KENYIR RESORT ON GLOBAL MAP BILLS RM 10 MILLION ON DRB-HICOM
 

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) — Conglomerate, DRB-Hicom Bhd has spent RM10 million to upgrade and refurbish Lake Kenyir Resort and Spa, in a bid to position the resort on the international tourism map.

“The resort has a lot of potential. We hope to position the resort as the only international class resort in Lake Kenyir,” said its group managing director Datuk Mohd Khamil Jamil.

“The massive upgrading and refurbishment exercise early last year involved 135 chalets, the main lobby, Tembat restaurant, Jenagor Bar and Lounge, Ulik Mayang Spa, conference facilities, as well as staff hostel,” Mohd Khamil said.

In an interview with Bernama recently at the DRB Hicom Amazing Hunt 2009 in Lake Kenyir, he said the Lake Kenyir Resort and Spa has become an attraction not only for locals but foreigners as well especially from the Netherlands and Japan.

Lake Kenyir is the largest lake in Malaysia, which spans over 260,000 hectares. The lake serves as another gateway to the country’s national park, Taman Negara, and is surrounded by lush tropical jungle.

Home to nine of the thirty-one species of Hornbills in Asia, Lake Kenyir is a popular and ideal retreat for nature lovers, anglers, bird watchers, photo enthusiasts and fun seekers.

Besides the Lake Kenyir Resort and Spa, there are two other resorts under DRB-Hicom stable — Rebak Island Marina Resort in Langkawi and Holiday Inn Glenmarie in Kuala Lumpur.

On the Amazing Hunt 2009, held from Aug 7-9, Mohd Khamil said it was DRB-Hicom’s first ever long distance media drive.

About 50 journalists, driving 25 cars, travelled all the way up to Lake Kenyir and back, covering a total distance of 1,140km.

The event was to enable the media to test seven vehicle brands under its stable — Audi, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Chevrolet and Proton.

The flagship of DRB-Hicom is undoubtedly its automotive sector, where as the country’s single largest integrated automotive player, it offers a comprehensive suite of services that encompass manufacturing, assembling and distributing operations.

Other core activities of the company include in the services sector, property and infrastructure and defense sector.

– TanBERNAMA

PLANS FOR MORE CITITEL EXPRESS HOTEL IN BORNEO

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 18 (Bernama) — Malaysia’s home-grown hotel management company Cititel Hotel Management (CHM) plans to open up more hotels under its Cititel Express brand in Sabah and Sarawak soon.

CHM Managing Director Datuk Eric Lim said the company was in the process of seeking prospective sites for the purpose.

“We will focus on state capital first before moving to secondary locations in Sabah and Sarawak,” he told reporters after the launch of its first Cititel Express hotel here by Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman, on Tuesday.

The new 275-room Cititel Express, located in the heart of the city, is within the Asia City complex, and 10-minute drive from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. It is also just a stone’s throw from the famous Filipino Market and KK Esplanade.

“Our direction is clear for east Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak). We are confident of the various economic activities taking place here including the Sabah Corridor Development (SDC),” he said.

However, Lim said CHM was not setting any time line to open up more Cititel Express here but would go for it “when the opportunity arises.”

CHM is a subsidiary of IGB Corporation Bhd, a property and investment holding company listed on the Malaysian Stock EXchange, renowned for its numerous high-end commercial, residential and retail development inclusive of Malaysia’s popular shopping destination Mid Valley City.

On Cititel Express, he said in May 2007, IGB corporation Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding with the Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) to reactivate the hotel.

“When we mobilised on site work in June 2008, only three floors of this building were completed then, and after 14 months, the Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu became a reality, our group’s second hotel under the Cititel Express brand in the country,” he said.

Lim said CHM had invested some RM30 million to compete the project, and SEDCO leased out the property to CHM for 30 years under the build, operate and transfer (BOT) agreement.

He said CHM would reopen its five-star MiCasa All Suite Hotel in Kuala Lumpur at the end of this year and open up its first hotel in Makati, Philippines under the name of ST. Giles next year.

–BERNAMA

KOTA KINABALU HOTEL ADDRESS:

CITITEL EXPRESS, KOTA KINABALU
No. 1, Jalan Singgah Mata 1, Asia City
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Borneo)
Tel: 6088 521 188 (Hotel)
Tel : 6088 521 311 (Reservations)
Reservation : resvnbki@cititelexpress.com
Enquiries : infobki@cititelexpress.com

Air asia and tune hotels.com launced their new hotel located at Bali the best beach attraction in the world. a bigger hotel from kuta, the legian tune hotel  is situated at trendiest beach in Bali. the tune hotel Legian will fully operate in the end of year. they offer hotel booking promotion in the school holiday to attract family vacation for budget hotel and affordable services.

NEW TUNE HOTELS.COM - LEGIAN BALI, INDONESIA. PRICE, MAPS, ATTRACTIONS

hotel address:
Tune Hotels.com – Bali, Legian, Indonesia  
Jalan Arjuna (Double Six), gang Villa Coco
Legian, Bali, Indonesia

accomodations:
170 Double rooms
hotel price:
promotion from RM 0.70 per night on term

booking period:
11-21 august 2009

stay period:
15 december 2009 - 31 july 2010
hotel tips info:

-Distance from airport: 9.7KM (15 Mins) 
-Check In: 2:00PM onwards 
-Check Out: 10:00AM sharp
-Reception Hours: 24 hours
-Non-Smoking Building: Yes 
-CCTV Security: 24 hours          
-Lift: Yes
-Ceiling Fan:  Yes
-Air Conditioning Chargeable: Add-on
-Towels + Toiletries Chargeable: Add-on
-In-Room WiFi Chargeable: Add-on
-Cancellation Policy: 48 hours prior to arrival date

Transport Services: CERIA AGENCY TRANSPORT (Airport transport & local car rental)  
For more info, please call
+62 8123636922 or +62 8123928376
 
Bali Airport (Ngurah Rai) Denpasar - Indonesia
Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport, is located in southern Bali, 13 km south of Denpasar. It is Indonesia’s third-busiest international airport.

BALI ATTRACTIONS - LEGIAN
  

-Bungy Jumping
Remember the last time you experienced something that made you feel as if your soul flew out of your body? No it’s not your first bike ride, and neither your first kiss. It’s tackling a dare-devil stunt when your life is literally hanging by a ‘thread’. Wel actually not quite a thread: with a minimum breaking strain point of over 2.2 tons each bungy cord is as safe a way as ever to take your leap of a lifetime.
A.J Hackett Bungy Jumping
Location: Double Six Street

-Surfing 
Because of its reef-less seabed, Legian Beach is suitable for those who want to try catching a wave. You can rent a board for Rp. 20,000 to Rp. 50,000 per hour depending on the size of the board and ask for free lesson from the renter, or if you want to be taught by a professional surfer there are many surf schools just along the beach such as Rip Curl’s Surf School.
 
-Dining Out in Legian Beach
It’s about time to explore some of Bali finest dishes, from saltwater fish-based recipes to spicy rich-tasting cooking; from street side cafés to fine dining establishments. Each restaurant serves unique food in a unique atmosphere so you can suit your mood with your food or vice versa. You can visit Padma Street or Werkudara Street for café-type bistros and bars with live music. Let’s start our culinary adventure…
-Double Six Beach 
It’s all about soaking up the sun in the trendiest beach in Bali. Double Six Beach is the perfect beach to show off that gym-enhanced form, accompanied by an adorable Chihuahua and a bottle of ice-cold beer. Frequented by European expats and tourists, the Seminyak area is arguably the hub of style and fashion in Bali… and the Double Six Beach proves that.

If you’re looking for a light cardio workout, simply walk to the Double Six Beach from Kuta, which is about 30 minutes away. Just stroll along Kuta beach and head north. Alternately, it’s a 10-minute drive by car. Despite the proximity, the beach is void of the usual beach scene; no pushy street sellers offering jewelry or beach sarongs, no vendors hawking Bintang Beer T-shirts or Balinese souvenirs. Those are replaced by a row of comfy restaurants and bars facing the beach, some of which have been there for years.

To reach the Double Six beach, you will have to pass through Arjuna Road (also known as Double Six road) and at the end of the road, turn left. The beach stretches from the Jayakarta Hotel to the Double Six Club. However, a livelier route can be found along the Jayakarta Hotel to the De Ja Vu Club, right in front of the restaurants. Double Six Beach’s calm waters are great for swimming and wading children. However, during the rainy season (between December to February), the waves often bring in seaweeds from the ocean, which makes the beach look rather murky. 

 
 
-Where to Go after Dark in Legian Beach 
Already spent your day at the beach? How about your night? No worries, good things are just about to get started. Having its own amazing sunset, Legian also has some of Bali’s favourite bars and clubs. From beach parties to cosy lounges, from scratching turntable beats to live blues, just name it and your driver will deliver you at its front doors.

If you drive your own vehicle make sure you can drive back safely, otherwise bring some friends because partying in Legian is legion and you can easily get carried away. Legian nightlife is as hip as its day life, have fun, be safe and don’t go too mad.
 
 
 
 
 
-Where to Shop in Legian Beach 
Don’t want to go home with empty baggage? No need to be worried, Legian is full with local boutiques and art shops need a bigger luggage? Start your journey from Melasti Street crossroad to Double Six Street, if your baggage hasn’t full yet, try a little adventure by taking small alleys, you might find good painting with leaner price.

Legian Main Street is only 3 km long and best to explore by bike or motorcycle for only Rp. 25,000 per day rent but there always a reason for one who wants to get cardio exercise. Since most of art shop doesn’t offer fixed price, bargain is a must.
Tune Hotels.com Legian map:

bali map:
 
 

Air asia and tune hotels.com launced their new hotel located at Bali the best beach attraction in the world. being at the centre of shopping arena, kuta is a very famous beach among Bali beaches. the tune hotel kuta will fully operate in the end of year. they offer hotel booking promotion in the school holiday to attract family vacation for budget hotel and affordable services.

NEW TUNE HOTELS.COM - KUTA BALI, INDONESIA. PRICE, MAPS, ATTRACTIONS
  

hotel address:
Jalan Kahyangan Suci (Off Jalan Pantai Kuta),
Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

accomodations:
139 rooms (84 Doubles | 55 Singles)
hotel price:
promotion from RM 0.70 per night on term

booking period:
11-21 august 2009

stay period:
6 november 2009 - 31 july 2010

hotel tips info:

-Distance from airport: 5.8KM (11 Mins) 
-Check In: 2:00PM onwards 
-Check Out: 10:00AM sharp
-Reception Hours: 24 hours
-Non-Smoking Building: Yes 
-CCTV Security: 24 hours          
-Lift: Yes
-Ceiling Fan:  Yes
-Air Conditioning Chargeable: Add-on
-Towels + Toiletries Chargeable: Add-on
-In-Room WiFi Chargeable: Add-on
-Cancellation Policy: 48 hours prior to arrival date
-Main attraction: Kuta Beach - 6 mins walk from hotel
-locations:Within main shopping & dining area of Jalan Pantai Kuta

Transport Services: CERIA AGENCY TRANSPORT (Airport transport & local car rental)  
For more info, please call
+62 8123636922 or +62 8123928376
 
Bali Airport (Ngurah Rai) Denpasar - Indonesia
Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport, is located in southern Bali, 13 km south of Denpasar. It is Indonesia’s third-busiest international airport. Bali is One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Bali for few years awarded as the world best island by The International Travel Magazine. There, however, are still many people who do not know in depth about the uniqueness of Balinese culture. Life in Bali is always related to “Tri Hita Karana” or a tripartite concept that include the spiritual relationship between human and God, and their environment. The rapid growth of development in tourism has had a big impact and influences to Bali tradition and lifestyle. Interestingly, Balinese culture is still as  what it was, growing along with the of globalization. It is the Balinese civilization what makes the island different from other destination.

How to get to Bali

With the increasing number of direct flight to Bali from some other parts of the world, it makes it easier to go to Bali. From Bali, flight to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and to Sydney/Melbourne about 5.5 to 6 hours, with various airlines offering their services. Please check at “airline info” for more information about flight schedules. Just make sure you look for “Denpasar (DPS)” instead of “Bali” in airline time tables. It is the capital of Bali.
BALI ATTRACTIONS - KUTA
  

Kuta Beach
The five-kilometre long arching sandy stretch of Kuta Beach is still possibly the best beach front of Bali. A very short drive away from the airport, meter taxis and motorcycle taxis are easily found around the area to take you anywhere in Kuta or elsewhere. The beach is safe, partially clean and well maintained, although the vendors fill up the beach side haphazardly. However, this beach is really famous for its spectacular sunsets and waves, and attracts tourists who spend hours here swimming, surfing and sunbathing. This place is a well-known destination among surfing enthusiasts: the long sandy beach with  its lack of dangerous rocks or coral makes the waves ideal for surfer beginners.
Temples
Kuta does not have a popular main temple to visit, but sprinkled along the main road you can find regular temples worth a peek at during your holiday here. Positioned on Jalan Pantai Kuta you’ll find Pura Batu Bolong; on Kuta Sidewalk is Pura Penataran; and on Kuta Beach a few metres east from the main gate is Pura Kalangan Majelangu. Every morning and late afternoon right after sunset, the Balinese who live in the neighbourhood come here to pray and present offerings. The temple is busy only on special occasions during holy days and ceremonies such as Melasti: three or four days prior to Nyepi (the Balinese day of silence that falls on Bali’s Lunar New Year), the Balinese gather to send prayers and put offerings that are dedicated to Sanghyang Widhi/Vishnu-Devas-Bataras and performed on the beach to respect them as the owners of the land and sea.
Waterbom Waterslide Park 
Waterbom is a sprawling 3.8 hectare tropical adventure park of thrilling water rides. It has 15 high-speed slides, some reaching up to 50kph, dizzying trails, cardiac-pounding rides and wall climbing. Even for the faint hearted, there are a lot of facilities; try the river raft that leads you down a lazy river where you can enjoy drifting along in a tube raft through cascading waterfalls, languid ripples and even luxuriant tropical foliage to screen you from the flurry of excitement, not to mention the spa facilities for an even more relaxing option. On top of that you can sunbathe in the grassy gardens, relax in a gazebo or swim along to the Poolside Bar, to quench your thirst before a second round of adrenaline-charged adventure! For children, the park features a Kiddy Park, which is designed for child safety and is supervised at all times. If you get hungry during all the activity, head to the food court in the centre of the park as it is forbidden to bring any food or beverages in from outside.
 
 
Surfing 
Kuta Beach is famous for its breaking waves and waist-deep water, making it such a perfect beach for surfing beginners. To get some basic knowledge of surfing, sign up for lessons with one of the well-known surfing schools located just in front of the beach such as Odysseys, Rip Curl Surf School or Surfer Girl Surfing School. three-day surfing course in an accredited school costs approximately US$ 100. The next time you come back, as long as you keep in practice, you’ll be able to explore the hidden surf beaches on the island, for sure! For more advanced surfers, you can choose from over 30 other surfing breaks, all within 30 minutes drive from Kuta.
Dining Out in Kuta Beach
Kuta is a gastronomic heaven for travellers on a mid-range budget. Most of the restaurants are open from 10:00 till around to midnight and a few eateries in the main tourist areas keep their kitchens open 24 hours a day. With most international cuisine, although based on original recipes, the preparation of the dishes is often adapted to local tastes and the unavailability of certain ingredients makes the results unpredictable; so don’t be too surprised if your meal is not exactly what you expected.
Kuta Beach Shopping
Kuta is a shopping Mecca for visitors, shopaholics and locals who wish to sport the fashionable look of well-known locally made Bali designs and established international brands. Don’t miss out on a spot of bikini, swimwear and surf wear shopping while in Bali.
Where to Go after Dark in Kuta Beach
The nightlife scene in Kuta usually starts late – around 23:00 to midnight with bars and pubs offering different atmospheres and types of entertainment. Some clubs and bars showcase live bands, DJs, sexy dancers and ‘fashion shows’. Price wise, compared to the nightlife places in Seminyak, partying the night away in Kuta is way cheaper.
Tune Hotels.com kuta map:

bali map:

Melaka Tourism Street Carnival 2009 (MTSC 2009)
5 June 2009 Until 7 June 2009 
Don’t miss this new event at Hang Tuah Mall, Melaka. Many activities had line up for all visitors such as MTSC Autoshow 2009, MTSC X-Trem Sport Carnival, MTSC Sprint Challenge 2009 and MTSC Street Soccer 2009.  All at the Malacca world heritage city UNESCO 

The car Drift, the live Band, the dance, the karaoke, the x-treem games, the muscle and all the street hype are are back at Hang Tuah Mall. This year the days are cut into 3 compared to 5 last year. Although the event period is shorten, it still jammed packed with activities with more than 20 event over the 3 days. For those who want to cheer up at the street with MTSC 2009
  

 MELAKA TOURISM STREET CARNIVAL 2009: CAR DRIFT ACTIVITIES ON STREET AUTOSHOW.

Venue:
Hang Tuah Mall
Melaka
Phone: +606 – 2328358
Fax: +606 – 2328367   Organiser:
Tourism Promotion Division, Melaka Chief Minister Department

1ST PUTRAJAYA INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL: ACTIVITIES, GETTING THERE AND HOTELS TO STAY

The centrepiece of the city is the 650-hectares man-made Putrajaya lake. Many have marvelled at the water quality, which is graded class 2B of the Interim National Water Quality Standards and is suitable for body contact, a requirement of all national and international water sports. Currently, the lake offers activities such as canoeing, boating, kayaking and aquabiking
Putrajaya To Host More International Sporting Events And Festivals

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 (Bernama) — Federal Territories Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin would like to see more international sporting events and festivals being organised in Putrajaya.

He said the move would help introduce the country’s administrative capital to the world.

“We see these events as a way to enhance Malaysia’s visibility on the global map as the home for international events like the Dragon Boat Race, as we foster relationships across the region through sports,” he said at the launch of the first Putrajaya International Dragon Boat Festival at the Putrajaya Water Sports Complex here Friday.

The three-day event is organised by Mega Events Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Putrajaya Corporation, the Tourism Ministry, Information, Communications and Culture Ministry, Penang Dragon Boat Association, and in affiliation with the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF).

The event has drawn over 1,500 participants, both locals and foreigners, including those from Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Cambodia, China and the United Kingdom.

Raja Nong Chik said the festival would give the perfect opportunity for locals and foreigners to see Putrajaya not only as Malaysia’s administrative capital but also as a vibrant and livable city, with the capability of hosting events.

– BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA will be hosting what is touted to be the largest Dragon Boat event in Malaysia, with more than 1,500 participants from various countries.

The three-day sporting event will be held from June 5 to 7 at the Putrajaya Water Sports Complex. So far, 1,500 participants from 30 local teams and 20 foreign teams – from China, Singapore, Indonesia, Britain, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines – have registered.

At a press conference to announce the event on Thursday, Mega Events Sdn Bhd adviser Tan Sri Soong Siew Hoong said he hoped that the festival would put Malaysia on the map as a dragon boat racing destination.

“We want to set a platform of international standard for foreign investors to see Putrajaya not only as Malaysia’s administrative capital but also as a centre with a capacity large enough to host such a significant international event.

“This is also a great way to promote the beautifully landscaped city of Putrajaya as an ideal tourist centre to an international audience at the same time.

“We want international visitors and the public at large to come and see the thrilling race and feel the exhilarating energy and passion of the participants in order to get a better understanding of the event,” he said.

“This sport promotes teambuilding, and fosters camaraderie and strength.

“Later, Mega Events will be signing a MoU with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) to provide on-site training for its event management students as part of the CSR programme,” he added.

The festival is also set to be an exciting family event with more than 50 booths selling food, souvenirs and fashion as well as other items.

Other activities include a Coffee Tarik competition, horse rides for children and a colouring contest.

Proceeds from the event booths will be donated to the Breast Cancer Welfare Associa­tion (BCWA), Cervical Cancer Awareness Association (CARES), the Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor and Federal Territories (SCASFT) and selected orphanages

-STARONLINE-

1. DATE
 :
 5th, 6th AND 7th JUNE 2009
2. VENUE
 : PUTRAJAYA LAKE GARDEN
3. RACES
 : There will be 2 events as follows:

International Events (Open to all International & Malaysian Teams)
Malaysian Events (Open to all Malaysian Teams)
 
4. DISTANCE
 : 500 metres and 2,000 metres
5. RACING FORMAT
 : All teams will follow the races from the early heats, repecharge / semi-final and final
 
6. RACING STYLE
 : Seated
7. RULES & REGULATIONS
 : International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) & Putrajaya International Dragon Boat Festival (PIDBF)
8. ENTRY FEES
 : Free of charge
9. TEAMS
 : 12 crews boat - 16 members comprising 2 officials (team leader & manager)
14 crews (coach, paddlers, drummer & steerman)

22 crews boat - 28 members comprising 2 officials (team leader & manager)
26 crews (coach, paddlers, drummer & steerman)
 
10. RACES
 : There must be a minumum of 5 entries for each race to run.
ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES

Radius Hotel (250 Rooms) - USD 40.00 PER PERSON PER DAY

Puteri Park (60 Rooms) - USD 40.00 PER PERSON PER DAY
For Those on FREE & EASY PACKAGE, They can call Radius Hotel and Puteri Hotel Directly and make payment themselves, which is not through Mayflower.
The hotels will charge RM 130.00 per night upon producing filled-up form prepared by event organiser, MESB.
Transport available if require but chargeable.
They must fill up form and fax to Hotel and MESB.
Puteri Park Hotel and Radius Hotel now accommodates to No Hassle Package and FREE & EASY PACKAGE
Hosted Teams remains at Wira Hotel.

PLEASE CONFIRM ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WITH REGISTRATION. FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.

TRANSPORTATION to get there

AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICES:

The Organizing Committee has made available bus transportation from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) to official event hotels and return to the airport at the conclusion of the event. In order to take advantage of this service, it will be necessary for all (or a significant majority) of crew members and their guests to arrive and depart at the same time and stay at one of the official event hotels. This service is not available where crew members are arriving or departing at significantly different times on the same day or on different days. These transportation charges will be included in the accommodation package.

FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE TO RACE COURSE AND EVENTS VENUE :

The Organizing Committee has made available shuttle bus transportation for crews and their registered guests to and from official event hotels and the race course on race day.

RACE DAY LUNCHES/FOODS

Lunches will be available to all competitors and their coaches, managers and registered supporters on the three competition days the costs will be included in the accommodation package. Teams not taking the packages can purchase their food at the festival site at reasonable price.
CELEBRATION PARTY

A Celebration Dinner Party will be held on Sunday, June 7, following completion of competition. A nominal fee of RM50.00 per person will be charge. Please advice on supporters.
 

5 June 2009 Until 6 June 2009 

The Flora & Fruit Festival in Malaysia is held in conjunction with the local fruit season. Enjoy the excellent nutrition and great taste of local fruits!  So, at the Cameron Highland there are lot of fruit that grow on cold weather such as cherry tomato, strawberries, vegetables and of cause the beauty of flowers that vary in colours. so come visit cameron highland to experience the culture and stay a night at famous highland for families holiday activities.
  
Venue:
Cameron Highlands
Pahang
Phone: 609 517 1111
Fax: 609 514 6900
Email: mtpnpahang@motour.gov.my
Website: www.motour.gov.my   Organiser:
Pahang Tourism Action Council

Pesta Sungai Melaka 2009
30 May 2009 Until 7 June 2009 
Pesta Sungai Melaka 2009 is back! An eight days festival with over 72 activities will be held along the Melaka River. The event will be launch on 30th May 2009 at Dataran Sungai Melaka. Don’t miss this exciting event!

The Melaka government plans to introduce a ‘water taxi’ service along Sungai Melaka and the coastal areas in the state before the end of the year.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the water taxis would provide service from Melaka Sentral to the Dataran Sungai Melaka and from the Sungai Melaka estuary to the Sungai Linggi Jetty and Sungai Rambai Jetty.

He said this in his speech at the MELAKA RIVER FESTIVAL when launched the ceremony,

Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob, launched the festival which included programmes such as cultural and arts performances by the various communities in the state, and a fireworks display.

Mohd Ali said the proposal to introduce the water taxis like the ones used in Britain and New Zealand was to diversify activities along Sungai Melaka, which was once severely polluted but had now become the pride of the state.

He said so far, the Melaka River and Beach Development Corporation provided 25 passenger boats for the ‘Melaka River Cruise’ for people to enjoy the beauty along the 4.5 kilometre stretch between Tanah Rempah Ratus and the river mouth.

Forty events have been drawn up throughout the nine-day ‘Pesta Sungai Melaka 2009′ beginning tonight at four major locations namely Taman Rempah Ratus, Padang Nyiru, Dataran Sungai Melaka and Sungai Melaka Estuary.

-benama-

Kerajaan negeri akan mengembalikan semula kegemilangan Sungai Melaka dari gelaran sleepy hollow kepada ‘Venice Of The East’ sebagaimana yang pernah dilalui pada abad ke-15.

Ketua Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohd. Ali Rustam berkata, kerajaan negeri turut menyasarkan untuk menjadikan Sungai Melaka setanding dengan Sungai Antonio di Texas, Amerika Syarikat dari segi fizikal dan pengisian aktivitinya.

“Dulu kita lihat Sungai Melaka mengalir lesu dan kotor tetapi hari ini kita bangga kerana ia telah menjadi sebuah destinasi pelancongan utama di Malaysia.

“Oleh itu, kegemilangan Sungai Melaka perlu dikembalikan semula sebagaimana yang pernah dilalui pada abad ke-15, sesuai dengan pengiktirafan Melaka sebagai Bandaraya Warisan Dunia oleh UNESCO,” katanya.
Antara acara menarik yang telah diatur sepanjang sembilan hari ialah bot berhias, perahu naga, bot kawalan jauh, cabaran badang, pertandingan melukis, fotografi, tangkap itik, pukul bantal hingga ke pertandingan memasak ikan air tawar.

By the year 2020, the City of KL will have many positive changes to the physical environment without compromising the local environment and its ecology. it also commits to create a livable and attractive environment for residents, businesses and tourist. So for this 2o2o vision of Malaysia, the authority had plan to make a transformation in many aspects:

-A Dynamic World Class Business City
-Sustainable Land Use
-Connectivity and Accessibility for The City
-City Living Environment
-Protecting and Enhancing the Environment
-Enhancing Green Network and Blue Corridor
-Distinctive City Image and Identity
-Green Infrastructure

KUALA LUMPUR : TRANSFORM INTO WORLD CLASS CITY - NEW KL MAPS FOR TRAFFIC CLEAR, MANY ATTRACTIONS, PLACES TO RELAX AND FEEL SAFE TO ENJOY BEST FOOD GOURMET AND BEST HOTELS

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is all out to transform Kuala Lumpur’s image into a world-class city with its dwellers enjoying good infrastructure and living standards at par with the other great cities of the world.

The Datuk Bandar of Kuala Lumpur Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail noted that the transformed Kuala Lumpur would be seen as the dynamic commercial and financial hub of the nation with the whole city exuding the ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’ identity.

At the same time the city will offer a comprehensive living concept making it the perfect place to work, play and unwind.

It is estimated that there are at least 2.7 million people in Kuala Lumpur; the number includes those who commute daily from outside to work in the city or make a stopover.

Nonetheless, KLites will ponder whether this new image of Kuala Lumpur is just another hogwash ideals of the town planners detached from the present realities, especially when looking at the many woes faced by the city today.

But for Ahmad Fuad, he is optimistic that transforming Kuala Lumpur is not a tall order. He believes the vision for the city can be achieved by keeping up with the goals that have already been set.

GETTING TO WORK

During a special interview with Bernama here recently, Ahmad Fuad stated that the transformation would also include more effective enforcement of the by-laws and policies beginning from within DBKL.

A world class Kuala Lumpur has no room for either squatter colonies or illegal car parks and this is where strict enforcement comes into play, he pointed out.

Ahmad Fuad who was appointed as the Datuk Bandar on Dec 14, 2008, is going all out to improve the city’s administration by taking into account all public views and problems in line with the government’s stand that the people come first.

He noted that efforts to green the city deepen Sungai Gombak and enhance the surrounding landscape, and the proposed two retention ponds to alleviate flash floods are among the priorities.

On traffic jams, he noted that DBKL is looking into the possibility of introducing the “Park & Ride” concept for vehicle owners to reduce traffic snarls at the Klang Valley.

THE PARK & RIDE CONCEPT

He said the system has been proven effective in several other nations and is currently being studied by DBKL.

“Park & Ride basically calls for people to park their cars at any nearby Light Rail Transit (LRT) station and use the LRT to proceed to their respective destination.

“Each day, almost one million vehicles enter the nation’s capital and therefore traffic jams are unavoidable regardless of peak or non peak periods. Therefore it is timely we introduce such new steps,” he added.

However, Ahmad Fuad is aware of the many setbacks suffered by the members of public in using public transportation modes like the LRT to get to work due to the limited passenger capacity and rail networks.

CCTV TO MONITOR TRAFFIC CONGESTION

He added that DBKL is also utilising closed circuit cameras (CCTVs) to monitor traffic congestion, through the Integrated Transport Information System (Itis) in Bukit Jalil that provides information to road users so that they can plan their routes during peak and off peak periods.

He noted that, until now DBKL has installed 1,100 CCTVs under the Itis System with 66 of it being used to monitor traffic flow in the city.

“DBKL is also planning to increase from 85 to 96 the number of CCTVs monitored by police in busy areas, shopping complexes and places where tourists congregate,” he said.

He pointed out there are 49 locations within the city under police CCTV surveillance including in Brickfields and Cheras.

“DBKL finds that the CCTV helps in bringing down crime especially snatch thefts in high risk areas.

BRINGING DOWN CRIME RATES

Ahmad Fuad explained that DBKL is always in communication with the police in seeking alternatives to reduce crime.

“We always consider other options in reducing crime, crime blemishes the nation’s image,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Fuad and all members of DBKL welcome the appointment of Senator Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin as the new Federal Territories Minister.

“We welcome the appointment and hope he (Raja Nong) can continue with the outlined agenda apart from embarking on the transformation sought by the city dwellers.”

He hoped that under the new leadership some of the long standing problems like the one relating to solid waste disposal could be overcome.

A WORLD CLASS CITY

“DBKL spends RM140 million annually to enable Alam Flora Sdn Bhd (Alam Flora) collect and dispose rubbish and solid wastes at the 252 licensed disposal sites,” he said.

Most of the hawkers discard waste into drains, which in turn causes blockages and there are even some who cover the drains to widen their work area, said Ahmad Fuad.

He also pointed out that the drainage system in Kuala Lumpur covers 5,300 kilometers and Alam Flora has began efforts to clean up the drains since more than a month ago and the whole campaign is expected to be completed within two months.

“The public too should cooperate to overcome this problem by settling their monthly dues for rubbish and solid waste collection.

“There are some who choose to default on their payments and litter everywhere, this is the mentality that we have to do away if we are to see Kuala Lumpur emerge as a world class city,” he added.

Apart from that, DBKL too has spent a considerable sum in improving the road system around the capital city, introduce walking pavements and make the facilities more disabled friendly.

– BERNAMA