Malacca historical heritageSunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Projects for the better
Projects for the better
A coastal highway linking Port Dickson to here and upgrading the busy Ayer Keroh dual carriageway are among four infrastructure projects proposed by the state government in Budget 2012, expected to be tabled by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Oct 7.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the other projects requested were flood mitigation programmes to improve water flow at flood prone areas apart from widening of drainage system and sewage projects.
“These projects are salient in state bid to provide better facilities for locals and to meet the economic boom taking shape in the state,” he said after a working visit to Pekan Bukit Baru here, recently.
Mohd Ali said existing infrastructure like sewage and drainage could not correspond to the massive development experienced in the state, and this resultedin flash floods in many parts of the city.
Mohd Ali said upgrading of the Ayer Keroh carriageway involving the construction of a flyover at the intersection of the Malacca International Trade Centre andIstana Malacca junction near Pantai Hospital, was needed to address the bottleneck situation there.
He said the state would also request to introduce a tram service between Ayer Keroh and Melaka city to reduce congestion at several busy sections in Ayer Keroh and Batu Berendam.
In an unrelated development, Mohd Ali said the state government had spent RM4.9 million to pay compensation to owners of 26 houses and shops in Pekan Bukit Baru to make way for new development at the site.
He added the site would be developed with the construction of a three-storey building comprising 43 shops.
Work on this project was expected to start in August.
~News courtesy of The Star~
A coastal highway linking Port Dickson to here and upgrading the busy Ayer Keroh dual carriageway are among four infrastructure projects proposed by the state government in Budget 2012, expected to be tabled by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Oct 7.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the other projects requested were flood mitigation programmes to improve water flow at flood prone areas apart from widening of drainage system and sewage projects.
“These projects are salient in state bid to provide better facilities for locals and to meet the economic boom taking shape in the state,” he said after a working visit to Pekan Bukit Baru here, recently.
Mohd Ali said existing infrastructure like sewage and drainage could not correspond to the massive development experienced in the state, and this resultedin flash floods in many parts of the city.
Mohd Ali said upgrading of the Ayer Keroh carriageway involving the construction of a flyover at the intersection of the Malacca International Trade Centre andIstana Malacca junction near Pantai Hospital, was needed to address the bottleneck situation there.
He said the state would also request to introduce a tram service between Ayer Keroh and Melaka city to reduce congestion at several busy sections in Ayer Keroh and Batu Berendam.
In an unrelated development, Mohd Ali said the state government had spent RM4.9 million to pay compensation to owners of 26 houses and shops in Pekan Bukit Baru to make way for new development at the site.
He added the site would be developed with the construction of a three-storey building comprising 43 shops.
Work on this project was expected to start in August.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
FireFly-Melaka Air to boost tourism
FireFly-Melaka Air will boost state as tourist destination
MALACCA: The Batu Berendam International airport here is poised to get a stimulus with a new airline interested in turning the facility into its air transportation hub.
Servicing seven air routes between Thailand, Indonesia and local sectors, the FireFly-Melaka Air is expected to make its maiden flight on Nov 11, 2011, symbolising the favourite numbers for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak - (11/11/11).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said NN Flyers, a aviation company based in Kuala Lumpur who holds an equity of 90% in the company will collaborate with state-owned agency, Yayasan Melaka, who owns a 10% share in the airlines.
Affordable air travel: Budget carriers like Firefly is making transit time faster for busy people.
“NNFlyers will lease the ATR-72 aircraft from MAS affiliate FireFly with the cost of USD190,000 where the collaboration will be known as Firefly-Melaka Air,” he said after chairing the weekly Exco meeting here on Wednesday.
Mohd Ali added that the airlines will serve Medan, Pekan Baru, Padang and Pelembang in Indonesia, Hatyai in Thailand while Penang and Kota Baru are the two local routes.
The frequency of flights are between three to four times in a week while the ticket prices are expected to be announced later.
Mohd Ali said he had calculated the maintenance of each aircraft at RM800,000 including the salaries of crew members of the new airline.
“We anticipate the revenue of the new airline to be lucrative considering that Malacca is a top tourist destination,” he said.
He also noted that two other airlines Wings Air and Riau Airlines that have landing rights at the airport here would not be affected by the debut of the new service.
The air transporation providers currently serves Pekan Baru-Malacca-Pekan Baru with frequencies of three flights, a week.
On a separate matter, Mohd Ali announced that foreigners will be granted to procure properties here that cost more than RM200,000 but with the condition that they have to fork out a levy of 2%.
He said the new ruling will take effect immediately where the revenue collected from such levies would be used to aid the needy in the state.
Mohd Ali added that the collection will be channelled to state Public Aid Fund where the fund would be wisely utilised to aid the locals who are in need of financial assistance.
He said the state hoped to yield some type of revenue due from the property boom in the state, especially with the overwhelming demand from foreigners, especially Singaporeans who are keen to own properties here.
~News courtesy of The Star~
MALACCA: The Batu Berendam International airport here is poised to get a stimulus with a new airline interested in turning the facility into its air transportation hub.
Servicing seven air routes between Thailand, Indonesia and local sectors, the FireFly-Melaka Air is expected to make its maiden flight on Nov 11, 2011, symbolising the favourite numbers for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak - (11/11/11).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said NN Flyers, a aviation company based in Kuala Lumpur who holds an equity of 90% in the company will collaborate with state-owned agency, Yayasan Melaka, who owns a 10% share in the airlines.
Affordable air travel: Budget carriers like Firefly is making transit time faster for busy people.“NNFlyers will lease the ATR-72 aircraft from MAS affiliate FireFly with the cost of USD190,000 where the collaboration will be known as Firefly-Melaka Air,” he said after chairing the weekly Exco meeting here on Wednesday.
Mohd Ali added that the airlines will serve Medan, Pekan Baru, Padang and Pelembang in Indonesia, Hatyai in Thailand while Penang and Kota Baru are the two local routes.
The frequency of flights are between three to four times in a week while the ticket prices are expected to be announced later.
Mohd Ali said he had calculated the maintenance of each aircraft at RM800,000 including the salaries of crew members of the new airline.
“We anticipate the revenue of the new airline to be lucrative considering that Malacca is a top tourist destination,” he said.
He also noted that two other airlines Wings Air and Riau Airlines that have landing rights at the airport here would not be affected by the debut of the new service.
The air transporation providers currently serves Pekan Baru-Malacca-Pekan Baru with frequencies of three flights, a week.
On a separate matter, Mohd Ali announced that foreigners will be granted to procure properties here that cost more than RM200,000 but with the condition that they have to fork out a levy of 2%.
He said the new ruling will take effect immediately where the revenue collected from such levies would be used to aid the needy in the state.
Mohd Ali added that the collection will be channelled to state Public Aid Fund where the fund would be wisely utilised to aid the locals who are in need of financial assistance.
He said the state hoped to yield some type of revenue due from the property boom in the state, especially with the overwhelming demand from foreigners, especially Singaporeans who are keen to own properties here.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
GSC opens in shopping centre
GSC opens in shopping centre
GOLDEN Screen Cinemas Sdn Bhd will open its 10-screen multiplex in AEON Bandaraya Melaka Shopping Centre here on May 19.
This will coincide with the opening of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’.
The new cinema with a capacity of 1,785 seats, will be equipped with two digital halls to cater to an increasing demand for digital 3D movies.
New addition: Malacca’s latest cinema hall in GSC Aeon shopping centre.
Located strategically within the town Centre, the new cinema would complement the 10-screen GSC theater in Dataran Pahlawan.
Prior to its opening, Malacca folks can tour the new multiplex on the 2nd floor, as the cinema will be screening a selection of ‘free’ for five consecutive days from May 14-18.
Films such as ‘Gulliver’s Travel’, ‘RIO’, ‘I Am Number Four’, ‘The Tourist’, ‘Green Hornet’, ‘World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles’, ‘Beastly’, ‘Cun’, ‘Hantu Kak Limah’, ‘Khurafat’, ‘Enthiran’ and much more will be screened.
To enjoy the free screening offer, the public need to cut out any original GSC cinema listings in The Star, Sin Chew Jit Poh, Nanyang Siang Pau newspapers.
GSC Facebook or via GSC website coupon to exchange for two free tickets per clipping/coupon, on a first-come-first-served basis and while stocks last.
Redemption exercise will start from May 14 onwards and is limited to maximum of 4 tickets per person on the same day of redemption.
No advance redemption will be entertained. For more information, log on to www.gsc.com.my.
Freebies will also be given to cinema patrons and this also includes activities from May 19 - 22.
~News courtesy of The Star~
GOLDEN Screen Cinemas Sdn Bhd will open its 10-screen multiplex in AEON Bandaraya Melaka Shopping Centre here on May 19.
This will coincide with the opening of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’.
The new cinema with a capacity of 1,785 seats, will be equipped with two digital halls to cater to an increasing demand for digital 3D movies.
New addition: Malacca’s latest cinema hall in GSC Aeon shopping centre.Located strategically within the town Centre, the new cinema would complement the 10-screen GSC theater in Dataran Pahlawan.
Prior to its opening, Malacca folks can tour the new multiplex on the 2nd floor, as the cinema will be screening a selection of ‘free’ for five consecutive days from May 14-18.
Films such as ‘Gulliver’s Travel’, ‘RIO’, ‘I Am Number Four’, ‘The Tourist’, ‘Green Hornet’, ‘World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles’, ‘Beastly’, ‘Cun’, ‘Hantu Kak Limah’, ‘Khurafat’, ‘Enthiran’ and much more will be screened.
To enjoy the free screening offer, the public need to cut out any original GSC cinema listings in The Star, Sin Chew Jit Poh, Nanyang Siang Pau newspapers.
GSC Facebook or via GSC website coupon to exchange for two free tickets per clipping/coupon, on a first-come-first-served basis and while stocks last.
Redemption exercise will start from May 14 onwards and is limited to maximum of 4 tickets per person on the same day of redemption.
No advance redemption will be entertained. For more information, log on to www.gsc.com.my.
Freebies will also be given to cinema patrons and this also includes activities from May 19 - 22.
~News courtesy of The Star~
New boutique hotel compliments cultural heritage
New boutique hotel compliments Malacca’s cultural heritage
WITH its distinctive Mediterranean architecture, the state’s latest boutique hotel – Casa del Rio has a lot to boast about with its rustic setting in the heart of this historic city.
It promises a warm hospitality and service to guests, catering even for the budget traveler.
Casa del Rio’s general manager Andrew Drummond the hotel is for Malaccans and its room pricing is catered for all categories of travellers.
Serene: Casa del Rio adorned in opulent Mediterannean architecture.
The 66-room accommodation is located by the idyllic Malacca river which the city was named after.
Its namesake: Casa del Rio, is Spanish for ‘home by the sea’.
The architectural design of the hotel pays tribute to the Portuguese heritage of Malacca as well as the unique Malay Sultanate while blending with its historical surroundings.
The hotel is a minute’s stroll from the pavements of Jonkers Walk making it only lodging provider fronting the Malacca river.
Casa del Rio is also poised to make an important mark on the leisure and business travelers creating a new benchmark in design and service for the city.
Eight well appointed function rooms servicing meetings for two to weddings of two hundred make Casa del Rio a definite consideration for intimate dining events, creative conferences and memorable meetings.
~News courtesy of The Star~
WITH its distinctive Mediterranean architecture, the state’s latest boutique hotel – Casa del Rio has a lot to boast about with its rustic setting in the heart of this historic city.
It promises a warm hospitality and service to guests, catering even for the budget traveler.
Casa del Rio’s general manager Andrew Drummond the hotel is for Malaccans and its room pricing is catered for all categories of travellers.
Serene: Casa del Rio adorned in opulent Mediterannean architecture.
The 66-room accommodation is located by the idyllic Malacca river which the city was named after.
Its namesake: Casa del Rio, is Spanish for ‘home by the sea’.
The architectural design of the hotel pays tribute to the Portuguese heritage of Malacca as well as the unique Malay Sultanate while blending with its historical surroundings.
The hotel is a minute’s stroll from the pavements of Jonkers Walk making it only lodging provider fronting the Malacca river.
Casa del Rio is also poised to make an important mark on the leisure and business travelers creating a new benchmark in design and service for the city.
Eight well appointed function rooms servicing meetings for two to weddings of two hundred make Casa del Rio a definite consideration for intimate dining events, creative conferences and memorable meetings.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Drinks cost the same despite sugar price hike
Drinks to cost the same despite sugar price increase, say restaurant operators
GEORGE TOWN: Muslim restaurants will not be increasing the prices of their drinks although sugar now costs an extra 20 sen per kilo.
Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Noorul Hassan Saul Hameed said its 3,700 members would not increase the prices of drinks.
“We can easily absorb the cost,” he said yesterday.
He said restaurant operators had already reduced the amount of sugar in drinks following the Government's call for the public to consume less sugar.
“Our customers are also asking for less sugar in their drinks,” he added.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohd Zain Mohd Dom had announced that the price of coarse and fine sugar would be increased by 20 sen to RM2.30 per kilo.
Coffeeshops in Sibu have also pledged to maintain the prices of their drinks for the time being.
However, Sibu Coffeeshop and Restaurant Owners Association chairman Tong Ing Kok said it would have to consider any appeal from members for a price increase.
“The prices of other ingredients for drinks such as condensed milk, evaporated milk and coffee powder have also increased,” he added.
Tong said the per-carton price of condensed milk had increased from RM124.40 to about RM148 and evaporated milk from RM105.80 to about RM127.
He added that the price of coffee powder had increased from RM17 to RM22 per kilo.
“With or without a price increase, I strongly urge our members to maintain standards and not reduce the quality of their drinks, which can result in them losing customers,” he said, advising members to comply with the association's price list on drinks.
Malaysian Chinese Food Consumers Association vice-chairman Chia Yuk Koay said he had not received any feedback from his members on the sugar price increase.
~News courtesy of The Star~
GEORGE TOWN: Muslim restaurants will not be increasing the prices of their drinks although sugar now costs an extra 20 sen per kilo.
Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Noorul Hassan Saul Hameed said its 3,700 members would not increase the prices of drinks.
“We can easily absorb the cost,” he said yesterday.
He said restaurant operators had already reduced the amount of sugar in drinks following the Government's call for the public to consume less sugar.
“Our customers are also asking for less sugar in their drinks,” he added.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohd Zain Mohd Dom had announced that the price of coarse and fine sugar would be increased by 20 sen to RM2.30 per kilo.
Coffeeshops in Sibu have also pledged to maintain the prices of their drinks for the time being.
However, Sibu Coffeeshop and Restaurant Owners Association chairman Tong Ing Kok said it would have to consider any appeal from members for a price increase.
“The prices of other ingredients for drinks such as condensed milk, evaporated milk and coffee powder have also increased,” he added.
Tong said the per-carton price of condensed milk had increased from RM124.40 to about RM148 and evaporated milk from RM105.80 to about RM127.
He added that the price of coffee powder had increased from RM17 to RM22 per kilo.
“With or without a price increase, I strongly urge our members to maintain standards and not reduce the quality of their drinks, which can result in them losing customers,” he said, advising members to comply with the association's price list on drinks.
Malaysian Chinese Food Consumers Association vice-chairman Chia Yuk Koay said he had not received any feedback from his members on the sugar price increase.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Air quality in five towns nears unhealthy level
Air quality in five towns nears unhealthy level
PETALING JAYA: The air quality in five towns in three states dropped close to unhealthy levels Wednesday.
The Department of Environment reported higher-than-normal Air Pollutant Index (API) readings for Port Klang (97), Nilai (92), Banting (82), Bukit Rambai in Malacca (87) and Muar (84).
An area's air quality reaches an unhealthy level when its API hits 101, a very unhealthy level at 201 and hazardous when it exceeds 301.
The air quality of an area is considered good if its API reading is between 0 to 50.
Director of air quality unit Kalsom Abdul Ghani attributed the decrease in visibility in various parts of the country to southwesterly winds blowing haze from open burnings in Sumatra hotspots.
"It occurred under transboundary conditions due to the wind, which normally takes this direction at this time of the year,” Kalsom said.
~News courtesy of The Star~
PETALING JAYA: The air quality in five towns in three states dropped close to unhealthy levels Wednesday.
The Department of Environment reported higher-than-normal Air Pollutant Index (API) readings for Port Klang (97), Nilai (92), Banting (82), Bukit Rambai in Malacca (87) and Muar (84).
An area's air quality reaches an unhealthy level when its API hits 101, a very unhealthy level at 201 and hazardous when it exceeds 301.
The air quality of an area is considered good if its API reading is between 0 to 50.
Director of air quality unit Kalsom Abdul Ghani attributed the decrease in visibility in various parts of the country to southwesterly winds blowing haze from open burnings in Sumatra hotspots.
"It occurred under transboundary conditions due to the wind, which normally takes this direction at this time of the year,” Kalsom said.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Monday, May 9, 2011
Songket adds prestige to historical state
Songket Melaka adds prestige to historical state
MALACCA: Traditionally, the songket, the luxurious textile hand-woven in silk or cotton and intricately patterned with gold or silver threads, is an exclusive artwork from Kelantan and Terengganu.
Now, Melaka, a state in the west coast, aims to be part of the songket’s legacy with its own unique brand of songket bunga kesidang.
The songket is the brainchild of Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob, who wanted to ensure that Melaka had a songket of its own. In fact, the songket is already most commonly associated with the state.
The motif chosen for the songket was based on the bunga kesidang (Vallaris Glabara), the bread flower, which is also the state’s official flower.
Unique: Malacca is set to become a songket hub with its unique brand of songket bunga kesidang.
In 2004, the Institut Seni Malaysia Melaka (ISMMA) was tasked with designing the songket using the bunga kesidang motif and ensuring that it qualified as the Songket Melaka.
The institute was also entrusted with ensuring that Songket Melaka was on par with the songkets from Kelantan and Terengganu.
ISMMA’s manager, Noor Azlina Yunus, told Bernama that the institute started designing the songket about six years ago using the expertise of two cultural icons, Malaysia’s Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Tapa and Bapak Tenas Effendy from Indonesia.
She noted that the songket basically has four parts: a body, head, kapit and legs. Both experts, she said, decided on the most suitable design for each part.
Rich in tradition: Each part of the songket has its own motif and reason for why it is there.
“Each part of the songket has its own motif and reason for why it is there,” she explained.
Azlina revealed that the work of designing the patterns on the songket took about a year before a ‘prototype’ was made for the approval of Mohd Khalil.
After getting the nod from Mohd Khalil, ISMMA searched for the best weaver to ensure that Melaka entered the world of songket-making in style.
ISMMA compared the work quality of weavers from Terengganu, Indonesia and Selangor. After a thorough scrutiny of woven work from the three states, a company in Selangor was awarded the task of weaving the songket.
“It is not that ISMMA did not want to weave the songket itself; rather, it was done to ensure the highest weaving quality and we wanted the skills of an expert weaver before taking on the task ourselves,” she said.
ISMMA is currently learning the art of songket weaving to create high quality songket bunga kesidang.
In pursuit of this goal, ISMMA has sent some of its staffers on an exchange programme to a weaving handicraft agency in Indonesia.
“We always send young staffers on such exchange programmes. We want to expose them to the art of songket weaving, as well as ensure that this art form is handed down to future generations,” she explained.
So far, two types of songket bunga kesidang are available, namely the samping (short sarong worn over the trousers) for men and the textile set, and sash for women.
The hand-woven songket made of silk can sell for RM 2,500, while the one made of polyester material fetches RM650. However, a machine-made songket is much cheaper at RM250.
A hand-woven songket made of silk, in the form of sarongs and sashes, can sell for RM3,000.
Since 2009, ISMMA has been promoting the songket bunga kesidang locally, starting with official state government functions.
“Currently, members of the public are encouraged to wear the Songket Melaka at official state events, like the investiture ceremony,” he said.
ISMMA has plans to market the songket overseas. In addition, the Malay Islamic World Secretariat (DMDI) has been identified as the agency with the capability to market the songket on the international stage.
On 6 Dec, 2008, Bollywood star Datuk Shah Rukh Khan wore the samping Songket Melaka sponsored by ISMMA when he received the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) award. The award gives official recognition to songkets unique to the state.
~News courtesy of The Star~
MALACCA: Traditionally, the songket, the luxurious textile hand-woven in silk or cotton and intricately patterned with gold or silver threads, is an exclusive artwork from Kelantan and Terengganu.
Now, Melaka, a state in the west coast, aims to be part of the songket’s legacy with its own unique brand of songket bunga kesidang.
The songket is the brainchild of Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob, who wanted to ensure that Melaka had a songket of its own. In fact, the songket is already most commonly associated with the state.
The motif chosen for the songket was based on the bunga kesidang (Vallaris Glabara), the bread flower, which is also the state’s official flower.
Unique: Malacca is set to become a songket hub with its unique brand of songket bunga kesidang.In 2004, the Institut Seni Malaysia Melaka (ISMMA) was tasked with designing the songket using the bunga kesidang motif and ensuring that it qualified as the Songket Melaka.
The institute was also entrusted with ensuring that Songket Melaka was on par with the songkets from Kelantan and Terengganu.
ISMMA’s manager, Noor Azlina Yunus, told Bernama that the institute started designing the songket about six years ago using the expertise of two cultural icons, Malaysia’s Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Tapa and Bapak Tenas Effendy from Indonesia.
She noted that the songket basically has four parts: a body, head, kapit and legs. Both experts, she said, decided on the most suitable design for each part.
Rich in tradition: Each part of the songket has its own motif and reason for why it is there.
“Each part of the songket has its own motif and reason for why it is there,” she explained.
Azlina revealed that the work of designing the patterns on the songket took about a year before a ‘prototype’ was made for the approval of Mohd Khalil.
After getting the nod from Mohd Khalil, ISMMA searched for the best weaver to ensure that Melaka entered the world of songket-making in style.
ISMMA compared the work quality of weavers from Terengganu, Indonesia and Selangor. After a thorough scrutiny of woven work from the three states, a company in Selangor was awarded the task of weaving the songket.
“It is not that ISMMA did not want to weave the songket itself; rather, it was done to ensure the highest weaving quality and we wanted the skills of an expert weaver before taking on the task ourselves,” she said.
ISMMA is currently learning the art of songket weaving to create high quality songket bunga kesidang.
In pursuit of this goal, ISMMA has sent some of its staffers on an exchange programme to a weaving handicraft agency in Indonesia.
“We always send young staffers on such exchange programmes. We want to expose them to the art of songket weaving, as well as ensure that this art form is handed down to future generations,” she explained.
So far, two types of songket bunga kesidang are available, namely the samping (short sarong worn over the trousers) for men and the textile set, and sash for women.
The hand-woven songket made of silk can sell for RM 2,500, while the one made of polyester material fetches RM650. However, a machine-made songket is much cheaper at RM250.
A hand-woven songket made of silk, in the form of sarongs and sashes, can sell for RM3,000.
Since 2009, ISMMA has been promoting the songket bunga kesidang locally, starting with official state government functions.
“Currently, members of the public are encouraged to wear the Songket Melaka at official state events, like the investiture ceremony,” he said.
ISMMA has plans to market the songket overseas. In addition, the Malay Islamic World Secretariat (DMDI) has been identified as the agency with the capability to market the songket on the international stage.
On 6 Dec, 2008, Bollywood star Datuk Shah Rukh Khan wore the samping Songket Melaka sponsored by ISMMA when he received the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) award. The award gives official recognition to songkets unique to the state.
~News courtesy of The Star~
CM lauds facilities at airport
CM lauds facilities at Batu Berendam airport
MALACCA: Flying schools in the country should take advantage of the Melaka International Airport in Batu Berendam to conduct flight training.
Describing the airport as a world-class facility, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said it was equipped with Instrument Landing System (ILS).
Two institutions currently use the facility for flight training purposes, namely the Malaysian Flying Academy (MFA) and Melaka 4B Youth Flying Club.
MFA has been operating at the airport since 1987.
World class: A file picture of a trainee pilot of the Malaysian Flying Acedemy taking off from the Melaka International Airport in Batu Berendam.
“I hope the airport would become a centre to train pilots for bigger aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Fokker in the future,” he said at the graduation of MFA cadet pilots here recently.
Mohd Ali said the aviation field could contribute to the development of highly-skilled Malaysians who may land highly-paid jobs locally or internationally.
The airport, formerly known as Batu Berendam airport, occupied 141 acres (0.57 km2) of land. The facilities was built in 1952.
Currently, Riau Airlines flies to the city five times a week.
~News courtesy of The Star~
MALACCA: Flying schools in the country should take advantage of the Melaka International Airport in Batu Berendam to conduct flight training.
Describing the airport as a world-class facility, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said it was equipped with Instrument Landing System (ILS).
Two institutions currently use the facility for flight training purposes, namely the Malaysian Flying Academy (MFA) and Melaka 4B Youth Flying Club.
MFA has been operating at the airport since 1987.
World class: A file picture of a trainee pilot of the Malaysian Flying Acedemy taking off from the Melaka International Airport in Batu Berendam.
“I hope the airport would become a centre to train pilots for bigger aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Fokker in the future,” he said at the graduation of MFA cadet pilots here recently.
Mohd Ali said the aviation field could contribute to the development of highly-skilled Malaysians who may land highly-paid jobs locally or internationally.
The airport, formerly known as Batu Berendam airport, occupied 141 acres (0.57 km2) of land. The facilities was built in 1952.
Currently, Riau Airlines flies to the city five times a week.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Toll plaza upgrading
Toll plaza upgrading
PLUS Expressway is currently conducting upgrading works at the Ayer Keroh toll plaza until June 19. Motorists are advised to drive carefully and follow all instructions at the toll plaza. For information, contact PLUSline at 1-800-88-0000.
~Info courtesy of The Star~
PLUS Expressway is currently conducting upgrading works at the Ayer Keroh toll plaza until June 19. Motorists are advised to drive carefully and follow all instructions at the toll plaza. For information, contact PLUSline at 1-800-88-0000.
~Info courtesy of The Star~
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Security tightens after Osama's death
Malaysia tightens security after Osama's death
KUALA LUMPUR: One day after the US announced that the death of its most wanted man, several governments around the world tightened security against possible retaliation from terror networks linked to Al Qaeda. Malaysia has also heightened security in key areas.
Speaking after meeting the visiting Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna, Malaysia's Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said a special counter terrorism taskforce is working closely with regional and international intelligence agencies to stay on top of the situation.
Mr Hishamuddin said: "Right now we have not seen any movement that will concern us...I can give assurance as of today there's no concern. Malaysia was never a target at the moment. I believe they have no plan making Malaysia a target."
Malaysia recently set up a joint working committee with India to combat terrorism, arms smuggling, as well as human and drug trafficking. It is also actively sharing information with the US, UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia and China on cross border terror links.
The minister denied that Malaysia is seen as a breeding ground for regional terror networks.
He said: "It was never been seen as breeding ground. There's no room for them to breed, to train terrorism. But the world is porous now. Anywhere they exist, they move, they are mobile, they do end up on our shores and some stayed on."
Still the Malaysian authorities are not taking chances. The police have stepped up security measures at strategic locations in and around the capital, in particular the embassy enclave in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia is also putting in place a better mechanism to screen foreigners at entry checkpoints. This after reports that terror suspects were infiltrating Malaysian schools and institutions of higher learning to recruit students.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
KUALA LUMPUR: One day after the US announced that the death of its most wanted man, several governments around the world tightened security against possible retaliation from terror networks linked to Al Qaeda. Malaysia has also heightened security in key areas.
Speaking after meeting the visiting Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna, Malaysia's Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said a special counter terrorism taskforce is working closely with regional and international intelligence agencies to stay on top of the situation.
Mr Hishamuddin said: "Right now we have not seen any movement that will concern us...I can give assurance as of today there's no concern. Malaysia was never a target at the moment. I believe they have no plan making Malaysia a target."
Malaysia recently set up a joint working committee with India to combat terrorism, arms smuggling, as well as human and drug trafficking. It is also actively sharing information with the US, UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia and China on cross border terror links.
The minister denied that Malaysia is seen as a breeding ground for regional terror networks.
He said: "It was never been seen as breeding ground. There's no room for them to breed, to train terrorism. But the world is porous now. Anywhere they exist, they move, they are mobile, they do end up on our shores and some stayed on."
Still the Malaysian authorities are not taking chances. The police have stepped up security measures at strategic locations in and around the capital, in particular the embassy enclave in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia is also putting in place a better mechanism to screen foreigners at entry checkpoints. This after reports that terror suspects were infiltrating Malaysian schools and institutions of higher learning to recruit students.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Monday, May 2, 2011
Hatten City tallest building in Malacca
Hatten City development will be tallest building in historical city
MALACCA: The state is poised to witness another skyscraper adorning the historical city when an RM500mil multi-storey mixed development project by Hatten Group is completed in 2014.
Called ‘Hatten City’, the project will complement Hatten Square and Dataran Pahlawan shopping complex here, as a must visit site with a futuristic design overlooking the Straits of Malacca.
Hatten Group executive director Colin Tan said once completed, the 45-storey building would be the tallest in the state.
“The first part of our development will be on a 2.43ha tract and will consist of residential space, retail and international hotels.
“Elements, which will be our retail outlet was actually inspired by the famous Korean fashion hubs Dongdaemun and Namdaemun,” he said.
Tan added that the first phase of the project was expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2014.
Besides retail complexes, Elements will also boast of an interactive museum and a time tunnel where replicas of all of the state’s historic attractions would be displayed.
“Most of the tourists here are weekend or day trippers and they surely would not have the opportunity to visit all of the attractions in a short trip.
“The time tunnel would help the tourists as it not only contains the replica of the attraction, but also a map of the location so that visitors can plan their visits based on the location of the attractions,” he said.
Tan added that the interactive museum would be something new to the state and he felt that it would be well received by tourists.
Phase two of Hatten City, he said, would begin in 2014, occupying a 5.67ha of reclaimed land costing some RM1.5bil.
The project would cover mixed development properties for residence, office blocks, shops and a resort.
~News courtesy of The Star~
MALACCA: The state is poised to witness another skyscraper adorning the historical city when an RM500mil multi-storey mixed development project by Hatten Group is completed in 2014.
Called ‘Hatten City’, the project will complement Hatten Square and Dataran Pahlawan shopping complex here, as a must visit site with a futuristic design overlooking the Straits of Malacca.
Hatten Group executive director Colin Tan said once completed, the 45-storey building would be the tallest in the state.
“The first part of our development will be on a 2.43ha tract and will consist of residential space, retail and international hotels.
“Elements, which will be our retail outlet was actually inspired by the famous Korean fashion hubs Dongdaemun and Namdaemun,” he said.
Tan added that the first phase of the project was expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2014.
Besides retail complexes, Elements will also boast of an interactive museum and a time tunnel where replicas of all of the state’s historic attractions would be displayed.
“Most of the tourists here are weekend or day trippers and they surely would not have the opportunity to visit all of the attractions in a short trip.
“The time tunnel would help the tourists as it not only contains the replica of the attraction, but also a map of the location so that visitors can plan their visits based on the location of the attractions,” he said.
Tan added that the interactive museum would be something new to the state and he felt that it would be well received by tourists.
Phase two of Hatten City, he said, would begin in 2014, occupying a 5.67ha of reclaimed land costing some RM1.5bil.
The project would cover mixed development properties for residence, office blocks, shops and a resort.
~News courtesy of The Star~
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