Popular Mersing 'lontong darat' attracts royal family

Popular Mersing 'lontong darat' attracts royal family

For the Malay community in Johor, ‘lontong kering’ is quite a popular dish and often a favourite breakfast choice for local residents before they start their daily activities.



Generally, people know lontong as a dish of ‘nasi impit’ (compressed rice cake) eaten with vegetables cooked in coconut milk, known as ‘sayur lodeh’. However, in Johor, lontong is enjoyed dry without gravy but with a selection of side dishes such as chicken or beef rendang, ‘serunding’ (meat floss) and mixed vegetables of long beans, beancurd and tempeh (fermented soya beans).

Suria Hassan, a restaurant operator at Simpang Tiga, Kampung Sri Pantai, near here, has been commercialising the ‘lontong kering’ as ‘lontong darat’ for the past two years and has been enjoying brisk business since it went viral on social media.

She was also fortunate that the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar had visited the restaurant a number of times and enjoyed ‘lontong darat’ with beef rendang, as well as ‘roti canai’ (flatbread).

“A variety of menu options like meat floss, beef and chicken rendang, and ‘sambal paru’ to combine with the ‘nasi impit’, peanut sauce and Javanese vegetable dish, certainly gives a unique flavour to visitors, especially those coming from outside Johor,” she told Bernama when met here recently.

The 31-year-old from Pasir Gudang had taken over the business set up 20 years ago and run by her mother-in-law and late father-in-law, Salmah Ahmad and Abdul Rahman Sharol, after she got married about 10 years ago.

To further develop her restaurant, Cik Tik Corner, the mother of two is actively promoting her business through social media such as Facebook, as well as using cash-on-delivery service for Mersing customers.

“We also offer free breakfast to pregnant women every Thursday and for those celebrating their birthdays, they only need to show their identification card to enjoy the free breakfast,” she said.

Suria has plans to expand her restaurant business by opening up a branch in another district due to the high demand from customers residing outside Mersing.

“Therefore, I hope there is financial assistance or equipment including dishes display rack to expand my business as well as attract more visitors to Mersing, especially in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Johor Year 2020,” she added.

The restaurant, which operates daily except on Fridays, offers ‘lontong darat’ from as low as RM5 to RM10 and customers can also enjoy a variety of dishes such as ‘roti canai’, ‘nasi lemak’, fried rice, ‘soto’, noodles and also an array of ‘kuih’.

-- BERNAMA

Tourist events to go on unless WHO advises otherwise

Tourist events to go on unless WHO advises otherwise, says DPM

The Deputy Prime Minister said events on a big scale can proceed as usual despite the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.

“We will see how the situation is. If WHO says we are not allowed to have big gatherings then we will issue statements or directives, ” she told a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 29) after visiting the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre here.

She said this when asked if the government intends to restrict Thaipusam celebrations next weekend in Batu Caves, which will be visited by both local and international visitors.

Dr Wan Azizah said the 2019-nCoV virus outbreak is under control and reminded people not to spread false or fake news that can cause uneasiness.

She said 57 hospitals are available for screenings, out of which, 26 have been identified to handle the suspected cases that need further examination and treatment.

Earlier, Dr Wan Azizah held a meeting with several ministries and agencies to discuss the virus situation in the country.

She said among the things agreed in the meeting include enhancing the screening of travellers from China by having a special lane for them.

She also said those with 2019-nCoV symptoms are advised to get themselves checked, especially if they had just returned from China.

Earlier Wednesday, the Health Ministry confirmed three more cases, bringing the total number of such cases to seven.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said two out of the three new cases were from the Patient-Under-Investigation (PUI) group.

Meanwhile, one case was from close contact with infected patients.

All the seven who tested positive are Chinese nationals.

~The Star~

Chingay Fest to go on as scheduled in Johor

Chingay Fest to go on as scheduled in Johor

The Chingay Festival, marking its 150th year, will proceed as scheduled.

Johor Baru mayor Datuk Adib Azhari Daud said that as of now, the festival would be held from Feb 11 to 15, amidst public debate about the coronavirus.
v “I would like to advise the public to take precautionary measures including wearing appropriate masks to protect themselves from airborne diseases.

“Vendors selling food during the parade should also ensure cleanliness and do their part to reduce the risk of spreading any disease, ” he said during the Johor Baru City Council full council meeting yesterday.

The Chingay Festival has been held in the state annually since 1870.

It is one of the main tourism programmes in Johor where thousands of local and foreign tourists from various countries would attend.

The event takes place mainly on Jalan Wong Ah Fook in the city centre here.

During the festival, deities worshipped by the five main Johor clans – Teochew, Hokkien, Hakka, Cantonese and Hainan – would be taken on a 7.8km-long tour on foot to bless the city and its people.

Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association president Ho Sow Tong said about 40,000 people attended last year’s festival.

The association was hoping to achieve similar numbers for this year’s festival but added that public health was their main priority.

“Those who are unwell should not attend the Chingay Festival and should get medical attention, ” he added.

Ho also advised the public to get the correct information about the coronavirus from reliable sources such as the media and government announcements.

~The Star~

Travellers worry about screening at Johor checkpoints

Travellers worry about screening at Johor checkpoints

Daily travellers between Malaysia and Singapore are concerned over what they see as a lack of temperature screening at Johor’s checkpoints following the coronavirus outbreak.

Frequent travellers say there is no screening at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine for those arriving by motorcycles, cars, buses or trains.

About 8,000 passengers use the KTMB train services between Woodlands and Johor Baru Sentral on a daily basis, with KTMB providing 31 trips via its Tebrau shuttle.

Private security officer K. Visvam, 38, who enters the island republic on his motorcycle daily for work, said he never noticed any screening at the BSI CIQ.

“So far, it has been a smooth journey for me and many other motorcyclists as there has been no screening carried out on the motorcycle lane, ” he added.

Frequent traveller S. Tamilarunan, 32, said he was surprised that there was no screening done at the motorcycle lane when he enters Malaysia.

“I thought there will be stringent checks in the wake of the virus but it seems the authorities on the Malaysian side are leaving everything to their Singaporean counterparts, ” he said.

Mother of two Natalie Ten Yen Ling, 40, who went on a holiday with her family to Singapore recently, said there was stringent screening at the Woodlands side.

“We were caught in a massive jam due to the stringent checks by Singapore but when we entered Malaysia, it was a swift and smooth experience with no screening, much to our dismay, ” she said.

Karen Ng, 26, who works as an auxiliary police officer in Singapore, did not notice any checks as she passed through BSI on her way back to her hometown in Melaka on a bus to celebrate Chinese New Year.

”There is a long queue due to the high number of travellers at the clearance counters inside BSI but there were no screenings at all.”

Meanwhile, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal is calling for stringent security control at all entry points into the state, especially at the Senai International Airport, BSI and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex at the Second Link.

“The government, through the agencies that are involved in the safety and security, should give confidence to the people through all kinds of medium, especially social media.

“This involves sharing strategy that has been implemented by the government through the Health Ministry, ” he said in his speech during the state level security management programme held at Kota Iskandar here yesterday.

~The Star~

VM2020: 3.2 mln museum visitors expected, 131 events planned

VM2020: 3.2 mln museum visitors expected, 131 events planned



The Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) is targeting 3.2 million visitors to 22 museums across the country in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020).

Secretary-General of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat said he was confident that the target could be achieved through the various programmes and activities planned by JMM.

He said the number of visitors to the museums last year increased by 18.2 per cent to 2.7 million from 2.3 million in 2018.

He added that through the exhibitions held, sale of entrance tickets, book sales and space rental throughout 2019, JMM collected RM3.7 million in revenue compared to RM2.6 million in 2018.

“I see museums as a very big product which we can use to attract people of other countries to visit Malaysia. Therefore, with regard to museums, innovations and creativity are very important,” he said after opening ‘The Lost Kingdoms’ and ‘Enchanting Malaysia’ exhibitions, as well as JMM’s Calendar of Events 2020 at Muzium Negara, here, today.

Meanwhile, JMM director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim, in his speech, said the department had planned 131 programmes as tourism products in line with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.

He said among the programmes were the Paranormal, Snake and Gold exhibitions, besides JMM’s signature programmes, such as ‘Nostalgia Anak Kampung and ‘Denai Malam’.

“All these will give a new life to the era of museums in the country as outlined in the National Policy on Museums 2020.

The ‘Lost Kingdoms’ exhibition runs from last Dec 4 until this April 30 and the ‘Enchanting Malaysia’ exhibition from last Dec 25 to May 23, 2020.

For more information on JMM’s events and programmes, the public can visit www.jmm.gov.my

-- BERNAMA

No plans to bar China tourists

No plans to bar China tourists

Malaysia has no plans just yet to bar the entry of Chinese tourists, including those from Wuhan, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said many countries were grappling with the novel coronavirus outbreak, but it had yet to reach a critical level here.

“We can’t predict at the moment. Many countries are facing the problem.

“But for now, it is not yet critical to the point where we have to stop tourism, ” he said after attending a Chinese New Year event organised by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and Klang Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the Hokkien Association Hall here yesterday.

He was responding to journalists on whether Malaysia would follow the Philippines, which is sending back Chinese tourists from Wuhan, where the outbreak started.

Dr Mahathir said it was not easy to detect or stop those infected from entering the country, “so we have to accept that complete control is not possible”.

He added that sending Chinese tourists back may not be feasible as they would come into contact with other people during the process.

“It is better to quarantine them first until they show no signs (of infection) and then send them back, ” he said.

He said Malaysia was currently ensuring that those infected with the virus were quarantined.

“We are isolating them and not allowing them to mix with other people. That is the first step but of course, other people must take preventative action as well, ” he said.

“This includes wearing masks in crowded places.”

He also said it was not viable to immediately quarantine all Chinese nationals who arrive in Malaysia.

“Visitors from China sometimes amount to two million people. Where to keep them? In cowsheds?

“Of course, it cannot be like that, ” said Dr Mahathir.

He added that Malaysian authorities would monitor tourists if they showed any sign of infection.

He said Malaysia was not familiar with novel coronavirus infections and prevention rather than treatment was a priority, as of now.

China’s move to quarantine the 11 million people from Wuhan, although drastic, showed the determination of their government to control the disease, he added.

As for Malaysians who are in China, Dr Mahathir said they would be examined to ensure that they are not infected with the virus before they are allowed to return.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who was also at the event, said necessary measures were being put in place to counter the infection, which made its way through Singapore recently.

“We are increasing the number of thermal detection scanners (at the entry points), ” he said, adding that Malaysia had to comply with World Health Organisation guidelines when making and implementing decisions.

But it was a challenge as people may generally come in without symptoms that develop much later, he noted.

“Anyhow, we will increase the number of all equipment and our paraphernalia to detect them.

“We are also having a meeting with the Home Ministry to see how we can intensify it further, ” said Dzulkefly.

He said there were now 51 thermal detection scanners at all entry points into Malaysia and that the Finance Ministry has given its commitment to provide the necessary funds to step up surveillance.

~The Star~

Happy Chinese New Year

Sebukang Bay Resort - Pulau Aur

Facebook: Sebukang Bay Resort

https://sebukangbayresort.com/

Bus terminals to implement cashless ticket purchase

Bus terminals to implement cashless ticket purchase

The Transport Ministry is working to get all public bus terminals in the country to implement cashless ticket purchases by using the e-wallet system.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, said it would be carried out in stages since there are terminals which have yet to implement the centralised ticketing system (CTS).

“If possible, we want all terminals to go cashless, but we also need to look at the facilities available and condition at the terminal, so those without CTS facility will take more time,” he told a press conference at the Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS) today.

He was at a TBS to monitor the “balik kampung” exodus among city folks returning to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year celebration. Also present was Deputy Transport Minister Kamarudin Jaffar.

Loke said for bus companies, especially stage bus operators who received subsidies from the government, they are required to implement a cashless ticket purchase system and it will be implemented in stages.

As for express bus companies, Loke said he believed they would be able to implement the ‘cashless’ ticket purchase system as some major bus terminals had already adopted the system.

Currently, among the bus terminals with facilities for cashless ticket purchases are the Terminal Amanjaya in Ipoh, and TBS, which also began accepting ticket purchase through e-wallet today.

In welcoming the move by TBS, Loke said it was in line with the ministry’s focus on the digitalisation of transport services.

In another development, he said the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) had approved temporary licence for 316 additional buses for the Chinese New Year celebration. - Bernama

Johor immigration all set for CNY rush

Johor immigration all set for CNY rush

The Immigration Department is all set to deal with the surge of visitors coming through the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at the Sultan Iskandar Building and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in Johor this Chinese New Year.

Immigration director-general Datuk Khairul Dzaimee Daud said the department has taken several proactive measures to avoid congestions at the immigration checkpoints and ensure visitors pass through them smoothly.

“We expect there would be congestions at those checkpoints between Jan 23 and Jan 28 so we have taken several measures including ensuring that all counters are open at both places especially at the bus, motorcycle and car lanes,” he said.

Khairul said in a statement on Wednesday (Jan 22), that there will also be 12 additional counters at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex making a total of 36 counters available at the complex.

There will also be special counters for pregnant women, senior citizens, and people with disabilities at counters 3 and 4 at the Sultan Iskandar Building while similar counters will be open at the car lanes at Sultan Abu Bakar Complex.

He added steps have been taken to ensure the systems at both entry points are in good working condition and that leave has also been frozen for officers at both entry points, with officers from other units being redeployed to the Sultan Iskandar Building and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex.

“We will also be collaborating and coordinating with other relevant agencies such as the police, the Customs Department and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services at the entry points,” he said adding that visitors can follow traffic updates at both entry points on the Johor Immigration Department’s social media pages.

He also advised road users to follow traffic rules and reminded visitors from Singapore to ensure they had enough credit balance on their Touch and Go cards as well as encouraged travellers to consider using public transportation.

~The Star~

Stringent screening of visitors - Senai Airport

Stringent screening of visitors

China tourists and tour operators entering Johor are now required to follow stringent health regulations, due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

State tourism, women, family and community development committee chairman Liow Cai Tung, who disclosed this, said the ruling also covered Malaysians returning from China.

She said the decision was made following a meeting between the Johor Health Department, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association.

“Anyone coming from China is now required to give his or her health information before coming here.

“Once they arrive in Johor through our 12 checkpoints, they are required to go through another health screening. Anyone who shows symptoms of the disease will be quarantined immediately, ” she told reporters during a visit to the Senai International Airport with state education, health and human resources committee chairman Aminolhuda Hassan yesterday.

She said the state government’s main concern would be during the Chinese New Year celebrations as thousands of Malaysians living and working abroad were expected to come home.

“There is only one direct flight from Senai International Airport to Guangzhou in China but we do not know if the traveller might have transited from other Chinese cities including Wuhan.

“That is why it is important for the authorities here to conduct health screening on every traveller coming from China, ” she said.

Aminolhuda said the state Health Department has placed health screening devices at all 12 entry points into Johor including at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, the Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at the Causeway and at the Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar at the Second Link.

He said the department was monitoring the World Health Organisation’s reports on the outbreak, adding there were no such cases reported in the state so far.

Among the countries that have detected the disease are Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan and United States.

In Kota Kinabalu, health officials have been placed at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport due to the coronavirus scare.

State Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Frankie Poon said efforts were being taken to prevent the spread of this virus to Sabah.

Chinese tourists are among the top three visitors to Sabah.

~The Star~

RM1mil to repair Kota Tinggi waterfall

RM1mil to repair Kota Tinggi waterfall

Johor government has allocated RM1mil for restoration works at the Kota Tinggi waterfall. The site was badly damaged during the floods in December last year.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the work, which would be divided into two phases, was expected to start in early February and be fully re-opened before the school holidays in March.

“The allocation usually takes about three weeks to a month to be transferred and we hope the public will be patient while we conduct repair works at the waterfalls.

“The majority of the works involved infrastructural reconstruction, which is why it has to be closed temporarily, ” he said after the handing over ceremony of land titles to 243 Felda settlers at Felda Lok Heng Selatan here.

Dr Sahruddin, who was on an official working visit to the Kota Tinggi district, checked on the development of the area and hoped to see it grow into a holiday destination.

“Besides the Kota Tinggi waterfall, I have also visited the Kampung Panti Elephant Sanctuary and cruised along Sungai Johor from Kampung Makam.

“In general, Kota Tinggi has its own eco-tourism potential and we hope the public can help the state government transform this district into one of our top tourism destinations, ” he added.

Kota Tinggi District Council president Saipol Rahman Amat said the first phase of the Kota Tinggi waterfall repair works involved sand excavation from the waterfall pools while the second phase involved the parking lot rebuilding.

“This is the first time a huge volume of water from the mountain destroyed the facilities surrounding the water park.

“It has also filled the pools with sand, making it more shallow, ” he said, adding that the water slide would also be repaired.

Saipol said the Johor government would request for extra allocations from Tourism Arts and Culture Ministry if needed.

The Kota Tinggi waterfall, located about 15km from Kota Tinggi town and 60km from Johor Baru, has an average of 10,000 visitors a month.

~The Star~

Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House - Boost for arts and culture

Boost for arts and culture



Yayasan Warisan Johor Band performing a dance at the opening of the opera house.

The Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House, officially opened to the public, is the city’s newest attraction. It is especially a boon to arts and culture enthusiasts.

Designed with a unique architecture inspired by the diamond shape, the theatre, tagged as the “Jewel Of South”, is 114,430 sqf and can accommodate more than 500 people.

Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar opened the theatre.

Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Sultan Ibrahim; Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim also graced the event.

Other guests present were Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, state secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani and state executive council members.

The opening was a grand affair with dazzling fireworks, electrifying light shows, mesmerising live performances as well as a royal reception.

There were also traditional Chinese dances with a Malaysian twist, acrobatic ballet, Chinese folk singing and Peking opera.

Several local acts were showcased during the night, such as a concert by Yayasan Warisan Johor Band which performed zapin accompanied by live music.

Muar-born piano virtuoso Claudia Yang performed a piece titled Getaran Jiwa which received thunderous applause from the audience.

Singer Datuk Yusni Hamid belted out songs such as Kisah Cinta and Frank Sinatra’s The way you look tonight.

Notable foreign acts included Cantopop legend Hacken Lee as well as Ding Yi, a world renowned opera singer from China.

The opera house plans to host a wide variety of shows in the near future, such as dances, plays, musicals and concerts.

~The Star~

Heavy traffic at Woodlands, Tuas checkpoints during CNY

Heavy traffic expected at Woodlands, Tuas checkpoints during Chinese New Year: ICA

The traffic at both land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy during the Chinese New Year holidays, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Wednesday (Jan 15).

Traffic departing from Singapore is expected to be heavy between Jan 17 and Jan 28, while arrival traffic is set to be heavy between Jan 25 and Jan 28.

With a large number of people passing through the land checkpoints and security checks, there can be delays, ICA explained.

“About 415,000 travellers use the land checkpoints daily and this number increases during the festive peak periods.

“For the Friday before Christmas last year, we cleared 475,000 travellers across the land checkpoints – the highest number we have seen in recent years,” ICA said.

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

“Travellers should factor the additional time needed for immigration clearance into their plans.”

To play their parts and avoid causing delays, ICA advised travellers to “check and ensure that they bring their rightful passports with a remaining validity of six months or more”.

It also reminded people of prohibited items, like “firecrackers, ‘pop-pop’ or controlled items such as ‘bak kwa’, eggs and potted plants”.

“If travellers bring in dutiable or controlled items, they should proactively make declarations to our officers prior to checks,” the authority added.

AVOID QUEUE-CUTTING

Motorists were also warned against queue-cutting during the peak periods and to check on the traffic situation at the checkpoints before starting their journeys.

ICA said it “will continue to take necessary measures to improve clearance efficiency as much as possible without compromising security”.

It added: “Our checkpoint officers will continue to monitor traffic conditions on a real time basis and ensure optimal deployment of resources.

“We will also continue to work with the Traffic Police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions leading to the land checkpoints.”

~Channel News Asia~

Wall Paintings - Mersing

Sungai Bantang Recreation Forest - Bekok Segamat

Hutan Lipur Sungai Bantang, Bekok, Segamat

~Info courtesy of Tourism Johor FB~

Putuo Village Temple CNY Celebrations - Kulai

https://putuovillage.com.my/

Address: 1488, Jalan Kampung, Off, Jalan Kota Tinggi - Kluang, Felda Taib Andak, 81000 Kulai, Johor

VMY2020:Tourists drawn to Malaysia's diversity

VMY2020:Tourists drawn to Malaysia's diversity

A study by Tourism Malaysia found that foreign visitors are drawn to the country’s rich cultural tapestry through historical walking tours, traditional arts performances and cultural events, including batik-drawing workshops.

Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said with this in mind, 198 exciting cultural activities had been lined up in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020).

‘With global trends pointing towards experiential tourism as a preferred way to travel, tourists want to experience a destination that offers rich cultural heritage and great creative expressions from the local community.’

Bakhtiar said the recent launch of Tourism Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur (KL) Heritage Food Trails package, among other exciting new initiatives, would continue to bring visitors to places like Kampung Baru, Petaling Street and Brickfields in pursuit of authentic local experiences.

‘In Brickfields itself, there are many houses of worship, such as the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple (built in 1894), the Three Teachings Chinese Temple, Sri Kandaswamy Hindu Temple and the Holy Rosary Church with its well-preserved Neo-Gothic style,’ he said after launching the VMY2020 Happenings@KL Sentral.

Among the events lined up are the East Coast Craft Textile Festival (Jan 23-Feb 2) showcasing batik-painting and songket-weaving, International Aborigines and Indigenous Arts Festival (Aug 5-Aug 9) and Malaysian Games Festival (Sept 25-Sept 27).

Bakhtiar said a reliable transport system was crucial to ensure that tourists get the most out of their stay.

He said the Express Rail Link (ERL) service, connecting KLIA and klia2 to KL Sentral, was currently working on a travel pass for tourists with RapidKL called the KL Travel Pass.

‘The pass would cover airport transfer and two-day unlimited rides on LRT, MRT and KL Monorail lines to cater to tourists’ travel needs.’

Bakhtiar said the high number of transit passengers at KLIA would have a positive impact on the tourism industry.

The VMY2020 Happenings@KL Sentral, held in collaboration with the National Department for Culture and Arts, is a twice-monthly cultural performance that showcases Malaysia’s heritage to visitors at KL Sentral.

‘I would like to urge more industry players and operators in the travel and tourism ecosystem to come forward and join us in ensuring a successful VMY2020 campaign,’ Bakhtiar added.

He welcomed the initiative to introduce Transit Without Visa (TWOV) to citizens from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

‘They can take advantage of the TWOV and we can offer them a package to tour around Kuala Lumpur or Selangor within the 120 hours (five days).’

Meanwhile, ERL chief executive officer Noormah Noor said the company would be organising a monthly KLIA Express Ride & Win Campaign starting from Feb 1, in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry.

For the complete list of events that covers all states and various traditions and cultures, visit www.malaysia.travel.

Malaysia has set a target of 30 million international tourist arrivals this year, with an expected revenue of RM100 billion from the industry.

~New Straits Times~

Malaysia, China toast 2020 Year of Culture and Tourism

Malaysia, China toast 2020 Year of Culture and Tourism

The ‘Malaysia-China Year of Culture and Tourism 2020’ will further boost ties and strengthen friendship between the two Asian nations, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

In his congratulatory remarks read out by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi at the Malaysia-China Year of Culture and Tourism 2020 event here tonight, Dr Mahathir said that the relationship between the two countries can be traced back to the 15th century.

"In 2018, Premier Li Keqiang and I were of the opinion that it is a good time to celebrate the close relations enjoyed by the two nations, and to focus on a people-to-people exchange, via culture and tourism.

"It is a relationship that is rooted in the 15th century, during the golden era of the Melaka Sultanate and the Ming dynasty, and it has flourished since.

"Fast forward to the modern day, and Malaysia and China were the first nations in the region to establish diplomatic ties which bloomed into a relationship that is based on respect and trust.

"May the year of the Metal Rat symbolise the re-affirmation of Malaysia and China’s friendship and cooperation, as well as the beginning of new and firm strides ahead," the Prime Minister said.

Dr Mahathir pointed out that Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, and that Malaysians of Chinese descent play a significant role in the nation, in all aspects.

"I am also sure that our guests from China will be able to relate (to our diverse) practices, food, customs and cultures, and will probably be able to trace them to specific provinces in China.

"Of course, other cultures, from India and the indigenous groups from Sabah and Sarawak, have a significant influence on (Malaysia). We are proud of our diversity and we believe that what we have is a significant display of multi-culturalism, which has worked and helped us flourish," he said.

Dr Mahathir added that as Malaysia and China’s cultures are tied, so too are their economies.

"For the record, in 1974, Malaysia-China trade was recorded at US$159 million. This rose by almost 700 times to US$108 billion in 2018.

"Malaysia and China will continue to work together for the benefit of both its peoples. With a vision of shared prosperity, we aim to create an economy that is balanced and sustainable, (and ensure) fair and equitable wealth distribution," he said.

Meanwhile, in his speech, Mohamaddin said that Chinese tourists can now enjoy a free visa for up to 15 days in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020.

"This year will be a very special year for Malaysia in the travel and tourism industry. It is Visit Malaysia Year 2020.

"In this regard, we have taken the initiative to extend a free visa of up to 15 days to Chinese tourists (who will) enjoy the many exciting events planned in the country for tourists from all over the world.

Present at the event were China’s Culture and Tourism vice-minister Zhang Xu and China’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Bai Tian.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

PLUS issues travel advisory for Chinese New Year journey

PLUS issues travel advisory for Chinese New Year journey

PLUS Malaysia (PLUS) has issued its Travel Time Advisory (TTA) for North-South Expressway (NSE) users ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration starting from Jan 20 to Feb 2, to reduce traffic congestion with volume expected to increase to two million vehicles daily.

In a statement, it urged motorists from the Klang Valley heading towards Perlis, Kedah, Penang, North Perak and Johor to enter the highway before 9am.

Meanwhile, motorists heading to other destinations such as Ipoh, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka are advised to get into the highway after noon.

For the return trip to Kuala Lumpur, PLUS advised its customers to enter the expressway before 9am to ensure the traffic flows in stages from all locations to the Klang Valley.

At the same time, the company said it would temporarily halt highway maintenance and repair works between Jan 22 and Feb 2 and would provide crane and tow truck services at strategic locations on the highway to help travellers enjoy a safe, smooth and comfortable journey.

PLUS will also enhance cooperation with the authorities such as Royal Malaysian Police, Fire and Rescue Department, ambulance, Civil Defence Force, and People's Volunteer Corps (RELA), as well as increasing the number of its personnel in preparation for emergency assistance.

On top of that, it is providing additional public toilets and mobile water tanks at several locations, as well 70 self-service reload kiosks (SSK) to accommodate the increase in traffic.– Bernama