel’s Bricks Family Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
LEGOLAND Hotel Malaysia is now open for business, and guests can enjoy the numerous facilities and experience the interactive learning process right from its doorsteps.
Finding one's way to the hotel is a breeze, as there are many signboards along the roads.
Visitors will spot the hotel almost immediately, thanks to its bright-coloured exterior.
There are more than 150 parking bays in the basement and it is free of charge.
At the driveway, guests can already spot Legoland's mascot Ollie the Dragon poking through the roof, and giant Lego minifigures guarding the entrance.
The lobby area is a children's paradise. There are play areas in the lobby and in front of Bricks Family Restaurant, with more than 100,000 Lego and Duplo bricks.
There is also an X-Box 360 video console where children and adults can keep themselves entertained, if they decide to stay indoors.
There are two structures -- a castle and a pirate ship -- built with Lego bricks in the lobby which will keep the children busy, while the adults are busy checking in at the reception. Guests are welcomed with a frenzy flavoured drink.
There are more than 12,000 minifigures lined up behind the counter.
There are numerous picture opportunities all over the hotel.
Key-cards are required to access the rooms and lifts.
The lifts are also Lego-themed and feature funky disco music.
The six-storey, four-star Legoland Hotel has 249 rooms. Seven are Pirate-themed deluxe rooms and eight are Kingdom suites. There are also seven connecting standard rooms.
All rooms include a king-sized bed and a separate sleeping area for up to three children, complete with a bunk bed, pull-out trundle bed, and an entertainment set.
The walls, carpets, beds, soft furnishings and fittings come with Lego features that will definitely keep both adults and children occupied.
Another interesting feature is the treasure box. There is question sheet with four questions. The answers to the questions can be found in the room.
Guests who have the four correct numbers can open the treasure box to reveal the treasure, which consists of free Lego merchandise.
The rooms are comfortable with coffee- or tea-making facilities, and a mini fridge.
Additional fixtures include lowered sinks and mirrors for children's convenience.
Legoland Hotel's Bricks Family Restaurant has a capacity of 465 pax, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a buffet spread.
Chef Abraham Lingcorn prepares delicious local, western and fusion dishes.
There is a separate island within the restaurant for children which offers tasty favourites such as miniature sandwiches, burgers, nuggets, lots of deserts and a chocolate fudge counter.
Other facilities in the hotel include a Skyline Bar, Lego retail outlet, courtyard gardens, business centre, surau, handicapped friendly guest rooms, luggage storage and wi-fi services.
Basic room rates start from RM400++ for a family room of five and includes breakfast.
Legoland Hotel director Sean S.L. Choo said hotel guests should take advantage of a current promotion which offers a two-day combo ticket which allows unrestricted movement to both the theme and water parks at the price of one.
A day adult combo ticket is priced at RM150 (aged between 12 and 59) and RM120 for the child combo (aged 3 to 11)/senior citizens (aged 60 and above).
Choo also said attractive packages that included discounted entrance tickets to the Legoland theme or water park, could be tailor-made to meet guests' requirements.
Bookings can be made at www.legoland.com.my/en/Hotel/Home/. Legoland annual pass holders can book room-only packages at a special rate by calling 07-597 8888.
Legoland Hotel’s Bricks Family Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Friday 6 December 2013
AirAsia offers new JB-Bandung route
AirAsia offers new JB-Bandung route
Budget airline AirAsia has strengthened its position in its southern hub with the launch of flights between Bandung and here.
Chief executive officer Aireen Omar said the route is the third from here after Jakarta and Surabaya.
She added that there would be four flights weekly -- on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday -- between the two cities.
"Johor Baru is an important hub for AirAsia. It has much potential for development and to date, we have flown more than 600,000 passengers from Senai International Airport.
"It is hoped that the flights to Bandung will strengthen the carrier's cooperation with Senai International Airport and offer the community even more choices from our vast network," she said after welcoming the inaugural flight passengers from Bandung.
The event was also held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of AirAsia's cooperation with Senai International Airport recently.
Also present were AirAsia's commercial director Datuk Bernard Francis and Senai International Airport deputy chief executive officer Safuan Basir.
Details of the flights to and from Bandung can be obtained from www.airasia.com. Bernama
Aireen Omar (front row, fourth from right) with Safuan Basir (on her left) cutting the cake to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the airline’s cooperation with Senai International Airport.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Budget airline AirAsia has strengthened its position in its southern hub with the launch of flights between Bandung and here.
Chief executive officer Aireen Omar said the route is the third from here after Jakarta and Surabaya.
She added that there would be four flights weekly -- on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday -- between the two cities.
"Johor Baru is an important hub for AirAsia. It has much potential for development and to date, we have flown more than 600,000 passengers from Senai International Airport.
"It is hoped that the flights to Bandung will strengthen the carrier's cooperation with Senai International Airport and offer the community even more choices from our vast network," she said after welcoming the inaugural flight passengers from Bandung.
The event was also held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of AirAsia's cooperation with Senai International Airport recently.
Also present were AirAsia's commercial director Datuk Bernard Francis and Senai International Airport deputy chief executive officer Safuan Basir.
Details of the flights to and from Bandung can be obtained from www.airasia.com. Bernama
Aireen Omar (front row, fourth from right) with Safuan Basir (on her left) cutting the cake to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the airline’s cooperation with Senai International Airport.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Back scrubs to wash away stress
Back scrubs to wash away stress
If you are in the mood to pamper yourself, drop into the Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa for a back scrub.
Among the popular scrubs the spa offers are citrus salt, Balinese Boreh and Javanese Lulur.
Spa supervisor Noorshamila Mohd Nor, 29, said the Balinese Boreh soothes tired muscles and joints; and improves blood ciruculation, as well as aid the digestive system.
"The citrus salt scrub consists of an aromatic oil blend, citrus and sea salt, while the Balinese Boreh uses a mix of spices such as ginger, clove, cinnamon and ground rice," she said, adding that the spa has six therapists.
As for the Javanese Lulur, Noorshamila said the treatment uses a body paste made out of sandalwood, turmeric, and rice powder to exfoliate and 'polish' the skin.
Besides back scrubs, the spa also offers facials, foot spa, its signature Pulai massage and a therapeutic back massage.
The spa, located near Bandar Penawar, opens from 9am to 8pm from Sundays to Thursdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, the spa operates from 9am to 10pm.
For details, call 07-822 2222.
A relaxed ambience greets patrons at the spa.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
If you are in the mood to pamper yourself, drop into the Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa for a back scrub.
Among the popular scrubs the spa offers are citrus salt, Balinese Boreh and Javanese Lulur.
Spa supervisor Noorshamila Mohd Nor, 29, said the Balinese Boreh soothes tired muscles and joints; and improves blood ciruculation, as well as aid the digestive system.
"The citrus salt scrub consists of an aromatic oil blend, citrus and sea salt, while the Balinese Boreh uses a mix of spices such as ginger, clove, cinnamon and ground rice," she said, adding that the spa has six therapists.
As for the Javanese Lulur, Noorshamila said the treatment uses a body paste made out of sandalwood, turmeric, and rice powder to exfoliate and 'polish' the skin.
Besides back scrubs, the spa also offers facials, foot spa, its signature Pulai massage and a therapeutic back massage.
The spa, located near Bandar Penawar, opens from 9am to 8pm from Sundays to Thursdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, the spa operates from 9am to 10pm.
For details, call 07-822 2222.
A relaxed ambience greets patrons at the spa.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Mersing: Don't swim in sea, tourists advised
Don't swim in sea, tourists advise
Tourists have been warned against swimming along Pantai Air Papan here during the prevailing rainy season.
Air Papan village head Mohd Asri Jaffar said the tourists need to take note of the red flag warning and signboards that prohibit them from swimming in the sea.
He said the choppy water is dangerous for swimmers.
"They should not swim during the monsoon season to avoid being swept away by the strong waves. Tourists seem to ignore the warning signs," he said.
A Malaysia Civil Defence Department (JPAM) guard had expressed regret over the nonchalant attitude of tourists towards the warning signboards erected along the coast.
"They have ignored the warning signs. There are about 20 JPAM personnel patrolling the beach to prevent any untoward incidents," the guard said.
He said the beach had previously claimed several lives during the rainy season.
He is relieved that no mishaps has been reported in the past one month.
"We are patrolling the two-kilometre long beach," the spokesman said.
A resident, Mohamad Ramli, 22, said the beach would be hit by high waves during the rainy season.
"I regret that tourists have taken lightly the warning signs," he said.
A guard showing the sign boards that warn against swimming in the sea in Pantai Air Papan.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Tourists have been warned against swimming along Pantai Air Papan here during the prevailing rainy season.
Air Papan village head Mohd Asri Jaffar said the tourists need to take note of the red flag warning and signboards that prohibit them from swimming in the sea.
He said the choppy water is dangerous for swimmers.
"They should not swim during the monsoon season to avoid being swept away by the strong waves. Tourists seem to ignore the warning signs," he said.
A Malaysia Civil Defence Department (JPAM) guard had expressed regret over the nonchalant attitude of tourists towards the warning signboards erected along the coast.
"They have ignored the warning signs. There are about 20 JPAM personnel patrolling the beach to prevent any untoward incidents," the guard said.
He said the beach had previously claimed several lives during the rainy season.
He is relieved that no mishaps has been reported in the past one month.
"We are patrolling the two-kilometre long beach," the spokesman said.
A resident, Mohamad Ramli, 22, said the beach would be hit by high waves during the rainy season.
"I regret that tourists have taken lightly the warning signs," he said.
A guard showing the sign boards that warn against swimming in the sea in Pantai Air Papan.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
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