Johor fully recovers from floods

Johor fully recovers from floods



Johor has fully recovered from the floods with the one temporary evacuation centre open in Segamat, being closed at 11 am today.

State Local Government, Urban Wellbeing and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon said 11 people from three families in the district, housed at Gemereh IV community hall since Dec 15, were allowed to return home today.

All of them are residents of Kampung Seberang Batu Badak.

According to Tan, they were all allowed to return home after the flood waters had receded fully and because of the sunny weather.

However, he said, ongoing monitoring will be carried out by the relevant agencies from time to time.

-- BERNAMA

Visit Johor 2020 Harbour Celebration

Flood situation in Segamat continues to improve

Flood situation in Segamat continues to improve

The flood situation in Segamat continues to improve with only one relief centre (PPS) remains in operations as at 8 pm tonight.

State Local Government, Urban Wellbeing and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon said this followed the closing of PPS in Kampung Tandong which saw all 58 people from 13 families returning to their respective homes.

As for the remaining PPS in Kampung Batu Badak, the number of evacuees has dropped to 30 individuals from seven families, compared to 88 flood victims from 20 families this afternoon, he said in a statement.

-- BERNAMA

Senai Airport: Four million passenger milestone

Four million passenger milestone


Muhammad Bakhtiar (in batik shirt), Liow (in blue blouse) and Md Derick (left) celebrating the four millionth milestone with Lim (third from left) and her children. – THOMAS YONG/The Star

JOHOR BARU: Senai International Airport aims to receive about 4.6 million passengers during Visit Johor 2020 (VJ2020).

Its chief executive officer Md Derick Basir said that the number would be an increase of about 8% from the forecast for this year.

“The passenger volume for 2019 is expected to hit 4.2 million, which is an increase of 20% as compared with 3.5 million passengers handled in 2018.

“For next year, we expect to handle about 4.6 million passengers with the current flights and routes that we have, ” he said, adding that most of the passengers would be from domestic flights.

Md Derick said this during a celebration of the airport’s milestone in receiving its four millionth passenger here.

He said the last time the airport celebrated a similar achievement was in 2017, when it hit 3 million passengers in a year.

He added that the airport currently handles an average of 110 flights involving 11,500 passengers daily to 12 domestic and seven international destinations.

Meanwhile, Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chick said Johor had set a target of receiving some 8.4 million overstaying tourists (those who stay at least one night) and 18.4 million visitors in total (including day-trippers) next year.

“With a budget of RM15mil, the highest ever given to the tourism sector in the state, we hope to be able to achieve stellar returns in the coming year.

“In conjunction of Visit Malaysia 2020 and Visit Johor 2020, we hope to see an economic spillover of RM29.4bil, ” he said.

Meanwhile, Lim Seoh Boey, 37, received a grand welcome upon checking in as the four millionth passenger at Senai International Airport.

Lim, who was with her three children, said that she was surprised and excited when told that she was the lucky passenger.

“I was returning from Kuala Lumpur where I had gone to visit my mother for the holiday season.

“I was shocked when I found out I am the four millionth passenger when I checked in earlier, ” she said, adding that it was a pleasant surprise.

Also present was Johor tourism, women, families and community development committee chairman Liow Cai Tung.

~The Star~

Only Segamat still affected by floods in Johor

Only Segamat still affected by floods in Johor

Segamat remains the only district in the state to be affected by floods with 436 people from 101 families still housed at nine temporary relief centres at 12 noon today.

State Local Government, Urban Wellbeing and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon in a statement said all victims in Segamat involved residents from Jalan Kolam Air, Kampung Batu Badak, Pogoh, Kampung Spang Loi, Kampung Tandong, Kuala Paya, Kampung Sanglang, Kampung Kuing Patah and Kampung Bukit Tunggal.

He said in the morning there were 37 people from seven families in Parit Sulong and Kampung Peserai Lama, Semerah sheltered at Sekolah Agama Seri Chomel and Kampung Peserai Lama hall.

Nonetheless, both centres were closed at 10 am after flood waters receded from the residence of all victims.

He said even though Segamat is still affected, monitoring for floods would continue in all districts by all relevant agencies.

-- BERNAMA

Delays expected at both checkpoints over holiday season: ICA

Delays expected at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints over holiday season: ICA

Travellers using the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays can expect delays and heavy traffic, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Friday (Dec 20).

Traffic flow through both land checkpoints is expected to be particularly heavy between Dec 20 and Jan 1, and the weekend before Christmas (Dec 21 to 22 this year) is one of the busiest weekends, it said.

"Travellers using the land checkpoints during this end-year holiday season 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."

With security checks coupled with a large number of travellers using the checkpoints at the same time, traffic build-up is "inevitable and delays can be expected", it said.

ICA encouraged travellers to factor in the additional time needed for immigration clearance into their plans.

PASSPORT VALIDITY

It also reminded them to bring the right passports and check that they are valid for at least six months before setting off on their journey.

"During peak periods, ICA has encountered many instances of travellers turning up at the land checkpoints either with a wrong passport, or without a passport," said ICA, noting that such cases will cause unnecessary delays, add to traffic build-up and inconvenience other travellers.

Passports that have been reported to be lost can no longer be used for travelling, even if they are subsequently found, as they will be cancelled by ICA.

Any attempt to use such passports may be punished by a fine of up to S$10,000, up to 10 years' jail, or both.

Such passports that have been recovered must be surrendered to ICA within 14 days. failure to surrender the recovered passport may be punished with a fine of up to S$3,000, up to two years' jail, or both.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

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 before 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 reminded motorists to observe traffic rules 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.

Motorists can also check ICA’s Facebook page for updates on the traffic situation at both checkpoints.

Checkpoint officers will monitor traffic conditions on a real-time basis and ensure optimal deployment of resources, with ICA also working with traffic police to ensure road discipline at critical junctions leading to the land checkpoints.

ELECTRONIC ARRIVAl CARDS FOR FOREIGN VISITORS

ICA encouraged foreign visitors to submit their arrival cards online via the SG Arrival Card e-service on the ICA website or mobile application for greater convenience.

They can submit the electronic arrival cards up to 14 days ahead of their arrival in Singapore.

This means that they do not need to fill up the paper-based disembarkation/embarkation card and will only need to produce their passports for immigration clearance upon arrival.

Source: CNA/ic(hm)

Flood situation in Johor improves

Flood situation in Johor improves

The total number of flood evacuees in the state has dropped to 1,468 people from 375 families as of 4pm, compared with 2,669 people from 716 families at 8am on Thursday (Dec 19).

State Local Government, Urban Wellbeing and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon in a statement here said the number of temporary relief centres had dropped from 43 to 25 at all five affected districts.

“The highest number of victims came from Segamat with 543 victims, followed by Kota Tinggi (452) and Kluang (233).

“The other flooded districts are Pontian (146) and Batu Pahat (94), ” he said.

Tan also said that three roads in Mersing and two roads in Segamat had been closed due to the floods.

The affected roads are Jalan Teluk Arong and Jalan Tanah Abang in Mersing and Jalan Paya Balai Badang, Jalan Putting, and Tumang in Segamat.

~The Star~

Sultan Iskandar Mosque declared Malaysia's first tourism-friendly mosque

Sultan Iskandar Mosque declared Malaysia's first tourism-friendly mosque



Sultan Iskandar Mosque in Bandar Dato’ Onn has been declared Malaysia’s first tourism-friendly mosque following the bestowal of the Malaysia Tourism Quality Assurance (MyTQA) certificate by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).

Johor Corporation (JCorp) president and chief executive, as well as Waqaf An-Nur Corporation Bhd chairman, Datuk Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim, said: “It is indeed JCorp’s core mission to promote a better understanding of Islam and also its aesthetic aspect through the mosque.”

“Additionally, we hope to attract 40,000 visitors to the mosque for Visit Johor Year 2020,” he said at the proclamation ceremony cum Mutiara JCorp (a women and wives of employees’ charitable services club) book launch of ‘Warkah Untuk Ibu’ (a letter to mum) and ‘Setelah Nafas Terhenti’ (when life ends).

JCorp acting president and chief executive, Bukhari Abdul Rahman, Mutiara JCorp chairwoman, Datin Noor Laila Yahaya, and MOTAC industry development unit chief, Zalina Misdi, were also present.

Kamaruzzaman said in addition to having mosque employees play a tour guiding role to provide insight on Islam, there are also the Galeri An-Nur and a theatre for this sake as well.

He added that a mosque with a capacity for 750 worshippers will soon be built over a carpark between Komtar and Menara Johor Land.

“Preliminary cost estimate is RM10 million and the project may take two to three years to complete,” he said.

Sultan Iskandar Mosque, which was built in 2013 and can accommodate 4,600 worshippers, is the sixth and biggest mosque under Waqaf An-Nur Corporation.

-- BERNAMA

In support of inbound tourism - Visa

In support of inbound tourism



Visa has announced its partnership with Mid Valley Megamall. At the event, (from left) Ng, Tourism Malaysia Package Development Division director Syed Yahya Syed Othman, Tourism Malaysia Package Development Division Secretariat Shopping Malaysia head, Norliza Md Zain and Mid Valley City chief executive officer Daniel Yong.

KUALA LUMPUR: In support of Visit Malaysia 2020, and its target of achieving 30 million international tourist arrivals, Visa has unrolled a series of initiatives to promote inbound tourism.

“We have year-long promotions and offers in various parts of Malaysia including Klang Valley, Johor Baru and Penang. Visa cardholders can enjoy discounts and benefits at family attractions such as Legoland, Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, and KidZania, other outlets like BH Petrol and Swarovski, as well as hospitals such as ParkCity Medical Centre and Subang Jaya Medical Centre,” says Visa country manager for Malaysia, Ng Kong Boon.

Aside from establishing partnerships with such attractions, hotels and dining outlets, the company has also established tie-ups with major shopping malls to roll out attractive promotions in an effort to play its part in promoting Visit Malaysia 2020.

To this end, Visa has announced its partnership with Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur recently on Dec 12. Being the world’s leader in digital payments, this partnership seeks to encourage tourists to use digital payment for their purchases during the festive season.

With this campaign Visa cardholders can make payment with their contactless card for purchases made at Mid Valley Megamall here and The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Baru, to be eligible for redemption gifts. To sweeten the deal, when they shop on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and on the eve of public holidays and on public holidays, they will also receive eco-friendly metal straws and pans as giveaways for transactions about RM200 and RM350 respectively.

For the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, Visa and Mid Valley will be introducing another campaign from Jan 5, 2020 to Feb 2, 2020 where Visa cardholders will receive Toys “R” Us vouchers when they spend minimum RM350 with their contactless cards.



Ng notes a tremendous growth in adoption of digital payment.

Visa cardholders in Melaka are also in for a treat as Visa has also partnered with Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, Terminal Pahlawan and Hatten Square. From now till Jan 2, 2020 Visa cardholders will receive a specially designed Barbie canvas shopping bag when they spend minimum RM300 using their contactless cards.

According to Ng, this is part of the effort to propel adoption of digital payment, which has seen a tremendous growth due to the introduction of e-wallets. Furthermore, digital payments are a more convenient and safe way to making payment, as no physical cash is involved and tourists do not need to walk around with a big amount of local currency.

“Many people have the impression that the exchange rate applied when using their cards to make payment in a foreign currency is not as good as what they can get at a money changer. However, this is not necessarily true, as the exchange rate offered by the banks are just as competitive.

“We are extremely excited to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination, especially to our neighbours in Asia Pacific. Based on our data, Singaporeans, Indonesians and the Chinese are the top spenders when they travel to Malaysia. During this festive period, we are partnering with malls frequented by tourists to encourage them to use their payment cards, particularly contactless payments, when they make their purchases here. These promotions are designed to help boost tourism spend as part of the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign, “ Ng said.

~The Star~

Johor to draw more local tourists

Johor to draw more local tourists


Liow (middle) presenting a goodie bag to Firefly Airlines passengers on its inaugural flight from Kota Baru to Johor Baru at Senai International Airport. Looking on is Md Derick (left).

KULAI: Johor is eyeing more domestic tourists to visit the state in conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2020 (VJY2020) programme.

State tourism, women development, family and community committee chairman Liow Cai Tung said VJY2020 was not only focusing on attracting foreign tourists but domestic visitors as well.

“Over the last three years, there is a healthy growth in domestic tourists visiting Johor.

“In 2016, the state recorded 2.6 million domestic visitors while in 2017, the number jumped to 2.63 million. Last year, we received about 2.92 million and we are hoping the figure continues to rise for 2019 and beyond, ” she said after welcoming Firefly Airlines passengers from its inaugural Kota Baru-Johor Baru flight at Senai International Airport here.

She commended Firefly for introducing the new route, with Senai International Airport now having five airlines operating 12 domestic and seven international routes.

“I hope more airlines will support the state tourism sector by having more routes to Johor, ” she said.

Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd (SATSSB) chief executive officer Md Derick Basir said many airline companies had shown interest to have international flights from the airport.

“We are in discussions with several airline companies to introduce flights from Senai International Airport to international destinations such as Shenzhen in China, Medan in Indonesia and a city in Japan.

Meanwhile, Firefly chief executive officer Phillip See said the airline would fly between Kota Baru and Johor Baru three times a week.

“We are very excited with our new route, which connects both Johor Baru and Kota Baru.

“Both cities are strategic as Kota Baru is located as an entry point to southern Thailand while Johor Baru is fast growing to become a major area for business and leisure as well as an entry point to Singapore, ” he said.

See added that Firefly would be able to help the state government in getting more domestic tourists to come here with the their new route service.

~The Star~

Find solutions to ease congestion at the Causeway, Govt urged

Find solutions to ease congestion at the Causeway, Govt urged



Traffic along the Johor Causeway is congested daily, especially after office hours. — Filepic

The Government is urged to come up with practical solutions to reduce congestion at the Johor Causeway instead of wasting taxpayers’ money on conducting a feasibility study on building a third bridge linking Johor Baru and Singapore.

Johor South SME adviser Teh Kee Sin said short, medium and long-term measures were needed to improve traffic flow at the land link connecting both countries.

“The people have had enough of rhetoric and political promises. They want to see results and solutions, ’’ he said.

He also said the Tebrau Shuttle service between JB Sentral here and Woodlands in Singapore should be improved as a short-term measure, by increasing the frequency of services.

He said the increase in train service from 31 times a day would help to ease traffic congestion at the Johor Causeway, especially during peak hours as well as on weekends and public holidays.

Teh said plans to construct the covered pedestrian walkway as promised during the last election should be implemented with no more delays as the cost was affordable.

“Time required to undertake the project is not too long and this also may encourage more people to use public transport, ’’ he said.

He added that the long-term solution to ease the congestion was the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS).

On the other hand, Johor Indian Business Association president P. Sivakumar welcomed the proposed third bridge project to ease congestion at the Johor Causeway.

“However, the Government should speed up the implementation of the RTS project, ” he said.

Sivakumar agreed with Teh that work on the approved covered pedestrian pathway should start soon.

He said if the third bridge project was implemented, there must not be any damage to the environment.

Johor Consumers Movement Association chairman Md Salleh Sadijo said improving the existing infrastructure at the Johor Causeway and the Second Link Crossing in Tanjung Kupang, Gelang Patah was more cost-effective in the long run.

“Since Singapore is still sceptical about the third bridge as internal security is their main concern, why waste taxpayers’ money on carrying out a study, ” he questioned.

He suggested that the Government opened more toll booths and offered concessions to encourage more motorists to use the Second Link and reduce congestion at the Causeway.

It was reported that Malaysia would spend RM5mil to conduct a nine-month study on the possibility of building a third bridge to Singapore to alleviate congestion at the Johor Causeway.

Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had said the bridge would be built only after a feasibility study was conducted next year.

~The Star~

Next wave of floods feared at end of December

Next wave of floods feared at end of December



Residents are advised to be more cautious during this monsoon season for fear of another wave of floods at the end of this month.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the people should listen to directives from the authorities if their residential areas were hit by floods.

“I was informed that there is a possible wave of floods at the end of this month. Therefore, I hope everyone will be more careful," he told reporters after making an aerial survey over some areas in the state today.

The one-hour air survey was conducted over Johor Bahru, Mersing, and Pengerang in Kota Tinggi by using an Augusta AW 189 helicopter belonging to the Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).

Also present was state JBPM director, Datuk Yahaya Madis.

Meanwhile, Yahaya said the situation was under control as the flood waters began to recede in several areas.

“We see that only the main road linking Kota Tinggi to Mersing has been cut off while Kampung Mawai is still flooded and unsafe. We hope that with fine weather like today, the situation will improve,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

He said JBPM would continue to conduct the aerial survey tomorrow over other districts such as Batu Pahat, Kluang and Segamat, in addition to performing several mercy flights for flood victims, including sending basic food items to villagers in Kampung Peta Endau and bringing out Orang Asli patients.

In a related development, state International Trade, Investment and Utilities Committee chairman, Jimmy Puah Wee Tse said the water levels in three rivers had exceeded the danger level following continuous rain since last Friday.

As of 11.59 am, the water level in Sungai Lenik recorded a reading of 6.59 metres, which exceeded the danger level of 6 metres and Sungai Muar in Kampung Awat had reached 20.19 metres (danger level at 19.95 metres).

Meanwhile, the water level of the Machap Dam recorded a reading of 17.42 metres, exceeding the danger level (17.4 metres), he said, adding that the Department of Irrigation and Drainage had been asked to monitor the situation from time to time.

-- BERNAMA

Sunway Big Box Retail Park opens to the public today

Sunway Big Box Retail Park opens to the public today



Sunway Big Box Retail Park, the first hybrid retail park in Malaysia, is officially open to the public today.

It is the seventh retail development under the Sunway Malls umbrella that currently has 7.7 million square feet of net lettable area under management.

The other six malls under the group are Sunway Pyramid in Sunway City; Sunway Velocity Mall and Sunway Putra Mall both in Kuala Lumpur; Sunway Carnival Mall (Penang); Sunway Citrine Hub, Sunway Iskandar (Johor); and Sunway Giza Mall in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Sunway Malls and Theme Parks chief executive officer (CEO) HC Chan said costing RM250 million, the two-floor retail cluster is set to provide an immersive retail and leisure experience to the shoppers as it is home to nearly 100 retail, food and beverage and entertainment stores.

Among key brands featured in the hybrid park are NSK, Sports Directs, Ace Hardware, Tomaz, BookXcess, Golden Screen Cinemas, Skechers, Universal Traveller, Fun Scape by Cobay, Mr Dakgalbi, Happy Fish and EnerG X Park.

“As of today, 50 per cent of the retail space are open for business, with the number increasing to 70 per cent in the first quarter (Q1), 80 per ent in Q2, 90 per cent in Q3 and 95 per cent by Q4 2020,” Chan said during the soft opening of the hybrid retail park here, today.

Also present at the event were CEO of Sunway Iskandar, Gerard Soosay; Assistant General Manager, Southern Region, Sunway Big Box and Sunway Citrine Hub, Allan Tay; Managing Director (Property Division) of Sunway Bhd, Sarena Cheah; and Sunway Malls Chief Operating Officer Kevin Tan.

Chan said Sunway Big Box is purpose-built with a different concept from the conventional mall format as the company intended to bring winds of change to the Johor retail scene.

“It is a development that is meant to be the place for the community to congregate, shop and socialise with ample space. The large and non-conventional ambience provides a relaxing and rejuvenating urban sanctuary.

“On top of that, our hallmark integrated development will also have a hotel and office tower to be built. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2020 followed by the office tower in 2021,” he said.

-- BERNAMA

Thunderstorm alert 18/12/2019

Kota Tinggi Waterfalls - Damages by recent heavy rain

Source： Facebook

Gemas-JB rail project to proceed

Gemas-JB rail project to proceed, says Transport Minister

The double-tracking rail project between Gemas and Johor Baru will proceed as planned, although the authorities are aware of the residents’ complaints over the matter, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said the ministry was aware of the issues raised over the rail project along the Labis stretch and efforts were being made to address them.

“The major problem for the people of Labis is they are fearful that it will split the town into two, where the shortcut route is too far from the town area.

“I have directed the ministry’s development unit and the project contractor to find several options and once they identify it, I will hold another discussion with the contractor to solve the issue.”

He also confirmed receiving official complaint letters from Labis MP Pang Hok Liong and Bekok assemblyman Dr S. Ramakrishnan about the residents’ concerns.

Loke was speaking to reporters after a ceremony where Johor Port Berhad, which is a member of MMC Group, achieved another milestone by handling a record container volume of one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) here yesterday.

He said the ministry welcomed feedback and views from the residents in Labis.

“However, the double-tracking project will still continue. We will not put it on hold as it is very important for the country.

“We will review the track’s 200km alignment, which is very long, ” he said, adding that the project was slated to be completed by 2021.

The Sunday Star had reported about the complaints by those upset about the rail project.

The residents said the town would be cut off from the surrounding areas as the existing 500m

flyover for vehicles would be raised another 5m to accommodate the rail expansion works.

As a result, motorists using the Labis-Yong Peng road will have to go almost 2km to make a U-turn back to Labis town.

Ramakrishnan, who is state unity, domestic trade and consumer affairs committee chairman, said the Public Works Department (PWD) had yet to approve the traffic impact assessment and road safety audit reports.

He said he was told that the department had sent several reminders to the contractor.

Ramakrishnan, whose Bekok state constituency is within the Labis parliamentary seat, believed that the PWD was concerned over a Tamil school and mosque being located along a sharp bend on the road next to a slope.

He urged the ministry to look into the matter, saying that even the temporary traffic flow under the traffic management plan had not been approved.

The Gemas-Johor Baru double-tracking project, estimated to cost RM12.4bil, is expected to be completed in 2021.

It will have a total of 14 stations in the state – Tenang, Chamek, Senai, Segamat, Genuang, Labis, Bekok, Paloh, Kluang, Mengkibol, Renggam, Layang-Layang, Kulai and Kempas Baru.

~The Star~

Heavy Rain - YELLOW ALERT

Segamat, Kluang, Kulai, Kota Tinggi, Mersing

Floods worsen, three more districts affected

Floods worsen, three more districts affected



Incessant heavy rain has resulted in three more districts in Johor being inundated by floods, in addition to two districts in the state which are already affected, thus far.

State Local Government, Urban Well-being and Environment Committee chairman, Tan Chen Choon, in a statement, said the three new areas were Kulai, Kluang and Segamat while the two which had been affected prior to this were Mersing and Kota Tinggi.

The worsening situation had resulted in 1,364 victims from 355 families being evacuated as of 3 pm, compared to only 171 victims from 45 families this morning.

All the victims were housed at 21 temporary flood relief centres (PPS), namely, in Kota Tinggi (nine), Kluang (six), Mersing (four) and one each in Segamat and Kulai.

He said the floods, and also landslides, had also cut off five routes in two districts to all types of vehicles.

Three of the routes were in the Kota Tinggi district, namely, Jalan Batu 18, Jalan Ladang Pasir Logok-Ladang Bukit Berkelompok and Jalan Ladang Bukit Payong, all near Kampung Tunjuk Laut.

Two more routes were in Mersing, namely, Jalan Tenggaroh 3 heading to Mawai/ Kota Tinggi/ Sedili and Jalan Endau Batu 12 to Rompin.

-- BERNAMA

Kota Tinggi recovers fully from floods

Kota Tinggi recovers fully from floods

All 70 flood victims from 21 families in the Kota Tinggi district were allowed to return home after the last two temporary evacuation centres (PPS) closed at 12.30 pm today.

State Local Government, Urban Well-being and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon said the two centres were at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Teluk Ramunia and SK Mawai.

He said the victims were residents from Kampung Parit Baharu, Kampung Changi, Kampung Jumis Bukit Raja, Kampung Mawai Baru, Kampung Mawai Lama and Kampung Haji Mohd Jambi.

A total of five PPS were opened in the district since Sunday and three of them, namely, Kota Tinggi Vocational College, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) New Kota and Seri Teratai Batu 4 hall, were closed yesterday.

-- BERNAMA

Beletime Danga Bay - Grand Opening

It’s finally open! Beletime Danga Bay shopping centre celebrates grand opening on 13 December with Marine-theme interactive art gallery, Priscilla Abby & Ernie Zakri live performances and exciting giveaways!



December will be merrier in Johor Bahru this year as a brand new shopping centre is in town! Opening on 13 December, Beletime Danga Bay is a marine themed shopping mall built around the concept of family fun and happiness. 

Explore the ocean themed interactive gallery during your shopping spree and spot all the cute Insta corners along the way! Stay tuned to a refreshing shopping experience at Beletime Danga Bay as you will be greeted by over 10 unique brands that will be opening their stores JB for the first time! 

Be the first to visit Beletime Danga Bay on 13 December and enjoy the exciting live performances, promotions and giveaways! “Sea” you there!



🐳 Brand Highlights:

- AEON | The first Maxvalu Prime AEON in Johor and the nearest AEON to CIQ
- LOVEYOYO | The first ice and snow theme park in Johor
- WOMEI Cineplex | 5-star cineplex from China, bringing you the best visual indulgence with special 3D theatre, kids’ theatre, VIP theatre and more premium movie facilities
- KMALL | The first fashion store in Malaysia that gathers the trendiest Korean fashion brands all in one store
- I STUDY | The first youth education centre in Malaysia inspired by advanced and modern learning concept from China
- Tee & Putt Mini Golf | Enjoy playing mini golf at their glowing and colourful course
- HAN’S | You can now enjoy your favourite pies and cakes from HAN’S without going to Singapore
- The LLY Shop | Get your trendiest outfits from this popular Chinese fashion retail
- OPPEIN | The first OPPEIN outlet in Malaysia, bringing you high quality kitchen cabinet, furniture and more home decor collections



🔥Grand Opening Highlights:
- Join the hype at “Red-Hot Pop Artists Super Night”! Enjoy the live performance of popular singers Priscilla Abby & Ernie Zakri, live band and K-Pop dance group!
- At least 50% discount mall-wide* and more irresistible deals!
- Lucky draw event with exciting prizes including a FREE Korea Tour for 2 person, iPad, AEON cash vouchers and more*!
- 10-second sure-win voucher catching game! Win surprise gifts worth up to RM10,000*!
- Get FREE RM10 AEON cash vouchers as you visit, vouchers are limited so come early!
- The fun is endless with daily appearance of Beletime mascots until Christmas, live band performances and the “Christmas Hype Night” event! *T&C Apply

Beletime Danga Bay

Date: 13 December 2019 (Fri)
Mall Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm Daily
Address: No.01-01, Shopping Mall Ground Floor, Bay Point Persiaran Danga Perdana Country Garden, Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor.

~Source: What's Going On In JB~

Kota Tinggi flood victims rise

Kota Tinggi flood victims rise, 729 people evacuated



The number of flood victims placed at temporary evacuation centres (PPS) in Kota Tinggi tonight rose sharply to 729 people compared to 39 victims this afternoon.

State Local Government, Urban Well Being and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon, in a statement, said as of 8pm, 165 families were seeking shelter at four PPS after their residential areas were inundated with flood waters between 0.5 metres and one metre high.

Tan said they include 46 victims (13 families) from Kampung Baharu, Kampung Changi and Kampung Jumis Bukit Raja in Teluk Ramunia, while 573 victims (130 families) were from Kampung Jawa, Taman Aman and Taman Mawai.

Another 60 victims are members of 12 Rohingya families from Taman Aman and Taman Mawai, while the remaining 50 victims (10 families) were from Kampung Sepak Hilir, he said.

The affected areas were still experiencing rainfall tonight.

-- BERNAMA

Heavy rains cause flooding, evacuations in Johor

Heavy rains cause flooding, evacuations in Johor

People have been evacuated to temporary flood relief centres due to continuous heavy rainfall in some parts of the state, which has also resulted in some major roads in cities being flooded.

The downpour started at about 6am Monday (Dec 9) morning and has continued since.

One of the affected areas is Jalan Kota Tinggi-Mersing where the water level from the nearby Sungai Ara has risen and flooded the road.

Kota Tinggi OCPD Supt Ahsmon Bajah reminded road users to be vigilant and avoid using slippery roads.

“Follow the road signs and drive carefully. They should also listen or pay attention to any traffic announcement made by the authorities, ” he said when contacted.

Meanwhile, the Johor Disaster Management committee in a statement reported that a total of 19 victims from five families from Kota Tinggi have been evacuated to one PPS at SK Teluk Ramunia here.

The PPS has been operating since Sunday (Dec 8) as three villages have been affected by the floods, namely Kampung Baharu, Kampung Changi, and Kampung Jumis Bukit Raja.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department issued a bad weather announcement, stating that heavy rains will affect Mersing and Kota Tinggi.

Heavy rain is also expected in Segamat, Kluang, Pontian, Kulai and Johor Baru.

The situation is expected to continue until Tuesday (Dec 10).

~The Star~

Royal Abu Bakar Museum - Johor Bahru

Royal Abu Bakar Museum



This architectural wonder was completed in 1866. It was commissioned by the late Sultan Abu Bakar and is also known as the Grand Palace (Istana Besar Johor).

Following a Renaissance style, the building was constructed by local artisans under the supervision of an European architect. The original furniture of the palace was made in England and ordered by the late Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866.

The palace was renovated to become a museum in 1982 and was officially opened in 1990.

Catch a glimpse of the grand lifestyle of the royal family through the silverware, ornaments as well as souvenirs by dignitaries that are on display at the museum. There are also pictures of the royal family from the reign of Sultan Abu Bakar.

Visit the museum today for an interesting historical journey of Johor's famous royal family. Opening hours are Saturday through Thurday, 9am– 5pm.

Address:
Grand Palace, Jalan Ayer Molek 80500 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Phone: +607-223 0555/0222
Fax: +607-224 8476

~Info courtesy of Malaysia Travel~