Monday 29 April 2019
Restoran Hua Mui - JB
Hua Mui 3 different outlets, located at different business area, have you been to all of them?👇
Jalan Trus HQ
No. 131, Jalan Trus, 80000, Johor Bahru.
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Sutera Branch
No. 50, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300, Skudai, Johor.
Opening Hours: 8:00am - 9:00pm
Mount Austin Branch
No. 9, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, Johor Bahru, Johor.
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 8:00pm
Jalan Trus HQ
No. 131, Jalan Trus, 80000, Johor Bahru.
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Sutera Branch
No. 50, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300, Skudai, Johor.
Opening Hours: 8:00am - 9:00pm
Mount Austin Branch
No. 9, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, Johor Bahru, Johor.
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 8:00pm
Sunday 28 April 2019
Buka puasa @ Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast
Buka Puasa Rock and Roll style! The Malaysian Ensemble Buka Puasa Dinner Buffet at Sessions, Hard Rock Hotel wants you to have a rocking good time dining!
Feast out to rock'n'roll tunes while you buka puasa at Sessions, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast! Dearly coined The Malaysian Ensemble, the dinner buffet menu features all the yummy delicacies that are Malaysia, Truly Asia! Daily Special include Otak-Otak, Satay, Kacang Pool, Lemang and more.
Delicacies from all three races are not to be missed, we personally love the Kari Kepala Ikan, Sotong Bakar, Stir-Fried Bamboo Clam, Hyderabadi Briyani.
The individual stations are filled with even more goodies like the Bubur Lambuk, Raw Leaf and Crunchy Vegetables where you get to customise your own salad, if you prefer Asian salad, go for their Acar-Acar and Kerabu or local asian raw leaf and pickles!
Definitely a crowds' favourite, the Shwarma, Roti John, Roti Jala station lets you choose your own toppings and same goes to the Rojak Station! Rojak Buah, Rojak Mee or Pasembur, you choose!
Outdoor Stations with Ikan Bakar Kota Tinggi, Ayam Percik, Gulai Assam Pedas, Dodol Kawah, Ayam Masak Buah Keluak, Siput Sedut Masak Lemak Daun Kaduk & Keledek and more to let you taste the entire Malaysia in one place! Don't forget to have some dessert before you go, there's Malay kuih, Bread and Butter Pudding, Sago Gula Melaka and more!
The Malaysian Ensemble Dinner Buffet @ Sessions, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast
Date: 1st May – 4th Jun
Time: 6.30pm – 10.00pm
Price: MYR 88 nett (Adult) | MYR 44 nett (Child)
10% OFF for In-House Guests & Hard Rock Rewards members
For reservations, email: fnb.admin@hrhdesaru.com
Feast out to rock'n'roll tunes while you buka puasa at Sessions, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast! Dearly coined The Malaysian Ensemble, the dinner buffet menu features all the yummy delicacies that are Malaysia, Truly Asia! Daily Special include Otak-Otak, Satay, Kacang Pool, Lemang and more.
Delicacies from all three races are not to be missed, we personally love the Kari Kepala Ikan, Sotong Bakar, Stir-Fried Bamboo Clam, Hyderabadi Briyani.
The individual stations are filled with even more goodies like the Bubur Lambuk, Raw Leaf and Crunchy Vegetables where you get to customise your own salad, if you prefer Asian salad, go for their Acar-Acar and Kerabu or local asian raw leaf and pickles!
Definitely a crowds' favourite, the Shwarma, Roti John, Roti Jala station lets you choose your own toppings and same goes to the Rojak Station! Rojak Buah, Rojak Mee or Pasembur, you choose!
Outdoor Stations with Ikan Bakar Kota Tinggi, Ayam Percik, Gulai Assam Pedas, Dodol Kawah, Ayam Masak Buah Keluak, Siput Sedut Masak Lemak Daun Kaduk & Keledek and more to let you taste the entire Malaysia in one place! Don't forget to have some dessert before you go, there's Malay kuih, Bread and Butter Pudding, Sago Gula Melaka and more!
The Malaysian Ensemble Dinner Buffet @ Sessions, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast
Date: 1st May – 4th Jun
Time: 6.30pm – 10.00pm
Price: MYR 88 nett (Adult) | MYR 44 nett (Child)
10% OFF for In-House Guests & Hard Rock Rewards members
For reservations, email: fnb.admin@hrhdesaru.com
Saturday 27 April 2019
Friday 26 April 2019
Vehicle Entry Permit for all foreign vehicles from October
Malaysia to implement Vehicle Entry Permit for all foreign vehicles from October
A road transport law that requires all foreign vehicle owners coming into Malaysia to register for a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) will be enforced from October.
In a statement on Thursday (Apr 25), the Malaysian Ministry of Transport said that the VEP will be issued by the Road Transport Department and can be applied for online in a "simple three-step action".
"Only VEP-registered vehicles are allowed entry into Malaysia once it is put into force," it said.
The ministry added that the enforcement of VEP will be implemented in phases.
"For phase one, requirement of VEP for all foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia through Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar, Johor, will commence from Oct 1 this year," the ministry said.
"For the enforcement of VEP phase 1, the VEP-RFID tag can be installed or collected at four designated centres in Johor Bahru, which are Gelang Patah Southbound RR; Plaza Angsana Open Carpark; Pandan RnR and Lima Kedai Toll Plaza."
Phase two will involve entry points and land borders between Malaysia and Thailand, while phase three will expand the enforcement of VEP to all entry points and land borders between Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.
The enforcement dates for phases two and three will be announced "in due course", the ministry said.
All vehicle owners who have yet to register for a permit are being reminded to do so. A VEP for each registered motor vehicle will be valid for five years.
VEP AT MALAYSIA-BRUNEI BORDER
Road Transport Department director-general Shaharuddin Khalid revealed plans by the department to impose the VEP requirement at four Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complexes along the Malaysia-Brunei border.
A proposal paper for the plan will be submitted to Transport Minister Anthony Loke later this year, with the main objective of easing the monitoring of foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia.
"We hope the VEP requirement can be implemented at the locations early next year," he said at a press conference.
Drivers applying for the VEP will face a one-off registration fee of RM10 to have their permit processed.
Source: Bernama/nh
A road transport law that requires all foreign vehicle owners coming into Malaysia to register for a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) will be enforced from October.
In a statement on Thursday (Apr 25), the Malaysian Ministry of Transport said that the VEP will be issued by the Road Transport Department and can be applied for online in a "simple three-step action".
"Only VEP-registered vehicles are allowed entry into Malaysia once it is put into force," it said.
The ministry added that the enforcement of VEP will be implemented in phases.
"For phase one, requirement of VEP for all foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia through Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar, Johor, will commence from Oct 1 this year," the ministry said.
"For the enforcement of VEP phase 1, the VEP-RFID tag can be installed or collected at four designated centres in Johor Bahru, which are Gelang Patah Southbound RR; Plaza Angsana Open Carpark; Pandan RnR and Lima Kedai Toll Plaza."
Phase two will involve entry points and land borders between Malaysia and Thailand, while phase three will expand the enforcement of VEP to all entry points and land borders between Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.
The enforcement dates for phases two and three will be announced "in due course", the ministry said.
All vehicle owners who have yet to register for a permit are being reminded to do so. A VEP for each registered motor vehicle will be valid for five years.
VEP AT MALAYSIA-BRUNEI BORDER
Road Transport Department director-general Shaharuddin Khalid revealed plans by the department to impose the VEP requirement at four Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complexes along the Malaysia-Brunei border.
A proposal paper for the plan will be submitted to Transport Minister Anthony Loke later this year, with the main objective of easing the monitoring of foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia.
"We hope the VEP requirement can be implemented at the locations early next year," he said at a press conference.
Drivers applying for the VEP will face a one-off registration fee of RM10 to have their permit processed.
Source: Bernama/nh
Wednesday 17 April 2019
Dr M: No need for high-speed rail in M'sia, yet
Dr M: No need for high-speed rail in M'sia, yet [NSTTV]
Malaysia does not yet need a high-speed train service, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.
“At the moment, a high-speed train (service) is not really necessary for Malaysia, especially as it is only within Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
“Later on, we might need a high-speed train from Johor Baru to Penang or even to the Thai border. So, we will not build the high-speed train yet,” he told reporters after launching local rail engineering innovation exhibition and technology showcase, or TECHNOMART.
Instead, Dr Mahathir said, the government was more keen on improving the existing railway services.
“We want to improve the quality of service given by our railway system, and that has been done to some extent, by double tracking and electrification.”
The prime minister, however, said Malaysia would go back to the discussion table with Singapore within two years to discuss the High-Speed Rail project.
“We have spoken to Singapore. For the time being, we are not going to build (the high-speed rail). We (have) asked for two years before we begin talks again.
“(For) the HSR at the moment, we are not giving out any contracts but we have had to compensate to Singapore earlier.”
Dr Mahathir was also asked whether Singapore would be agreeable to the idea of the HSR being connected to the Thai border.
“No, I don’t think they will consider. We only think about Kuala Lumpur.”
On the possibility of having an HSR alignment from Johor Baru to Penang, the prime minister said eventually, Malaysia would need such an alignment.
“When the time comes. We are not yet in need of such an alignment. Eventually, we will need it.”
On Sept 5, 2018, Singapore agreed to suspend the construction of the project until the end of May 2020.
As a result of Malaysia’s request for the deferment, it agreed to pay an abortive cost of S$15 million (RM45.6 million) to Singapore by Jan 31 of this year.
Dr Mahathir also said Malaysians had begun to appreciate using the railway system, which had improved over time.
He said some Malaysians would rather use the existing railway services than driving and facing traffic jams.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Malaysia does not yet need a high-speed train service, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.
“At the moment, a high-speed train (service) is not really necessary for Malaysia, especially as it is only within Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
“Later on, we might need a high-speed train from Johor Baru to Penang or even to the Thai border. So, we will not build the high-speed train yet,” he told reporters after launching local rail engineering innovation exhibition and technology showcase, or TECHNOMART.
Instead, Dr Mahathir said, the government was more keen on improving the existing railway services.
“We want to improve the quality of service given by our railway system, and that has been done to some extent, by double tracking and electrification.”
The prime minister, however, said Malaysia would go back to the discussion table with Singapore within two years to discuss the High-Speed Rail project.
“We have spoken to Singapore. For the time being, we are not going to build (the high-speed rail). We (have) asked for two years before we begin talks again.
“(For) the HSR at the moment, we are not giving out any contracts but we have had to compensate to Singapore earlier.”
Dr Mahathir was also asked whether Singapore would be agreeable to the idea of the HSR being connected to the Thai border.
“No, I don’t think they will consider. We only think about Kuala Lumpur.”
On the possibility of having an HSR alignment from Johor Baru to Penang, the prime minister said eventually, Malaysia would need such an alignment.
“When the time comes. We are not yet in need of such an alignment. Eventually, we will need it.”
On Sept 5, 2018, Singapore agreed to suspend the construction of the project until the end of May 2020.
As a result of Malaysia’s request for the deferment, it agreed to pay an abortive cost of S$15 million (RM45.6 million) to Singapore by Jan 31 of this year.
Dr Mahathir also said Malaysians had begun to appreciate using the railway system, which had improved over time.
He said some Malaysians would rather use the existing railway services than driving and facing traffic jams.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Six months to a better idea on easing jams at Causeway
Six months to a better idea on easing jams at Causeway
The government will get a clearer picture within the next six months on ways to overcome congestion at the Causeway.
Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said both countries had discussed the overcrowding at the Causeway in which an estimated 265,000 commuters cross the link on a daily basis.
“We have discussed the problems and it is expected that in the next six months, we will get a clearer picture.
“At the moment, we are looking at short-term solutions such as adding more counters but this is still limited due to lack of space at the CIQ (Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine),” he said after attending a seminar on global issues here yesterday.
Saifuddin also said that Malaysia was hopeful that Singapore would agree to move to the second phase of the 1962 Johor River Water Agreement negotiation, which involved price modality.
“For Malaysia, we are now entering the second phase of negotiation where we should be discussing price modality but to be fair to my colleagues from Singapore, I think they have not changed position,” he said.
If the talks or negotiation could not work, he said Malaysia and Singapore might have to resort to international arbitration, which would require the agreement of both sides.
Saifuddin said both attorneys-general from Malaysia and Singapore would discuss the matter.
It was reported that Malaysia and Singapore, which have differing views on the review of water rates, might resolve the longstanding dispute through arbitration.
~News courtesy of The Star~
The government will get a clearer picture within the next six months on ways to overcome congestion at the Causeway.
Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said both countries had discussed the overcrowding at the Causeway in which an estimated 265,000 commuters cross the link on a daily basis.
“We have discussed the problems and it is expected that in the next six months, we will get a clearer picture.
“At the moment, we are looking at short-term solutions such as adding more counters but this is still limited due to lack of space at the CIQ (Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine),” he said after attending a seminar on global issues here yesterday.
Saifuddin also said that Malaysia was hopeful that Singapore would agree to move to the second phase of the 1962 Johor River Water Agreement negotiation, which involved price modality.
“For Malaysia, we are now entering the second phase of negotiation where we should be discussing price modality but to be fair to my colleagues from Singapore, I think they have not changed position,” he said.
If the talks or negotiation could not work, he said Malaysia and Singapore might have to resort to international arbitration, which would require the agreement of both sides.
Saifuddin said both attorneys-general from Malaysia and Singapore would discuss the matter.
It was reported that Malaysia and Singapore, which have differing views on the review of water rates, might resolve the longstanding dispute through arbitration.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Monday 15 April 2019
Delays expected at Checkpoints over Good Friday weekend
Delays expected at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints over Good Friday weekend: ICA
Travellers using the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints during the Good Friday weekend can expect delays and heavy traffic, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Friday (Apr 12).
Traffic flow through both land checkpoints is expected to be particularly heavy between Apr 18 and Apr 19.
“Travellers using the land checkpoints during these periods can expect delays and are advised to adjust their travel plans where necessary,” ICA said.
"Security at our checkpoints remains the ICA's top priority against any potential threats to Singapore," it said. “With security checks, traffic build-up is inevitable, especially when large numbers of travellers use the checkpoints at the same time."
Travellers were also reminded not to carry prohibited items such as firecrackers, pop pops and chewing gum.
Travellers who carry dutiable or controlled items such as eggs, meat products and potted plants should also declare these to ICA officers prior to checks.
AVOID QUEUE-CUTTING
ICA also said there have been "many instances of queue-cutting" at both checkpoints during peak periods, which can cause congestion and compromise safety.
It also reminded motorists to observe traffic rules, maintain land discipline and cooperate with checkpoint officers.
Before embarking on their journeys, motorists are advised to check the traffic situation at the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints through the One Motoring website or via the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System installed along the BKE and AYE respectively.
Motorists can also check ICA’s Facebook page for updates on the traffic situation at both checkpoints.
Source: CNA/zl(cy)
Travellers using the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints during the Good Friday weekend can expect delays and heavy traffic, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Friday (Apr 12).
Traffic flow through both land checkpoints is expected to be particularly heavy between Apr 18 and Apr 19.
“Travellers using the land checkpoints during these periods can expect delays and are advised to adjust their travel plans where necessary,” ICA said.
"Security at our checkpoints remains the ICA's top priority against any potential threats to Singapore," it said. “With security checks, traffic build-up is inevitable, especially when large numbers of travellers use the checkpoints at the same time."
Travellers were also reminded not to carry prohibited items such as firecrackers, pop pops and chewing gum.
Travellers who carry dutiable or controlled items such as eggs, meat products and potted plants should also declare these to ICA officers prior to checks.
AVOID QUEUE-CUTTING
ICA also said there have been "many instances of queue-cutting" at both checkpoints during peak periods, which can cause congestion and compromise safety.
It also reminded motorists to observe traffic rules, maintain land discipline and cooperate with checkpoint officers.
Before embarking on their journeys, motorists are advised to check the traffic situation at the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints through the One Motoring website or via the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System installed along the BKE and AYE respectively.
Motorists can also check ICA’s Facebook page for updates on the traffic situation at both checkpoints.
Source: CNA/zl(cy)
Kluang Rail Coffee
Kluang Rail Coffee
Kluang KTM Station,Jalan Station,Kluang, Johor Malaysia.
Tel 019-322 0072 / 012-728 8802
Business hours:
Friday to Wednesday（Closed on Thursday）
7.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.
2.30 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.
~Johor My Hometown FB~
Kluang KTM Station,Jalan Station,Kluang, Johor Malaysia.
Tel 019-322 0072 / 012-728 8802
Business hours:
Friday to Wednesday（Closed on Thursday）
7.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.
2.30 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.
~Johor My Hometown FB~
Wednesday 10 April 2019
M'sia-S'pore committed to resolve causeway congestion
M'sia-S'pore committed to resolve causeway congestion
Malaysia and Singapore are still committed to resolve congestion issues at their overland border crossings at the Causeway and Second Link.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the issue, which affects hundreds of thousands of commuters who ply the routes daily, was a problem that needed attention.
"Traffic congestion at the Causeway and Second Link remains a major problem for Malaysia-Singapore commuters. Currently, about 250,000 to 300,000 people are crossing the Causeway on a daily basis.
"Resolving congestion is a priority for Malaysia. Both sides are committed to address this issue and will continue to explore new initiatives to tackle this problem.
"This may include improvement in physical infrastructure; review of inter-boundary policies and regulations; and improvement in quality of cross-border services," said Dr Mahathir.
He was speaking at a joint press conference with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong after the 9th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in Perdana Putra here today.
Lee said that the republic had mobilised a plan to expand the customs, immigration and quarantine complex (CIQ) capacity on its side to cater to an increasing number of commuters.
"We have to expand the capacity of the CIQs on both sides to process the people who are crossing because the numbers will grow.
"Singapore has plans to expand our CIQ further and these are things which will take some time but they will eventually make a significant dent in the problem (of congestion)," said Lee.
The serious congestion at the Johor-Singapore Causeway came to light when the New Straits Times highlighted the plight of those commuting daily to Singapore, especially motorcyclists, who often endured hours in gridlock just to get to and from work.
Many motorcyclists left their homes in Johor as early as 4.30am to get through the congested checkpoints on both sides of the Causeway.
On a related matter, Dr Mahathir said the Malaysian government needed to ensure that cross-border railway projects such as the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) and Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link were feasible and sustainable.
He said while enhancing public transport connectivity between both countries would give economic benefits, it was the Malaysian government's priority to reduce debt and ensure that only economically viable projects would be carried out.
"For that reason, both sides on Sept 5 last year agreed to suspend the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail project.
"Currently, Malaysia is exploring proposals with the aim of cost reduction and will discuss this further with Singapore before the end of the suspension period (May 31, 2020)."
"On the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link project, Singapore is willing to consider suspension of the project. Malaysia is also looking at affordable and sustainable alternatives to the RTS Link project," said Dr Mahathir.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Malaysia and Singapore are still committed to resolve congestion issues at their overland border crossings at the Causeway and Second Link.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the issue, which affects hundreds of thousands of commuters who ply the routes daily, was a problem that needed attention.
"Traffic congestion at the Causeway and Second Link remains a major problem for Malaysia-Singapore commuters. Currently, about 250,000 to 300,000 people are crossing the Causeway on a daily basis.
"Resolving congestion is a priority for Malaysia. Both sides are committed to address this issue and will continue to explore new initiatives to tackle this problem.
"This may include improvement in physical infrastructure; review of inter-boundary policies and regulations; and improvement in quality of cross-border services," said Dr Mahathir.
He was speaking at a joint press conference with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong after the 9th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in Perdana Putra here today.
Lee said that the republic had mobilised a plan to expand the customs, immigration and quarantine complex (CIQ) capacity on its side to cater to an increasing number of commuters.
"We have to expand the capacity of the CIQs on both sides to process the people who are crossing because the numbers will grow.
"Singapore has plans to expand our CIQ further and these are things which will take some time but they will eventually make a significant dent in the problem (of congestion)," said Lee.
The serious congestion at the Johor-Singapore Causeway came to light when the New Straits Times highlighted the plight of those commuting daily to Singapore, especially motorcyclists, who often endured hours in gridlock just to get to and from work.
Many motorcyclists left their homes in Johor as early as 4.30am to get through the congested checkpoints on both sides of the Causeway.
On a related matter, Dr Mahathir said the Malaysian government needed to ensure that cross-border railway projects such as the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) and Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link were feasible and sustainable.
He said while enhancing public transport connectivity between both countries would give economic benefits, it was the Malaysian government's priority to reduce debt and ensure that only economically viable projects would be carried out.
"For that reason, both sides on Sept 5 last year agreed to suspend the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail project.
"Currently, Malaysia is exploring proposals with the aim of cost reduction and will discuss this further with Singapore before the end of the suspension period (May 31, 2020)."
"On the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link project, Singapore is willing to consider suspension of the project. Malaysia is also looking at affordable and sustainable alternatives to the RTS Link project," said Dr Mahathir.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Malaysia, Indonesia tie for top spot among Muslim-friendly travel destinations
Malaysia, Indonesia tie for top spot among Muslim-friendly travel destinations
Malaysia has taken the top spot in the MasterCard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) for the ninth year in a row, but for the first time it is sharing that position with Indonesia.
The GMTI 2019 report, which includes 130 destinations globally, gave both countries a score of 78.
In a joint statement today, MasterCard and CrescentRating said Indonesia had climbed from second place to the top spot through sustained efforts by the country’s Tourism Ministry to invest in its tourism and travel industry, and develop Muslim-tourist friendly infrastructure.
The rest of the top 10 countries are Turkey (score of 75), Saudi Arabia (72), United Arab Emirates (71), Qatar (68), Morocco (67), Bahrain (66), Oman (66) and Brunei (65).
In a joint statement today, MasterCard and CrescentRating said Indonesia had climbed from second place to the top spot through sustained efforts by the country’s Tourism Ministry to invest in its tourism and travel industry, and develop Muslim-tourist friendly infrastructure.
Last year, Malaysia received a score of 80.6 while Indonesia tied with the United Arab Emirates with a score of 72.8.
Singapore remains the premier Muslim-friendly travel destination among non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destinations this year, followed by Thailand, the United Kingdom, Japan and Taiwan.
The index tracks the health and growth of Muslim-friendly travel destinations in four strategic areas – access, communications, environment and services. — BERNAMA
Malaysia has taken the top spot in the MasterCard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) for the ninth year in a row, but for the first time it is sharing that position with Indonesia.
The GMTI 2019 report, which includes 130 destinations globally, gave both countries a score of 78.
In a joint statement today, MasterCard and CrescentRating said Indonesia had climbed from second place to the top spot through sustained efforts by the country’s Tourism Ministry to invest in its tourism and travel industry, and develop Muslim-tourist friendly infrastructure.
The rest of the top 10 countries are Turkey (score of 75), Saudi Arabia (72), United Arab Emirates (71), Qatar (68), Morocco (67), Bahrain (66), Oman (66) and Brunei (65).
In a joint statement today, MasterCard and CrescentRating said Indonesia had climbed from second place to the top spot through sustained efforts by the country’s Tourism Ministry to invest in its tourism and travel industry, and develop Muslim-tourist friendly infrastructure.
Last year, Malaysia received a score of 80.6 while Indonesia tied with the United Arab Emirates with a score of 72.8.
Singapore remains the premier Muslim-friendly travel destination among non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destinations this year, followed by Thailand, the United Kingdom, Japan and Taiwan.
The index tracks the health and growth of Muslim-friendly travel destinations in four strategic areas – access, communications, environment and services. — BERNAMA
Monday 8 April 2019
Commuters push for RTS decision
Commuters push for RTS decision
Commuters want the government to make a decision soon on the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) project.
Mohammad Rizal Syed, 37, said that although the project was introduced by the previous Barisan Nasional government, the Pakatan Harapan government should have continued with the project.
“The project was introduced to help ease the people’s burden.
“It is clearly a facility that both Malaysia and Singapore need, so why should the new government postpone something that is good?
He said the project would be beneficial in the long term and enhance the relationship between both countries.
“If they go through with the project, I’m sure people will opt for RTS instead of driving as it will reduce the commuting time,” Mohammad Rizal said, adding that the government should be honest with the people.
Another commuter, Desmond Wong, 58, said the project would ensure a smooth flow of travel between both countries.
“With an additional travel option such as the RTS, people can better plan their time because currently, we only have one train service provided by KTM,” he said.
Wong added that the review of the agreement should not take up too much time as the longer it was postponed, the longer the people would have to wait.
“I am not saying that the current service is poor but it gets congested during peak hours because we have hundreds of thousands of people commuting to work every day.
“If the government feels that it should renegotiate and reorganise, then go ahead but don’t take up too much time,” he said.
Kelly Wong, 27, said there was no good in delaying the RTS Link project.
“The reason they postponed the matter was to save cost. But how do you save cost when prices of materials are increasing every day?
“People who don’t travel frequently will not be affected but those who commute every day feel the urgent need for such a facility.
“So I really hope the government can speed up the matter,” she said.
Earlier, The Star reported that Transport Minister Anthony Loke had requested a six-month extension from Singapore to make a decision on the RTS Link project.
“We are asking for more time from Singapore for us to study other options.
“Of course, we are looking at the cost of the project and how we can reduce the cost further. We are asking for a six-month extension until September,” he said.
The project, signed early 2018, was initially scheduled for construction this year and was expected to be completed by December 2024.
The RTS Link project would cover 4km of rail between Bukit Chagar, Johor Baru, and Woodlands, Singapore, with the capacity to ferry 10,000 passengers an hour.By REMAR NORDIN
~News courtesy of The Star~
Commuters want the government to make a decision soon on the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) project.
Mohammad Rizal Syed, 37, said that although the project was introduced by the previous Barisan Nasional government, the Pakatan Harapan government should have continued with the project.
“The project was introduced to help ease the people’s burden.
“It is clearly a facility that both Malaysia and Singapore need, so why should the new government postpone something that is good?
He said the project would be beneficial in the long term and enhance the relationship between both countries.
“If they go through with the project, I’m sure people will opt for RTS instead of driving as it will reduce the commuting time,” Mohammad Rizal said, adding that the government should be honest with the people.
Another commuter, Desmond Wong, 58, said the project would ensure a smooth flow of travel between both countries.
“With an additional travel option such as the RTS, people can better plan their time because currently, we only have one train service provided by KTM,” he said.
Wong added that the review of the agreement should not take up too much time as the longer it was postponed, the longer the people would have to wait.
“I am not saying that the current service is poor but it gets congested during peak hours because we have hundreds of thousands of people commuting to work every day.
“If the government feels that it should renegotiate and reorganise, then go ahead but don’t take up too much time,” he said.
Kelly Wong, 27, said there was no good in delaying the RTS Link project.
“The reason they postponed the matter was to save cost. But how do you save cost when prices of materials are increasing every day?
“People who don’t travel frequently will not be affected but those who commute every day feel the urgent need for such a facility.
“So I really hope the government can speed up the matter,” she said.
Earlier, The Star reported that Transport Minister Anthony Loke had requested a six-month extension from Singapore to make a decision on the RTS Link project.
“We are asking for more time from Singapore for us to study other options.
“Of course, we are looking at the cost of the project and how we can reduce the cost further. We are asking for a six-month extension until September,” he said.
The project, signed early 2018, was initially scheduled for construction this year and was expected to be completed by December 2024.
The RTS Link project would cover 4km of rail between Bukit Chagar, Johor Baru, and Woodlands, Singapore, with the capacity to ferry 10,000 passengers an hour.By REMAR NORDIN
~News courtesy of The Star~
TripAdvisor to aid tourism
TripAdvisor to aid tourism
The Tourism Ministry will be working with all the industry players and international travel website TripAdvisor to improve the review ratings for the country.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said they would visit every state, starting with Penang after Hari Raya in June.
“In tourism, it is all about the reviews. We want to bring all the industry players and stakeholders together and share the knowledge on how to obtain a higher rating.
“If you are lowly rated, tourists will not visit.
“If people leave bad reviews about the food or the hotel being noisy, the ratings will be low.
“There are many unknown attractions and service providers that are highly-rated although we may not know about them,” he said after handing over certificates to five Malaysia Tourism Quality Assurance 2019 (MyTQA) recipients at Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm in Teluk Bahang on Saturday.
Muhammad Bakhtiar said Gurney Drive last year received low ratings probably due to land reclamation.
“It is rated by the people who went there and for obvious reasons, perhaps after the reclamation, sometimes people were disappointed as they wanted to see the sea.
“TripAdvisor is providing us with big data on why people visit Malaysia so we can figure out a strategy.
“There will be representatives from TripAdvisor joining us to advise the industry players.
Taiping was listed by Green Destinations (GD) as one of its 100 sustainable cities in the world last year.
“This shows that Malaysia has the potential.
“We, however, need to improve our service culture and Malaysian front-liners have to learn how to greet people and give it a personal touch.
“Other countries where English is not their first language have found a way to greet people in a welcoming way,” he said.
~News courtesy of The Star~
The Tourism Ministry will be working with all the industry players and international travel website TripAdvisor to improve the review ratings for the country.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said they would visit every state, starting with Penang after Hari Raya in June.
“In tourism, it is all about the reviews. We want to bring all the industry players and stakeholders together and share the knowledge on how to obtain a higher rating.
“If you are lowly rated, tourists will not visit.
“If people leave bad reviews about the food or the hotel being noisy, the ratings will be low.
“There are many unknown attractions and service providers that are highly-rated although we may not know about them,” he said after handing over certificates to five Malaysia Tourism Quality Assurance 2019 (MyTQA) recipients at Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm in Teluk Bahang on Saturday.
Muhammad Bakhtiar said Gurney Drive last year received low ratings probably due to land reclamation.
“It is rated by the people who went there and for obvious reasons, perhaps after the reclamation, sometimes people were disappointed as they wanted to see the sea.
“TripAdvisor is providing us with big data on why people visit Malaysia so we can figure out a strategy.
“There will be representatives from TripAdvisor joining us to advise the industry players.
Taiping was listed by Green Destinations (GD) as one of its 100 sustainable cities in the world last year.
“This shows that Malaysia has the potential.
“We, however, need to improve our service culture and Malaysian front-liners have to learn how to greet people and give it a personal touch.
“Other countries where English is not their first language have found a way to greet people in a welcoming way,” he said.
~News courtesy of The Star~
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