After seven years of creating and bringing family fun & play to Puteri Harbour, we’re sad to announce that SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN journey has come to an end. We will be permanently closing our doors on 31 Dec 2019.
Friday 29 November 2019
Hello Kitty Town - Permanent Closure 31/12/19
After seven years of creating and bringing family fun & play to Puteri Harbour, we’re sad to announce that SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN journey has come to an end. We will be permanently closing our doors on 31 Dec 2019.
More than 20 million tourists in first 9 months of 2019
Malaysia records more than 20 million tourists in first 9 months of 2019
Malaysia saw positive growth in the tourism sector in the first half of this year, boosted by stronger international tourist arrivals.
International tourist arrivals stood at 20,109,203 tourists between January and September, an increase of 3.7 per cent, compared to 19,386,115 visitors during the same period last year.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said the top 10 countries with the highest contribution of tourist arrivals was Singapore with 7,868,755 visitors, followed by Indonesia (2,792,776); China (2,413,956); Thailand (1,442,224); Brunei (929,789); India (539,167); South Korea (508,080); Vietnam (323,393); Japan (321,283) and the Philippines (317,294).
“Tourist receipts for the same period in 2019 reached RM66.14 billion compared to RM61.85 billion for the same period in 2018, indicating an increase of 6.9 per cent.
“The main contributors to the tourist expenditure were Singapore (RM16.3 billion), China (RM12.8 billion), Indonesia (RM8.8 billion), Thailand (RM2.8 billion) and India (RM2.5 billion).
“Per capita expenditure for the period of January to September also grew by 3.1 per cent from RM3,190.5 to RM3,289.3,” he said today in announcing the third quarter performance of the tourism sector.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi left). - NSTP/LUQMAN HAKIM ZUBIR. The short haul market, Mohamaddin said, had retained its position as the largest contributor of tourists to Malaysia with a share of 68.7 per cent.
The contribution of tourists from the medium haul market was 21.6 per cent, while the share of tourists from the long haul market was 9.7 per cent, he added.
“The highest per capita according to market distance saw Saudi Arabia recording the most for long haul at RM11,394.4; China at RM5,301.5 for medium haul and Vietnam at RM3,356.3 for short haul.”
The minister also said the haze which had shrouded Malaysia and neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Brunei had affected the momentum of tourist arrivals.
“I believe the tourist arrivals could be better without the haze.”
Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Musa Yusof said he believed that Malaysia would be able to achieve this year’s tourist arrival target of 28 million.
He said there would be a significant number of tourist arrivals towards the year end, especially in December from countries experiencing winter.
Malaysia normally records about 2.5 million tourist arrivals in Dec.
On tourist arrivals from China, Musa said Malaysia was still favoured by visitors from the country.
~New Straits Times~
Malaysia saw positive growth in the tourism sector in the first half of this year, boosted by stronger international tourist arrivals.
International tourist arrivals stood at 20,109,203 tourists between January and September, an increase of 3.7 per cent, compared to 19,386,115 visitors during the same period last year.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said the top 10 countries with the highest contribution of tourist arrivals was Singapore with 7,868,755 visitors, followed by Indonesia (2,792,776); China (2,413,956); Thailand (1,442,224); Brunei (929,789); India (539,167); South Korea (508,080); Vietnam (323,393); Japan (321,283) and the Philippines (317,294).
“Tourist receipts for the same period in 2019 reached RM66.14 billion compared to RM61.85 billion for the same period in 2018, indicating an increase of 6.9 per cent.
“The main contributors to the tourist expenditure were Singapore (RM16.3 billion), China (RM12.8 billion), Indonesia (RM8.8 billion), Thailand (RM2.8 billion) and India (RM2.5 billion).
“Per capita expenditure for the period of January to September also grew by 3.1 per cent from RM3,190.5 to RM3,289.3,” he said today in announcing the third quarter performance of the tourism sector.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi left). - NSTP/LUQMAN HAKIM ZUBIR. The short haul market, Mohamaddin said, had retained its position as the largest contributor of tourists to Malaysia with a share of 68.7 per cent.
The contribution of tourists from the medium haul market was 21.6 per cent, while the share of tourists from the long haul market was 9.7 per cent, he added.
“The highest per capita according to market distance saw Saudi Arabia recording the most for long haul at RM11,394.4; China at RM5,301.5 for medium haul and Vietnam at RM3,356.3 for short haul.”
The minister also said the haze which had shrouded Malaysia and neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Brunei had affected the momentum of tourist arrivals.
“I believe the tourist arrivals could be better without the haze.”
Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Musa Yusof said he believed that Malaysia would be able to achieve this year’s tourist arrival target of 28 million.
He said there would be a significant number of tourist arrivals towards the year end, especially in December from countries experiencing winter.
Malaysia normally records about 2.5 million tourist arrivals in Dec.
On tourist arrivals from China, Musa said Malaysia was still favoured by visitors from the country.
~New Straits Times~
Legoland - Brick-tacular Holidays
This Brick-tacular Holidays, be ready to enjoy the Christmas fun and witness Giant LEGO® Christmas Tree in the park.
Stay tuned and find out more here http://bit.ly/BricktacularHolidays.
NETS payment now available for Singapore shoppers in Malaysia
NETS payment now available for Singapore shoppers in Malaysia
A customer browses through items on sale at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur. (File photo: AFP)
The next time you are headed for Malaysia, be sure to bring your NETS ATM card with you.
There are now 4,500 NETS acceptance points across Malaysia, according to a spokesperson for NETS in response to queries from Channel NewsAsia on Monday (Nov 19).
In Johor Bahru, NETS-enabled cards issued by Singapore banks can be used at popular shopping haunts including Johor Bahru City Square, KSL City and Sutera Mall.
NETS payment was made available earlier this month, the spokesperson said, adding that shoppers are not required to pay currency conversion fees when paying for their purchases and will be able to enjoy competitive exchange rates when using the service.
In September, NETS announced a partnership with global payment network UnionPay to allow consumers to use the NETSPay app when making Quick Response (QR) code or contactless payments at UnionPay merchants in countries including Malaysia, South Korea and Thailand.
On Nov 12, NETS Group signed an agreement with Thailand's National ITMX Company to allow those from Singapore to use NETSPay in Thailand, and Thais to use their mobile banking service in Singapore through scanning of QR codes.
Source: CNA/na(rw)
A customer browses through items on sale at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur. (File photo: AFP)
The next time you are headed for Malaysia, be sure to bring your NETS ATM card with you.
There are now 4,500 NETS acceptance points across Malaysia, according to a spokesperson for NETS in response to queries from Channel NewsAsia on Monday (Nov 19).
In Johor Bahru, NETS-enabled cards issued by Singapore banks can be used at popular shopping haunts including Johor Bahru City Square, KSL City and Sutera Mall.
NETS payment was made available earlier this month, the spokesperson said, adding that shoppers are not required to pay currency conversion fees when paying for their purchases and will be able to enjoy competitive exchange rates when using the service.
In September, NETS announced a partnership with global payment network UnionPay to allow consumers to use the NETSPay app when making Quick Response (QR) code or contactless payments at UnionPay merchants in countries including Malaysia, South Korea and Thailand.
On Nov 12, NETS Group signed an agreement with Thailand's National ITMX Company to allow those from Singapore to use NETSPay in Thailand, and Thais to use their mobile banking service in Singapore through scanning of QR codes.
Source: CNA/na(rw)
Thursday 28 November 2019
KTMB plans to set up first train museum in Johor
KTMB plans to set up first train museum in Johor
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) is planning to set up the country’s first train museum in the state.
Johor Health, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar said planning and research are currently underway to enable the museum to be built.
"These efforts include working closely with the National Museum Department, updating all inventories, recording, running conservation programmes and restoring all KTMB-related railway treasures at locations throughout Peninsular Malaysia including Johor," he told reporters after the Johor state assembly here today.
Mohd Khuzzan said the KTMB Museum Unit, located in Johor Bahru and its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, was also implementing a history and understanding programme on trains in schools as well as periodic exhibitions in various locations throughout the country.
He said according to the proposal, the museum would be set up in either Kluang or Johor Bahru.
"We (the state government) hope it will come true because Johor Bahru is the southernmost point while Kluang is one of the most popular areas for trains," he said.
According to Mohd Khuzzan, the Johor Heritage Foundation (YWJ) will also cooperate in making it a success.
"As far as location is concerned, we will do follow ups after getting information. The Johor Bahru Sentral or old store buildings in Kluang have the potential.
"We will keep working to make sure Johor has the first train museum," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) is planning to set up the country’s first train museum in the state.
Johor Health, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar said planning and research are currently underway to enable the museum to be built.
"These efforts include working closely with the National Museum Department, updating all inventories, recording, running conservation programmes and restoring all KTMB-related railway treasures at locations throughout Peninsular Malaysia including Johor," he told reporters after the Johor state assembly here today.
Mohd Khuzzan said the KTMB Museum Unit, located in Johor Bahru and its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, was also implementing a history and understanding programme on trains in schools as well as periodic exhibitions in various locations throughout the country.
He said according to the proposal, the museum would be set up in either Kluang or Johor Bahru.
"We (the state government) hope it will come true because Johor Bahru is the southernmost point while Kluang is one of the most popular areas for trains," he said.
According to Mohd Khuzzan, the Johor Heritage Foundation (YWJ) will also cooperate in making it a success.
"As far as location is concerned, we will do follow ups after getting information. The Johor Bahru Sentral or old store buildings in Kluang have the potential.
"We will keep working to make sure Johor has the first train museum," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday 27 November 2019
Gunung Ledang (Mount Ophir)
Mount Ophir (Malay: Gunung Ledang) is a mountain in the Gunung Ledang National Park located in Tangkak District (formerly part of Muar), Johor, Malaysia. The summit is located between the border of Muar and Melaka. Standing at 1,276 m (4,186 ft), it is the 64th highest mountain in Malaysia.
Origins of its name
There are a few popular opinions regarding the origin of the mountain's name. According to one opinion, ancient history points to the mountain being the site of rich gold deposits, luring traders from as far as Greece and China. Ophir was a biblical-era land rich with natural resources mentioned in the Torah, also known at the Hebrew Bible.
In the 14th Century, the Chinese seafarers plying the Straits of Malacca called it Kim Sua meaning the 'golden mountain', possibly from the Hokkien or Taiwanese words: kim, or in characters 金 meaning gold and sua, or 山 meaning mountain .
Another source said that the Javanese during the period of the Majapahit empire named the mountain Gunong Ledang, which means 'lofty mountain', from Archaic Javanese word ledang meaning 'show-off'.
It has been called "Ophir" by British cartographers since at least 1801, based on a map from that year. The name Ophir itself is thought to have originated from any of these languages:
Hebrew, from אוֹפִיר transliterated to 'Owphiyr, or pronounced as ō·fēr, a Hebrew personal name and in reference to the biblical land of Ophir from which King Solomon obtained gold, precious gems and ivory for the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.
Accomodation
Ledang Resort
http://www.ledang.com/
~wikipedia~
Origins of its name
There are a few popular opinions regarding the origin of the mountain's name. According to one opinion, ancient history points to the mountain being the site of rich gold deposits, luring traders from as far as Greece and China. Ophir was a biblical-era land rich with natural resources mentioned in the Torah, also known at the Hebrew Bible.
In the 14th Century, the Chinese seafarers plying the Straits of Malacca called it Kim Sua meaning the 'golden mountain', possibly from the Hokkien or Taiwanese words: kim, or in characters 金 meaning gold and sua, or 山 meaning mountain .
Another source said that the Javanese during the period of the Majapahit empire named the mountain Gunong Ledang, which means 'lofty mountain', from Archaic Javanese word ledang meaning 'show-off'.
It has been called "Ophir" by British cartographers since at least 1801, based on a map from that year. The name Ophir itself is thought to have originated from any of these languages:
Hebrew, from אוֹפִיר transliterated to 'Owphiyr, or pronounced as ō·fēr, a Hebrew personal name and in reference to the biblical land of Ophir from which King Solomon obtained gold, precious gems and ivory for the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.
Accomodation
Ledang Resort
http://www.ledang.com/
~wikipedia~
3rd bridge needed to ease congestion
Third bridge needed to ease congestion between Johor and Singapore: Malaysian Minister Muhyiddin
Malaysia's Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Monday (Nov 25) there was a need to build a third link to ease traffic congestion between Johor and Singapore.
He told the Johor state assembly that he had already informed the federal government about the link, which could take the form of a bridge or a tunnel, reported national news agency Bernama.
~Straits Times~
Malaysia's Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Monday (Nov 25) there was a need to build a third link to ease traffic congestion between Johor and Singapore.
He told the Johor state assembly that he had already informed the federal government about the link, which could take the form of a bridge or a tunnel, reported national news agency Bernama.
~Straits Times~
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Tuesday 26 November 2019
Decision on Airbnb next year, says Tourism D-G
Decision on Airbnb next year, says Tourism D-G
Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Musa Yusof said to address the problem, the committee would continue to discuss the issue to find suitable solution. -BERNAMA
The task force on short-term residential accommodation, Airbnb will announce its decision by early next year, Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Musa Yusof said today.
He said the task force was set up to regulate Airbnb accommodations nationwide and would take note of examples from other countries such as France, Singapore and Japan.
“We will look into the issue. What we have implemented throu\gh the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the agency under the Housing and Local Government Ministry, is that we already set up a task force to look at what other countries have implemented in terms of Airbnb-type rentals.
“We expect to announce the decision early next year and it needs to be regulated. For example, in some locations, Airbnb accommodations are allowed but not in the big cities where there are hotels available,” he told reporters after launching the Visit Malaysia (VMY) 2020 Kick Off conference here today.
He said this in response to complaints made by hoteliers who claimed of experiencing a decline in occupancy rate despite the high number of tourists arriving in the country as most of them were choosing Airbnb.
Musa said to address the problem, the committee would continue to discuss the issue to find suitable solution.
“The concept of Airbnb in Europe and the US are different than it is in Asia. The Airbnb accommodations that I used to stay at, either in Europe or in the US, the guests stayed with the hosts, and we already have this concept here for the past 30 years and we call it homestay.
Homestay is more for the experiences while Airbnb is more of an accommodation. Only in Malaysia, the visitors are not staying with the owner and this will be regulated,” he said.
He said the matter would be looked at as a whole as there were several joint management bodies had disallowed Airbnb to operate in the condominium building as it was viewed as disruption.
Meanwhile, commenting on the conference, he said it was launched to further promote the promotional activities of the VMY 2020 campaign in the northern states. -- Bernama
Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Musa Yusof said to address the problem, the committee would continue to discuss the issue to find suitable solution. -BERNAMA
The task force on short-term residential accommodation, Airbnb will announce its decision by early next year, Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Musa Yusof said today.
He said the task force was set up to regulate Airbnb accommodations nationwide and would take note of examples from other countries such as France, Singapore and Japan.
“We will look into the issue. What we have implemented throu\gh the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the agency under the Housing and Local Government Ministry, is that we already set up a task force to look at what other countries have implemented in terms of Airbnb-type rentals.
“We expect to announce the decision early next year and it needs to be regulated. For example, in some locations, Airbnb accommodations are allowed but not in the big cities where there are hotels available,” he told reporters after launching the Visit Malaysia (VMY) 2020 Kick Off conference here today.
He said this in response to complaints made by hoteliers who claimed of experiencing a decline in occupancy rate despite the high number of tourists arriving in the country as most of them were choosing Airbnb.
Musa said to address the problem, the committee would continue to discuss the issue to find suitable solution.
“The concept of Airbnb in Europe and the US are different than it is in Asia. The Airbnb accommodations that I used to stay at, either in Europe or in the US, the guests stayed with the hosts, and we already have this concept here for the past 30 years and we call it homestay.
Homestay is more for the experiences while Airbnb is more of an accommodation. Only in Malaysia, the visitors are not staying with the owner and this will be regulated,” he said.
He said the matter would be looked at as a whole as there were several joint management bodies had disallowed Airbnb to operate in the condominium building as it was viewed as disruption.
Meanwhile, commenting on the conference, he said it was launched to further promote the promotional activities of the VMY 2020 campaign in the northern states. -- Bernama
Mersing entrepreneur plans to market pufferfish souvenirs overseas
Mersing entrepreneur plans to market pufferfish souvenirs overseas
MERSING, Oct 10 -- Having produced decorative items based on pufferfish for the past three years, entrepreneur Kassim Hassan has set his eyes on exporting his craft overseas.
Kassim, 57, from Kampung Bahagia here, has produced more than 3,000 decorative items using dried, inflated pufferfish, as well as those made from coconut shells, including pots, stationery and key chains.
The entrepreneur, who received guidance from the Mersing small and medium enterprises (SME) inherited his father’s artistic and creative talents and began selling his products actively for the past three years.
“Most of my customers are from around Mersing as they would come to order or buy directly at home, but I also sell my products at the premises (of other traders) located in the tourist areas of Air Papan near here, as well as in Langkawi, Kedah.
“I wish to expand my business, not only for the domestic market but also to the neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei, as part of adding cheer to the Visit Johor Year 2020 campaign,” he said when met by Bernama at his home here today.
Describing the process of turning the poisonous pufferfish into a decorative item was hard, Kassim said he was also exposed to danger as he had to carefully remove the fish bones and internal organs without using gloves.
“This is because I find it difficult to gut the fish wearing gloves despite possible injuries because the thorns are very sharp.
“After it is gutted, I will place the balloon inside before sewing the stomach again and then blow the balloon to inflate it, before hanging it to dry for a month to make sure the fish is completely drained of any slime and to rid of any fishy smell,” he said.
The father of two also said that the method of producing a pufferfish-based product was complicated as it would take a long time to complete, apart from demanding his full attention.
“It is difficult to produce, but I hope that it can be competitive enough and become a tourist attraction to Mersing, considering that not many places have this product,” he said.
Kassim said decorative items were produced based on customers’ demands including table lamps, lanterns and souvenirs of various sizes and they were priced at RM25 and could fetch up to RM300.
However, Kassim said currently the sales were a bit slow as he was busy with the construction of a workshop and gallery around his house to showcase his work, using his own capital.
“I take this initiative to accommodate the presence of a large number of visitors as the existing space is quite limited, thus providing a more conducive place for them to witness how the craft being produced closely.
“Besides, I have also received requests from teachers and lecturers from institutions of higher learning asking me to share my knowledge and experiences with their students,” he said, adding that he also received visit from Indonesian students.
Recently, Kassim also received a RM20,000 grant from the Perbadanan Usahawan Johor and expressed his hope that more relevant parties would be able to provide him with financial assistance and equipment including machinery to further expand the business.
-- BERNAMA
MERSING, Oct 10 -- Having produced decorative items based on pufferfish for the past three years, entrepreneur Kassim Hassan has set his eyes on exporting his craft overseas.
Kassim, 57, from Kampung Bahagia here, has produced more than 3,000 decorative items using dried, inflated pufferfish, as well as those made from coconut shells, including pots, stationery and key chains.
The entrepreneur, who received guidance from the Mersing small and medium enterprises (SME) inherited his father’s artistic and creative talents and began selling his products actively for the past three years.
“Most of my customers are from around Mersing as they would come to order or buy directly at home, but I also sell my products at the premises (of other traders) located in the tourist areas of Air Papan near here, as well as in Langkawi, Kedah.
“I wish to expand my business, not only for the domestic market but also to the neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei, as part of adding cheer to the Visit Johor Year 2020 campaign,” he said when met by Bernama at his home here today.
Describing the process of turning the poisonous pufferfish into a decorative item was hard, Kassim said he was also exposed to danger as he had to carefully remove the fish bones and internal organs without using gloves.
“This is because I find it difficult to gut the fish wearing gloves despite possible injuries because the thorns are very sharp.
“After it is gutted, I will place the balloon inside before sewing the stomach again and then blow the balloon to inflate it, before hanging it to dry for a month to make sure the fish is completely drained of any slime and to rid of any fishy smell,” he said.
The father of two also said that the method of producing a pufferfish-based product was complicated as it would take a long time to complete, apart from demanding his full attention.
“It is difficult to produce, but I hope that it can be competitive enough and become a tourist attraction to Mersing, considering that not many places have this product,” he said.
Kassim said decorative items were produced based on customers’ demands including table lamps, lanterns and souvenirs of various sizes and they were priced at RM25 and could fetch up to RM300.
However, Kassim said currently the sales were a bit slow as he was busy with the construction of a workshop and gallery around his house to showcase his work, using his own capital.
“I take this initiative to accommodate the presence of a large number of visitors as the existing space is quite limited, thus providing a more conducive place for them to witness how the craft being produced closely.
“Besides, I have also received requests from teachers and lecturers from institutions of higher learning asking me to share my knowledge and experiences with their students,” he said, adding that he also received visit from Indonesian students.
Recently, Kassim also received a RM20,000 grant from the Perbadanan Usahawan Johor and expressed his hope that more relevant parties would be able to provide him with financial assistance and equipment including machinery to further expand the business.
-- BERNAMA
‘Congestion is at its peak’
‘Congestion is at its peak’
View of the causeway linking Singapore to Johor.
ISKANDAR PUTERI: A third bridge linking Singapore and Johor will resolve congestion problems at both the Causeway and Second Link here.
Gambir assemblyman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Pagoh MP and Home Minister, said the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) at both Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB) were already reaching their maximum capabilities.
He said he had been appointed by the Federal Government to head a committee to oversee the congestion at both checkpoints.
“The two premises have already reached their maximum level of capacity.
“The congestion at the BSI in Johor Baru is the most congested CIQ in the world, and this is something we should not be proud of, ” he said during the debate on Johor’s Budget 2020 yesterday.
Muhyiddin said he had informed the Federal Government an important factor to solve congestions at the two checkpoints was to build a third bridge.
“If the state government supports this, then I will start the initiative to have a third bridge, which must begin now.
“The third link does not have to be in the form of a bridge as it can also be a tunnel, ” he said, adding that Tebrau Straits was a good location as the area was viable.
However, he added that a study must be done before work starts.
Meanwhile, the state government will send an official suggestion to Putrajaya to consider the development of a third bridge to ease congestion at the two checkpoints.
State public works, infrastructure and transportation committee chairman Mohd Solihan Badri said the technical committee had discussed on how to improve the facility at BSI and KSAB.
“The Federal Government has allocated RM85mil next year to address congestion at the Causeway and Second Link in the 2020 budget, where RM45mil will go towards the improvement works at BSI while RM40mil will be channelled to KSAB.
“Both CIQs, especially BSI that was built in 2003, will reach its maximum capacity by 2020, ” he said.
~The Star~
View of the causeway linking Singapore to Johor.
ISKANDAR PUTERI: A third bridge linking Singapore and Johor will resolve congestion problems at both the Causeway and Second Link here.
Gambir assemblyman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Pagoh MP and Home Minister, said the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) at both Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB) were already reaching their maximum capabilities.
He said he had been appointed by the Federal Government to head a committee to oversee the congestion at both checkpoints.
“The two premises have already reached their maximum level of capacity.
“The congestion at the BSI in Johor Baru is the most congested CIQ in the world, and this is something we should not be proud of, ” he said during the debate on Johor’s Budget 2020 yesterday.
Muhyiddin said he had informed the Federal Government an important factor to solve congestions at the two checkpoints was to build a third bridge.
“If the state government supports this, then I will start the initiative to have a third bridge, which must begin now.
“The third link does not have to be in the form of a bridge as it can also be a tunnel, ” he said, adding that Tebrau Straits was a good location as the area was viable.
However, he added that a study must be done before work starts.
Meanwhile, the state government will send an official suggestion to Putrajaya to consider the development of a third bridge to ease congestion at the two checkpoints.
State public works, infrastructure and transportation committee chairman Mohd Solihan Badri said the technical committee had discussed on how to improve the facility at BSI and KSAB.
“The Federal Government has allocated RM85mil next year to address congestion at the Causeway and Second Link in the 2020 budget, where RM45mil will go towards the improvement works at BSI while RM40mil will be channelled to KSAB.
“Both CIQs, especially BSI that was built in 2003, will reach its maximum capacity by 2020, ” he said.
~The Star~
No plans for Johor bed tax
No plans for Johor bed tax
The state government has no plans to introduce a bed tax for foreign tourists staying in hotels here.
State tourism, women, family and community development committee chairman Liow Cai Tung said the tax was not needed as there was already a tourism tax of RM10 implemented since 2018.
“However, the state government will consider the bed tax if there is a need, ” she said in her reply to Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain (BN-Penawar) and Ng Yak Howe (PH-Bentayan) during the state assembly sitting held at Bangunan Sultan Ismail here yesterday.
Other states that have implemented a bed tax for tourists are Penang and Melaka, while Pahang will implement it next year.
She said Johor, which collected a total of RM15.8mil in tourism tax throughout 2018, was the fourth highest in Malaysia after Sabah, Penang and Selangor.
Liow said the tourism tax was collected by the Customs Department based on the Tourism Tax Act 2017, where RM10 was charged on foreign tourists who stayed a night in hotels.
The Johor Jaya assemblyman, on March 27 this year, said the Federal Government, through the Finance Ministry, allocated 50% from tourism tax collection in 2018 to each state government.
“Johor received RM7.99mil as new revenue for the state, where 50% allocation was known as ‘tourism gift’, ” she said.
She said the allocation was used to fund maintaining and providing tourism accessibility, promoting and marketing tourism destinations and upgrading tourism statistics reports to the Tourism and Culture Ministry.
Liow said that the state government allocated RM8.29mil, which is more than the tourism gift value, for expenditure in the tourism sector.
Liow added that the state government was targeting RM27.32bil in tourism spending for next year in conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2020 (VJY2020).
“The state received benefits in terms of returns in the form of tourist spending where Johor received RM23.43bil in 2017, RM24.8bil in 2018 and the target this year is RM26.04bil.
“On VJY2020, we are targeting 18.4 million visitors with 8.4 million tourists staying at least a night in Johor, where their expenditure is expected to be RM27.32bil, ” she added.
~The Star~
The state government has no plans to introduce a bed tax for foreign tourists staying in hotels here.
State tourism, women, family and community development committee chairman Liow Cai Tung said the tax was not needed as there was already a tourism tax of RM10 implemented since 2018.
“However, the state government will consider the bed tax if there is a need, ” she said in her reply to Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain (BN-Penawar) and Ng Yak Howe (PH-Bentayan) during the state assembly sitting held at Bangunan Sultan Ismail here yesterday.
Other states that have implemented a bed tax for tourists are Penang and Melaka, while Pahang will implement it next year.
She said Johor, which collected a total of RM15.8mil in tourism tax throughout 2018, was the fourth highest in Malaysia after Sabah, Penang and Selangor.
Liow said the tourism tax was collected by the Customs Department based on the Tourism Tax Act 2017, where RM10 was charged on foreign tourists who stayed a night in hotels.
The Johor Jaya assemblyman, on March 27 this year, said the Federal Government, through the Finance Ministry, allocated 50% from tourism tax collection in 2018 to each state government.
“Johor received RM7.99mil as new revenue for the state, where 50% allocation was known as ‘tourism gift’, ” she said.
She said the allocation was used to fund maintaining and providing tourism accessibility, promoting and marketing tourism destinations and upgrading tourism statistics reports to the Tourism and Culture Ministry.
Liow said that the state government allocated RM8.29mil, which is more than the tourism gift value, for expenditure in the tourism sector.
Liow added that the state government was targeting RM27.32bil in tourism spending for next year in conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2020 (VJY2020).
“The state received benefits in terms of returns in the form of tourist spending where Johor received RM23.43bil in 2017, RM24.8bil in 2018 and the target this year is RM26.04bil.
“On VJY2020, we are targeting 18.4 million visitors with 8.4 million tourists staying at least a night in Johor, where their expenditure is expected to be RM27.32bil, ” she added.
~The Star~
Monday 25 November 2019
Bukit Bindu endurance motorcycle challenge will be Batu Pahat's latest tourist attraction
Bukit Bindu endurance motorcycle challenge will be Batu Pahat's latest tourist attraction
The Bukit Bindu endurance motorcycle challenge in Tongkang Pechah here will be the latest tourist attraction when it is included in the district’s tourism calendar next year.
Parit Ya’ani state assemblyman Aminolhuda Hassan said the event will make Batu Pahat a “compulsory location” for fans of motocross sports throughout the country.
Aminolhuda who is also chairman of the state Education, Human Resources, Science and Technology Committee said at the same time, it will also promote the Visit Johor Year 2020 and Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) 2020 held in the state.
“I understand that the motorcycle sports activity with its concept of endurance was held in the district for the first time while previously it was held at the Ayer Hitam Circuit,” he told reporters here today.
Aminolhuda was met after he launched the “Bukit Bindu Enduro King of Mountain 2019” at Kampung Parit Buloh, Bindu, here. Also present were Batu Pahat district officer Zulkiflee Abbas and president of the Motocross TQMX Club, Nizam Mohd Noor.
He said the event had attracted more than 200 participants.
It comprised two categories - under 200cc and more than 200cc, - and participants had to go through a 20-kilometre track.
Meanwhile, Nizam said Bukit Bindu was chosen as the motorcycle track as it provided participants with new challenges, giving them a different experience as well as a panoramic view of Bukit Bindu.
“This activity will be made an annual programme and will hopefully attract more endurance motorcycle fans from throughout the country.
“In the future, we will open the challenge to foreign participants as there is demand from motocross fans from other countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia,” he said.
During the event, the title ‘King of Mountain’ went to Tong Seng Tak, 39, who reached the hilltop in three hours five minutes.
-- BERNAMA
The Bukit Bindu endurance motorcycle challenge in Tongkang Pechah here will be the latest tourist attraction when it is included in the district’s tourism calendar next year.
Parit Ya’ani state assemblyman Aminolhuda Hassan said the event will make Batu Pahat a “compulsory location” for fans of motocross sports throughout the country.
Aminolhuda who is also chairman of the state Education, Human Resources, Science and Technology Committee said at the same time, it will also promote the Visit Johor Year 2020 and Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) 2020 held in the state.
“I understand that the motorcycle sports activity with its concept of endurance was held in the district for the first time while previously it was held at the Ayer Hitam Circuit,” he told reporters here today.
Aminolhuda was met after he launched the “Bukit Bindu Enduro King of Mountain 2019” at Kampung Parit Buloh, Bindu, here. Also present were Batu Pahat district officer Zulkiflee Abbas and president of the Motocross TQMX Club, Nizam Mohd Noor.
He said the event had attracted more than 200 participants.
It comprised two categories - under 200cc and more than 200cc, - and participants had to go through a 20-kilometre track.
Meanwhile, Nizam said Bukit Bindu was chosen as the motorcycle track as it provided participants with new challenges, giving them a different experience as well as a panoramic view of Bukit Bindu.
“This activity will be made an annual programme and will hopefully attract more endurance motorcycle fans from throughout the country.
“In the future, we will open the challenge to foreign participants as there is demand from motocross fans from other countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia,” he said.
During the event, the title ‘King of Mountain’ went to Tong Seng Tak, 39, who reached the hilltop in three hours five minutes.
-- BERNAMA
Friday 22 November 2019
Will new-look Desaru be Johor’s next tourism gem?
Resorts, rides and rustic charm: Will new-look Desaru be Johor’s next tourism gem?
The view of Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark from Hard Rock Hotel. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
PENGERANG, Johor: Mr Joseph Tan has not been to Desaru since 2009.
When the IT engineer from Singapore visited last month for a weekend retreat, he was surprised at how the place has been redeveloped with a chain of luxury hotels, a huge water theme park and golf courses.
“It’s unrecognisable,” said the 35-year-old. “It used to be just a dirty beach and deserted hotels. The place has a different vibe now.”
Since the 1970s, Desaru has been a popular tourist destination for Singaporeans. However, its star faded in recent years as the tourism infrastructure aged.
Over the last year, an integrated eco-entertainment development dubbed Desaru Coast was opened gradually, bringing hope that the area would be rejuvenated.
An aerial shot of the integrated eco-entertainment development. (Photo: Desaru Coast)
The project, worth RM2.7 billion (S$890 million), includes resorts like Hard Rock Hotel and The Westin, as well as the Adventure Waterpark. It also has the Els Club, two golf courses designed by legends of the game Ernie Els and Vijay Singh.
Mr Tan, who stayed for two nights at Hard Rock Hotel with his wife and young daughter, told CNA that the development caters to people with different interests.
The Els Club Valley Course which covers 25,000-square feet has a restaurant, golf shop, locker rooms and a meeting space for up to 120 people. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
“While I played golf, my wife brought our daughter to the adventure park. In the evening, we went to the beach to relax together. There are options for everyone,” said Mr Tan.
The Hard Rock Hotel has a modern-feel – it offers a music-centric spa where bass vibrations would ripple through the massage table, an in-room music programme as well as a Mexican-inspired poolside bar and grill restaurant.
The swimming pool at the Hard Rock Hotel overlooks the other resorts at Desaru Coast. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
The hotel is connected to the Adventure Waterpark, which has thrilling rides such as a vast tidal wave beach and a roller coaster with a 360-degree loop.
According to another Singapore visitor Mr Nasiruddin Mohd Syed, the theme park is worth the two-hour drive from his home in Ang Mo Kio, even for a day trip.
“The place is new, so the water is much cleaner than other water theme parks in Malaysia. It is also quite empty now that most people don’t know about it yet, but once it becomes popular, I expect it to be more crowded,” he added.
Desaru's public beach located close to the luxury hotels and waterpark. The currents here are considered rough and the water is generally not suitable for water sports and swimming. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
Beyond the attractions within Desaru Coast, visitors can also venture out slightly for mangrove tours at the nearby Panti Forest.
Desaru Coast told CNA that it was looking to offer more outdoor activities for its visitors, like ATV rides, mountain biking and nature walks.
Ms Liow Cai Tung, the Johor executive council member for tourism, told CNA that over the past year, Desaru Coast has received "a steady stream of visitors" from Indonesia, China and also Hong Kong. She expects more to come from Australia, Japan, Taiwan and the Middle East in the near future.
"We are aggressively promoting Desaru Coast as a packaged deal comprising hotels, theme park and other attractions. So we expect it to expand the tourism market (in Johor)," she said.
"I'm confident that people who are looking for a vacation away from the city, people who like sunsine and beach, will definitely choose Desaru as one of their destinations to visit," Ms Liow added.
For now, things appear to be looking up for Desaru as a tourist destination. But can this growth be sustained going forward?
Tourism planning expert Prof Amran Hamzah from University Teknologi Malaysia noted that Desaru is drawing crowds due to the "novelty factor”. Whether this is sustainable depends on how amenities and other attractions in the area are developed, he added.
“Hard Rock Hotel has been getting good occupancy rates because for anything that is brand new and viable, it will be able to attract patrons for the first two or three years. But for the medium or longer term, it depends on the product development,” he said.
FERRY SERVICES FROM SINGAPORE TO BE ENHANCED
One area that needs work is Desaru’s accessibility. To get to the resorts, most Singaporeans brave the congestion at the Woodlands Causeway, before taking the recently developed Senai-Desaru expressway.
A potentially more viable option would be a 30-minute ferry from Changi Point to Tanjung Belungkor, a remote terminal which is a 20-minute drive from Desaru Coast.
The Tanjung Belungkor ferry terminal is a 30-minute drive from Desaru Coast. Taxis are available for those who arrive from Singapore. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
Currently, there are ferry services operated by Malaysian company Limbongan Maju. While the option enables visitors to skip the Causeway congestion, the ferries are infrequent and somewhat costly.
They operate twice daily on weekdays, departing Changi at 9.30am and 8pm. On weekends, there are four trips, departing Changi at 12.30pm and 5pm, in addition to the weekday timings. The fares are S$25 for one way and S$40 for return trip tickets.
The price list for taxi rides from Tanjung Belungkor to other parts of Johor. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
For Singaporean visitors like Mr Nasiruddin, this is not very convenient. “Once you reach the ferry terminal, you have to take a taxi. You don’t have the freedom to drive around the area and explore. There are no (ride-hailing) services in the area so you have to rely on private taxis, those are not cheap,” said the 50-year-old insurance agent.
However, Ms Liow of the state exco highlighted that there are plans to develop a ferry terminal which provides ferry services from Singapore directly to Desaru Coast.
She said the terminal, which will be built by Desaru Coast, is expected to be ready by the first quarter of 2021 and will offer Singaporeans an alternative, more efficient way to travel.
Desaru Coast confirmed that the terminal will include a customs and immigration complex, and when finished will boost accessibility from Singapore.
"Once completed, the ferry terminal will provide direct ferry access from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore into Desaru Coast, which will take about 1hr 15mins," a Desaru Coast spokesperson told CNA.
AGROTOURISM NEEDS A BOOST
Prof Amran, who was commissioned by the government to do a study on rural tourism in Desaru, added that more must be done to develop the area’s agrotourism.
Desaru has a renowned fruit farm, ostrich farm as well as a firefly river cruise, but these attractions are stale and need redevelopment, he said.
The tours at Desaru Fruit Farm barely receive any visitors on weekdays, a staff member said. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
“They still attract tourists but they have stagnated in terms of quality of experience. So if these attractions were to be polished, and raised to the level of the best attractions in the region, then they could attract more people,” he said.
“It’s not sufficient to have good resorts, there must be good activities to pull tourists. How many days can you attract people to stay in hotels and just hang around there and lie around the beach?” Prof Amran added.
When CNA visited the Desaru Fruit Farm last month, there were barely any tourists. The farm tours, which are scheduled four times a day, were only conducted when enough people were interested, said a staff member who declined to be named.
The highlight of the tour at Desaru Fruit Farm is a petting zoo with goats and chickens. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
“During durian season, more tourists would come and eat our durian buffet. But otherwise, it is largely quiet," said the employee.
The floating restaurant at Bujang firefly river cruise has no lights outside the building. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
Meanwhile, at Desaru's Bujang firefly river cruise, visitors have complained that the floating restaurant where the cruise starts is hard to locate.
Employees at Bujang firefly river cruise doing repair works in the day. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
"There is no reception in the village area so it is hard to use GPS to get there. The lighting in the roads leading to the cruise is also bad, and it is dangerous to drive there in the evening," said Ms Marlisa Ahmad, a visitor from Kuala Lumpur.
Ms Liow acknowledged that more can be done to develop agrotourism, and that the government is working closely with the private sector.
Ms Liow Cai Tung, chairman of the committee in charge of tourism, women, family and community development in Johor state. (File photo: Bernama) "I think a modern challenge is to attract visitors who increasingly have shorter attention spans. We have to continuously grab their attention by coming up with new concepts so as to keep people interested," she said.
She cited how events like the upcoming Ironman 70.3 Desaru Coast - an international triathlon event that will be held in April 2020, and the Desaru International Bike Week, as examples of how the area can capture the attention of visitors, especially international tourists.
However, Ms Liow stressed that the Singapore market is still the "priority market" for Johor.
"It's very important to get more Singapore tourists to keep on coming into Johor. Our vision is to expand the (tourism offerings) for the whole state, and put forward more attractions so that Singaporeans can visit other districts, not just Desaru," she said.
Source: CNA/am(aw)
The view of Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark from Hard Rock Hotel. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
PENGERANG, Johor: Mr Joseph Tan has not been to Desaru since 2009.
When the IT engineer from Singapore visited last month for a weekend retreat, he was surprised at how the place has been redeveloped with a chain of luxury hotels, a huge water theme park and golf courses.
“It’s unrecognisable,” said the 35-year-old. “It used to be just a dirty beach and deserted hotels. The place has a different vibe now.”
Since the 1970s, Desaru has been a popular tourist destination for Singaporeans. However, its star faded in recent years as the tourism infrastructure aged.
Over the last year, an integrated eco-entertainment development dubbed Desaru Coast was opened gradually, bringing hope that the area would be rejuvenated.
An aerial shot of the integrated eco-entertainment development. (Photo: Desaru Coast)
The project, worth RM2.7 billion (S$890 million), includes resorts like Hard Rock Hotel and The Westin, as well as the Adventure Waterpark. It also has the Els Club, two golf courses designed by legends of the game Ernie Els and Vijay Singh.
Mr Tan, who stayed for two nights at Hard Rock Hotel with his wife and young daughter, told CNA that the development caters to people with different interests.
The Els Club Valley Course which covers 25,000-square feet has a restaurant, golf shop, locker rooms and a meeting space for up to 120 people. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
“While I played golf, my wife brought our daughter to the adventure park. In the evening, we went to the beach to relax together. There are options for everyone,” said Mr Tan.
The Hard Rock Hotel has a modern-feel – it offers a music-centric spa where bass vibrations would ripple through the massage table, an in-room music programme as well as a Mexican-inspired poolside bar and grill restaurant.
The swimming pool at the Hard Rock Hotel overlooks the other resorts at Desaru Coast. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
The hotel is connected to the Adventure Waterpark, which has thrilling rides such as a vast tidal wave beach and a roller coaster with a 360-degree loop.
According to another Singapore visitor Mr Nasiruddin Mohd Syed, the theme park is worth the two-hour drive from his home in Ang Mo Kio, even for a day trip.
“The place is new, so the water is much cleaner than other water theme parks in Malaysia. It is also quite empty now that most people don’t know about it yet, but once it becomes popular, I expect it to be more crowded,” he added.
Desaru's public beach located close to the luxury hotels and waterpark. The currents here are considered rough and the water is generally not suitable for water sports and swimming. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
Beyond the attractions within Desaru Coast, visitors can also venture out slightly for mangrove tours at the nearby Panti Forest.
Desaru Coast told CNA that it was looking to offer more outdoor activities for its visitors, like ATV rides, mountain biking and nature walks.
Ms Liow Cai Tung, the Johor executive council member for tourism, told CNA that over the past year, Desaru Coast has received "a steady stream of visitors" from Indonesia, China and also Hong Kong. She expects more to come from Australia, Japan, Taiwan and the Middle East in the near future.
"We are aggressively promoting Desaru Coast as a packaged deal comprising hotels, theme park and other attractions. So we expect it to expand the tourism market (in Johor)," she said.
"I'm confident that people who are looking for a vacation away from the city, people who like sunsine and beach, will definitely choose Desaru as one of their destinations to visit," Ms Liow added.
For now, things appear to be looking up for Desaru as a tourist destination. But can this growth be sustained going forward?
Tourism planning expert Prof Amran Hamzah from University Teknologi Malaysia noted that Desaru is drawing crowds due to the "novelty factor”. Whether this is sustainable depends on how amenities and other attractions in the area are developed, he added.
“Hard Rock Hotel has been getting good occupancy rates because for anything that is brand new and viable, it will be able to attract patrons for the first two or three years. But for the medium or longer term, it depends on the product development,” he said.
FERRY SERVICES FROM SINGAPORE TO BE ENHANCED
One area that needs work is Desaru’s accessibility. To get to the resorts, most Singaporeans brave the congestion at the Woodlands Causeway, before taking the recently developed Senai-Desaru expressway.
A potentially more viable option would be a 30-minute ferry from Changi Point to Tanjung Belungkor, a remote terminal which is a 20-minute drive from Desaru Coast.
The Tanjung Belungkor ferry terminal is a 30-minute drive from Desaru Coast. Taxis are available for those who arrive from Singapore. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
Currently, there are ferry services operated by Malaysian company Limbongan Maju. While the option enables visitors to skip the Causeway congestion, the ferries are infrequent and somewhat costly.
They operate twice daily on weekdays, departing Changi at 9.30am and 8pm. On weekends, there are four trips, departing Changi at 12.30pm and 5pm, in addition to the weekday timings. The fares are S$25 for one way and S$40 for return trip tickets.
The price list for taxi rides from Tanjung Belungkor to other parts of Johor. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
For Singaporean visitors like Mr Nasiruddin, this is not very convenient. “Once you reach the ferry terminal, you have to take a taxi. You don’t have the freedom to drive around the area and explore. There are no (ride-hailing) services in the area so you have to rely on private taxis, those are not cheap,” said the 50-year-old insurance agent.
However, Ms Liow of the state exco highlighted that there are plans to develop a ferry terminal which provides ferry services from Singapore directly to Desaru Coast.
She said the terminal, which will be built by Desaru Coast, is expected to be ready by the first quarter of 2021 and will offer Singaporeans an alternative, more efficient way to travel.
Desaru Coast confirmed that the terminal will include a customs and immigration complex, and when finished will boost accessibility from Singapore.
"Once completed, the ferry terminal will provide direct ferry access from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore into Desaru Coast, which will take about 1hr 15mins," a Desaru Coast spokesperson told CNA.
AGROTOURISM NEEDS A BOOST
Prof Amran, who was commissioned by the government to do a study on rural tourism in Desaru, added that more must be done to develop the area’s agrotourism.
Desaru has a renowned fruit farm, ostrich farm as well as a firefly river cruise, but these attractions are stale and need redevelopment, he said.
The tours at Desaru Fruit Farm barely receive any visitors on weekdays, a staff member said. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
“They still attract tourists but they have stagnated in terms of quality of experience. So if these attractions were to be polished, and raised to the level of the best attractions in the region, then they could attract more people,” he said.
“It’s not sufficient to have good resorts, there must be good activities to pull tourists. How many days can you attract people to stay in hotels and just hang around there and lie around the beach?” Prof Amran added.
When CNA visited the Desaru Fruit Farm last month, there were barely any tourists. The farm tours, which are scheduled four times a day, were only conducted when enough people were interested, said a staff member who declined to be named.
The highlight of the tour at Desaru Fruit Farm is a petting zoo with goats and chickens. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
“During durian season, more tourists would come and eat our durian buffet. But otherwise, it is largely quiet," said the employee.
The floating restaurant at Bujang firefly river cruise has no lights outside the building. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
Meanwhile, at Desaru's Bujang firefly river cruise, visitors have complained that the floating restaurant where the cruise starts is hard to locate.
Employees at Bujang firefly river cruise doing repair works in the day. (Photo: Amir Yusof)
"There is no reception in the village area so it is hard to use GPS to get there. The lighting in the roads leading to the cruise is also bad, and it is dangerous to drive there in the evening," said Ms Marlisa Ahmad, a visitor from Kuala Lumpur.
Ms Liow acknowledged that more can be done to develop agrotourism, and that the government is working closely with the private sector.
Ms Liow Cai Tung, chairman of the committee in charge of tourism, women, family and community development in Johor state. (File photo: Bernama) "I think a modern challenge is to attract visitors who increasingly have shorter attention spans. We have to continuously grab their attention by coming up with new concepts so as to keep people interested," she said.
She cited how events like the upcoming Ironman 70.3 Desaru Coast - an international triathlon event that will be held in April 2020, and the Desaru International Bike Week, as examples of how the area can capture the attention of visitors, especially international tourists.
However, Ms Liow stressed that the Singapore market is still the "priority market" for Johor.
"It's very important to get more Singapore tourists to keep on coming into Johor. Our vision is to expand the (tourism offerings) for the whole state, and put forward more attractions so that Singaporeans can visit other districts, not just Desaru," she said.
Source: CNA/am(aw)
Tourists will still flock to Johor without Hello Kitty Town
Tourists will still flock to Johor without Hello Kitty Town, says state exco
Johor Tourism, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Liow Cai Tung said the closure of the Hello Kitty Town theme park will have little impact on Visit Johor Year 2020. — Picture by Ben Tan
JOHOR BARU, Oct 2 — The Johor government is confident that its 2020 state tourism campaign will not be affected by the closure of Sanrio’s Hello Kitty Town theme park in Puteri Harbour at the end of the year.
State Tourism, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Liow Cai Tung said the closure of the theme park will have little impact on the Visit Johor Year 2020 that will go into full swing starting January 2020.
“I believe it will only have a small impact on the Visit Johor Year 2020 campaign and will not affect overall tourist arrivals to the state.
“The state government does not depend on one particular type of tourism product alone,” she told Malay Mail today in response to news reports that tourism arrivals may drop without the Sanrio theme park.
Liow said that the southern state has other new destinations such as the recently launched Desaru Coast that also offers a range of tourism products such as water theme parks, hotels and international golf courses.
“Besides that, Johor is also promoting eco-tourism as well as nature-based tourism and medical tourism as well,” she said.
Liow confirmed that Hello Kitty Town will halt operations after December 31.
She said that the decision was made by a private company and the state government respects its decision.
“I understand that the theme park is closing due to a lack of response over the last few years,” added Liow, who is also the Johor Jaya assemblyman.
Yesterday, it was reported that the Hello Kitty theme park in south Johor’s Puteri Harbour is slated to cease operations by year-end due to a lack of visitors.
The Puteri Harbour building, which houses the Hello Kitty Town theme park, also houses a number of other attractions, including a Thomas Town indoor park, that is slated to close at the same time as well.
The RM110 million Hello Kitty Town theme park, the first in Malaysia, was opened in 2012. It has suffered a decline in ticket sales over the years as the number of visitors did not meet the expected targets.
An online announcement informing customers of the planned closure of the Thomas Town and Hello Kitty Town theme parks on December 31. — Picture via social media
~The Malay Mail~
Johor Tourism, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Liow Cai Tung said the closure of the Hello Kitty Town theme park will have little impact on Visit Johor Year 2020. — Picture by Ben Tan
JOHOR BARU, Oct 2 — The Johor government is confident that its 2020 state tourism campaign will not be affected by the closure of Sanrio’s Hello Kitty Town theme park in Puteri Harbour at the end of the year.
State Tourism, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Liow Cai Tung said the closure of the theme park will have little impact on the Visit Johor Year 2020 that will go into full swing starting January 2020.
“I believe it will only have a small impact on the Visit Johor Year 2020 campaign and will not affect overall tourist arrivals to the state.
“The state government does not depend on one particular type of tourism product alone,” she told Malay Mail today in response to news reports that tourism arrivals may drop without the Sanrio theme park.
Liow said that the southern state has other new destinations such as the recently launched Desaru Coast that also offers a range of tourism products such as water theme parks, hotels and international golf courses.
“Besides that, Johor is also promoting eco-tourism as well as nature-based tourism and medical tourism as well,” she said.
Liow confirmed that Hello Kitty Town will halt operations after December 31.
She said that the decision was made by a private company and the state government respects its decision.
“I understand that the theme park is closing due to a lack of response over the last few years,” added Liow, who is also the Johor Jaya assemblyman.
Yesterday, it was reported that the Hello Kitty theme park in south Johor’s Puteri Harbour is slated to cease operations by year-end due to a lack of visitors.
The Puteri Harbour building, which houses the Hello Kitty Town theme park, also houses a number of other attractions, including a Thomas Town indoor park, that is slated to close at the same time as well.
The RM110 million Hello Kitty Town theme park, the first in Malaysia, was opened in 2012. It has suffered a decline in ticket sales over the years as the number of visitors did not meet the expected targets.
An online announcement informing customers of the planned closure of the Thomas Town and Hello Kitty Town theme parks on December 31. — Picture via social media
~The Malay Mail~
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