Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Saturday, December 22, 2018
RM5 entry fee for cars into Portuguese settlement to ease traffic congestion
RM5 entry fee for cars into Portuguese settlement to ease traffic congestion
The decision to collect a RM5 entry fee for every car that enters the Portuguese settlement during this Yuletide season is aimed at controlling traffic congestion, says a spokesman for the community.
Portuguese Settlement and Kampung Attap joint-Christmas organising committee spokesman Martin Theseira said the vehicles parking outside the perimeter of the core zone of the settlement need not pay the fee.
"This is part of two strategies that we outlined this year to manage the heavy volume of traffic in the Settlement.
"One was to fully impose a ban on party spray cans that had triggered disputes between residents and revellers in previous years,' he said when asked to respond to outcry from certain residents that the organising committee had no right to collect fees.
"Furthermore, the traffic wardens commissioned by the committee are from Rela, and we need to pay them," he said.
Theseira said permission had been obtained from the authorities before the collection was started.
"Anyway, we are open to ideas and welcome any suggestions to prevent vehicles from clogging up the settlement during the Yuletide season," he said.
He added that the organising committee had also received a complaint from an eatery owner over the fee collections.
"However, nine eatery owners and many residents supported the move as it helps to control the bottleneck at the narrow lane leading to the eateries," he added.
~News courtesy of The Star~
The decision to collect a RM5 entry fee for every car that enters the Portuguese settlement during this Yuletide season is aimed at controlling traffic congestion, says a spokesman for the community.
Portuguese Settlement and Kampung Attap joint-Christmas organising committee spokesman Martin Theseira said the vehicles parking outside the perimeter of the core zone of the settlement need not pay the fee.
"This is part of two strategies that we outlined this year to manage the heavy volume of traffic in the Settlement.
"One was to fully impose a ban on party spray cans that had triggered disputes between residents and revellers in previous years,' he said when asked to respond to outcry from certain residents that the organising committee had no right to collect fees.
"Furthermore, the traffic wardens commissioned by the committee are from Rela, and we need to pay them," he said.
Theseira said permission had been obtained from the authorities before the collection was started.
"Anyway, we are open to ideas and welcome any suggestions to prevent vehicles from clogging up the settlement during the Yuletide season," he said.
He added that the organising committee had also received a complaint from an eatery owner over the fee collections.
"However, nine eatery owners and many residents supported the move as it helps to control the bottleneck at the narrow lane leading to the eateries," he added.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Departure levy different from airport tax
Departure levy different from airport tax
The departure levy proposed in Budget 2019 is completely separate from the existing passenger service charge (PSC), said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke was responding to a question on the need to impose the levy which was set at RM20 to Asean countries and RM40 for non-Asean countries.
The PSC is not something collected by the government, that’s collected by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to run the operations of the airport, he said.
“The departure levy introduced by the government, is a form of tax for anyone travelling out of the country. That is completely by the government, not by the airlines, not by the airports,” he said during the launch of AirAsia Bhd’s first fully-digitalised ground handling services control centre at klia2.
The departure levy is needed to raise revenue and the government could collect a few hundred million ringgit annually, he said.
Loke pointed out other countries such as Thailand and Indonesia had similar taxes for outbound travellers.
The mechanism, he said, would be announced later as implementation only starts on June 1.
He added the ministry has not decided on the mechanism to offer the 30% stake in the proposed Airport REIT (real estate investment trust), which forms part of the Budget 2019 proposal.
Fernandes hopes the proposed REIT would not increase costs.
“Obviously we would like to see full privatisation, so new airport operators can come in, we may see different ways of running airports, and not just giving 30% to Malaysian Airports as a different form of funding,” Fernandes said.
What the low-cost carrier needed, he added, was an airport operator and airport which understood AirAsia’s model in reducing costs, which he said would in turn reduce the costs of flying for passengers, allowing the carrier to build Malaysia into a strong aviation hub.
Meanwhile the ground handling services control centre will allow AirAsia’s Ground Team Red (GTR) to track aircraft handling, with real-time information on passenger boarding, baggage reconciliation and ramp-loading compiled on a digital dashboard at the control centre.
Loke was given an overall briefing of the way the centre functioned to compile the different data and identify any soft spots in the aircraft’s turnaround process.
~News courtesy of The Star~
The departure levy proposed in Budget 2019 is completely separate from the existing passenger service charge (PSC), said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke was responding to a question on the need to impose the levy which was set at RM20 to Asean countries and RM40 for non-Asean countries.
The PSC is not something collected by the government, that’s collected by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to run the operations of the airport, he said.
“The departure levy introduced by the government, is a form of tax for anyone travelling out of the country. That is completely by the government, not by the airlines, not by the airports,” he said during the launch of AirAsia Bhd’s first fully-digitalised ground handling services control centre at klia2.
The departure levy is needed to raise revenue and the government could collect a few hundred million ringgit annually, he said.
Loke pointed out other countries such as Thailand and Indonesia had similar taxes for outbound travellers.
The mechanism, he said, would be announced later as implementation only starts on June 1.
He added the ministry has not decided on the mechanism to offer the 30% stake in the proposed Airport REIT (real estate investment trust), which forms part of the Budget 2019 proposal.
Fernandes hopes the proposed REIT would not increase costs.
“Obviously we would like to see full privatisation, so new airport operators can come in, we may see different ways of running airports, and not just giving 30% to Malaysian Airports as a different form of funding,” Fernandes said.
What the low-cost carrier needed, he added, was an airport operator and airport which understood AirAsia’s model in reducing costs, which he said would in turn reduce the costs of flying for passengers, allowing the carrier to build Malaysia into a strong aviation hub.
Meanwhile the ground handling services control centre will allow AirAsia’s Ground Team Red (GTR) to track aircraft handling, with real-time information on passenger boarding, baggage reconciliation and ramp-loading compiled on a digital dashboard at the control centre.
Loke was given an overall briefing of the way the centre functioned to compile the different data and identify any soft spots in the aircraft’s turnaround process.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Monday, November 12, 2018
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Prepare for stormy days ahead
Prepare for stormy days ahead, says weather department
Bring out your umbrellas and rubber boots because heavy rains are expected to lash out soon, bringing with it high chances of floodings.
Malaysian Meteorological Department director-general Alui Bahari said the north-east monsoon was expected to last until March and has already brought heavy rainfall to Kelantan and Terengganu.
Rain will make its way to Pahang and Johor before shifting to Sabah and Sarawak later in the season.
“These states are expected to experience four to six heavy rainfalls as in previous years,” he said.
“If heavy rainfall, high tides and strong winds occur, it could cause rivers to overflow,” he added.
The situation could be worsened by spring tides that take place during the new and full moons.
While the east coast is typically the worst hit by floods during the rainy season, west coast residents should also be on the alert.
Last year, Penang was also hit by major floods, where the state sought help from armed forces after winds and rain lashed out, causing landslides and falling trees.
However, Alui said he did not expect such rainfall over Penang and Kedah this season.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Professor of Climatology and Oceanography Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang said the country was entering the monsoon period earlier compared to the average mid-November onset date.
However, he said this was within the “natural variability” of the monsoon period, which was affected by phenomena such as El Nino.
“Sea surface temperatures in the Eastern-Central Pacific Ocean are warmer than usual, indicating the progression of a weak El Nino by year end or early next year,” he said.
Due to this, he said, there was likely to be heavier rainfall in southern Peninsular Malaysia, which includes Johor and the Klang Valley.
He added there was a low possibility of extreme rainfall, which could lead to large-scale flooding as the Kelantan and Terengganu floods in December 2014.
According to his research, three phenomena should take place for such extreme weather to occur.
Firstly, he said there should be cold surges from the north and secondly, the Borneo vortex, a wind circulation system should be located close to Peninsular Malaysia.
“The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) must also be active and its low pressure-centre must be located near West Sumatra,” he said.
The MJO is a phenomenon in which a low pressure system crosses eastward from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
The people can monitor weather and flood situations through http://portalbencana.nadma.gov.my and www.met.gov.my or download relevant mobile applications such as myCuaca and myJPS.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Bring out your umbrellas and rubber boots because heavy rains are expected to lash out soon, bringing with it high chances of floodings.
Malaysian Meteorological Department director-general Alui Bahari said the north-east monsoon was expected to last until March and has already brought heavy rainfall to Kelantan and Terengganu.
Rain will make its way to Pahang and Johor before shifting to Sabah and Sarawak later in the season.
“These states are expected to experience four to six heavy rainfalls as in previous years,” he said.
“If heavy rainfall, high tides and strong winds occur, it could cause rivers to overflow,” he added.
The situation could be worsened by spring tides that take place during the new and full moons.
While the east coast is typically the worst hit by floods during the rainy season, west coast residents should also be on the alert.
Last year, Penang was also hit by major floods, where the state sought help from armed forces after winds and rain lashed out, causing landslides and falling trees.
However, Alui said he did not expect such rainfall over Penang and Kedah this season.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Professor of Climatology and Oceanography Prof Dr Fredolin Tangang said the country was entering the monsoon period earlier compared to the average mid-November onset date.
However, he said this was within the “natural variability” of the monsoon period, which was affected by phenomena such as El Nino.
“Sea surface temperatures in the Eastern-Central Pacific Ocean are warmer than usual, indicating the progression of a weak El Nino by year end or early next year,” he said.
Due to this, he said, there was likely to be heavier rainfall in southern Peninsular Malaysia, which includes Johor and the Klang Valley.
He added there was a low possibility of extreme rainfall, which could lead to large-scale flooding as the Kelantan and Terengganu floods in December 2014.
According to his research, three phenomena should take place for such extreme weather to occur.
Firstly, he said there should be cold surges from the north and secondly, the Borneo vortex, a wind circulation system should be located close to Peninsular Malaysia.
“The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) must also be active and its low pressure-centre must be located near West Sumatra,” he said.
The MJO is a phenomenon in which a low pressure system crosses eastward from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
The people can monitor weather and flood situations through http://portalbencana.nadma.gov.my and www.met.gov.my or download relevant mobile applications such as myCuaca and myJPS.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Departure levy at Malaysian airports
Travel, departure levy at airports
AVID traveller Shahida Sakeri will think twice about going overseas for her holiday next year when the departure levy on travellers leaving Malaysian airports is introduced on June 1.
The government has proposed a fee of RM20 per head for those departing for Asean countries and RM40 for other countries.
Shahida said since she was used to travelling solo, it might not affect her as badly as those travelling in a large group.
“For my aunts and uncles with many children, they will now have to bear the additional costs,” she said.
“I want to see more facilities for the disabled at our tourist attractions, such as increasing accessibility at museums and parks,” she added.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Datuk Tan Kok Liang, on the other hand, described the move as “disappointing”.
“It will not have any significant impact on domestic tourism as leisure travellers are on extreme budget constraints and very price sensitive.
“Domestic tourism can be improved by providing healthier tourism fundamentals, better tourism packages and capping on domestic airfares,” he said.
However, Tan welcomed the RM100mil grant for private companies to boost international tourist arrivals through marketing efforts, which he called a “good surprise”.
Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association president Uzaidi Udanis said the money collected from the departure levy could be used to promote inbound travel.
However, he also warned that the move might deter airlines from increasing connectivity from the country.
“If there is lower demand for outbound travel, airlines might not be interested in introducing new routes from the country,” said Uzaidi.
Malaysia Airlines in a statement said that any funds generated and channelled back to the development of the aviation industry in general would only be positive for the sector.
Budget 2019 also allocated RM20mil to the Malaysia Healthcare Tourism Council (MHTC) to promote the country’s medical tourism industry.
MHTC chief executive officer Sherene Azli said this would further propel Malaysia’s profile as a leading global destination for healthcare tourism.
“This will go a long way in bringing Malaysia’s healthcare tourism to new heights while making a significant positive economic impact on the nation,” she said.
~Courtesy of The Star~
AVID traveller Shahida Sakeri will think twice about going overseas for her holiday next year when the departure levy on travellers leaving Malaysian airports is introduced on June 1.
The government has proposed a fee of RM20 per head for those departing for Asean countries and RM40 for other countries.
Shahida said since she was used to travelling solo, it might not affect her as badly as those travelling in a large group.
“For my aunts and uncles with many children, they will now have to bear the additional costs,” she said.
“I want to see more facilities for the disabled at our tourist attractions, such as increasing accessibility at museums and parks,” she added.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Datuk Tan Kok Liang, on the other hand, described the move as “disappointing”.
“It will not have any significant impact on domestic tourism as leisure travellers are on extreme budget constraints and very price sensitive.
“Domestic tourism can be improved by providing healthier tourism fundamentals, better tourism packages and capping on domestic airfares,” he said.
However, Tan welcomed the RM100mil grant for private companies to boost international tourist arrivals through marketing efforts, which he called a “good surprise”.
Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association president Uzaidi Udanis said the money collected from the departure levy could be used to promote inbound travel.
However, he also warned that the move might deter airlines from increasing connectivity from the country.
“If there is lower demand for outbound travel, airlines might not be interested in introducing new routes from the country,” said Uzaidi.
Malaysia Airlines in a statement said that any funds generated and channelled back to the development of the aviation industry in general would only be positive for the sector.
Budget 2019 also allocated RM20mil to the Malaysia Healthcare Tourism Council (MHTC) to promote the country’s medical tourism industry.
MHTC chief executive officer Sherene Azli said this would further propel Malaysia’s profile as a leading global destination for healthcare tourism.
“This will go a long way in bringing Malaysia’s healthcare tourism to new heights while making a significant positive economic impact on the nation,” she said.
~Courtesy of The Star~
Friday, November 2, 2018
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Apam balik
Apam balik (English: 'turnover pancake') or terang bulan (English: 'bright moon') or martabak manis (English: 'sweet martabak') common in Southeast Asia. It is usually sold at specialist roadside stalls throughout Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
The pancake's batter is made from a mixture of flour, eggs, sugar, baking soda, coconut milk and water. The batter is cooked upon a thick round iron frying pan in plenty of palm margarine to avoid it sticking to the pan.
Then other ingredients are sprinkled as filling; the most common or traditional is crushed peanut granules with sugar and sweetcorn kernels (available from cans), but modern innovations such as chocolate sprinkles and cheddar cheese are also available. Then, the pancake is folded (hence the name: "turnover pancake") and cut into several pieces.
The texture of the apam balik can vary depending on the amount of batter and type of pan used, from one that is akin to a crispier form of crumpets to small thin light pancake shells that break when bitten (the latter is usually called apam balik nipis, 'thin apam balik').
The dish has been declared a heritage food by the Malaysian Department of National Heritage.
~wikipedia~
The pancake's batter is made from a mixture of flour, eggs, sugar, baking soda, coconut milk and water. The batter is cooked upon a thick round iron frying pan in plenty of palm margarine to avoid it sticking to the pan.
Then other ingredients are sprinkled as filling; the most common or traditional is crushed peanut granules with sugar and sweetcorn kernels (available from cans), but modern innovations such as chocolate sprinkles and cheddar cheese are also available. Then, the pancake is folded (hence the name: "turnover pancake") and cut into several pieces.
The texture of the apam balik can vary depending on the amount of batter and type of pan used, from one that is akin to a crispier form of crumpets to small thin light pancake shells that break when bitten (the latter is usually called apam balik nipis, 'thin apam balik').
The dish has been declared a heritage food by the Malaysian Department of National Heritage.
~wikipedia~
Monday, October 29, 2018
Roti John
Roti john is an omelette sandwich founded by a Malay who lived in Singapore during the British colonial times before being widely popular throughout the Malay Peninsula in present-day Malaysia.
Roti is the Hindi, Urdu and Malay word for bread, and more generally for any bread-based or bread-like food, including sandwiches and pancakes. The origin of john in the name is allegedly due to the Western origin of the baguette and British colonial rule in British Malaya and Singapore island.
The ingredients include minced meat (chicken or mutton), onion, egg, tomato-chilli sauce and a baguette-type loaf.
~Wikipedia~
Roti is the Hindi, Urdu and Malay word for bread, and more generally for any bread-based or bread-like food, including sandwiches and pancakes. The origin of john in the name is allegedly due to the Western origin of the baguette and British colonial rule in British Malaya and Singapore island.
The ingredients include minced meat (chicken or mutton), onion, egg, tomato-chilli sauce and a baguette-type loaf.
~Wikipedia~
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Friday, October 12, 2018
Ministry: Eateries nationwide to be smoke-free from next year
Ministry: Eateries nationwide to be smoke-free from next year
Smoking in all restaurants, coffee shops and hawker centres nationwide will be banned starting next year, even in open-air eateries.
Apart from the existing smoke-free zones in public places and government buildings, the new ruling under the Health Ministry will encompass all restaurants and eateries, including open-air hawker centres and street stalls, according to Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye.
Those caught smoking at prohibited areas will be fined up to RM10,000 or face two years’ jail.
Eateries found to allow their patrons to light up will be fined up to RM2,500.
“This time, all restaurants regardless whether they are an enclosed area, air-conditioned or open-air will need to comply with the ruling from next year,” he said after opening a conference at the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology yesterday.
Dr Lee said smokers or restaurant owners who violated the ruling would face action under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 under the Food Act.
He added that the ruling was not only to encourage smokers to kick the habit, but also to protect non-smokers from the effects of secondhand smoke.
“We are ready to face objections from smokers and restaurant owners, but we will not compromise when it comes to looking after the health of the people.
“No doubt smokers will say they have the right to smoke, but non-smokers also have the right to enjoy their food without being harmed by cigarette smoke.
“Business operators and traders need not worry about getting fewer customers as we are confident that more non-smoking customers will eat at places without the presence of cigarette smoke,” said Dr Lee.
He also said imposing the ban on roadside and illegal eateries was still a challenge and that the ministry had yet to decide on the details.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Smoking in all restaurants, coffee shops and hawker centres nationwide will be banned starting next year, even in open-air eateries.
Apart from the existing smoke-free zones in public places and government buildings, the new ruling under the Health Ministry will encompass all restaurants and eateries, including open-air hawker centres and street stalls, according to Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye.
Those caught smoking at prohibited areas will be fined up to RM10,000 or face two years’ jail.
Eateries found to allow their patrons to light up will be fined up to RM2,500.
“This time, all restaurants regardless whether they are an enclosed area, air-conditioned or open-air will need to comply with the ruling from next year,” he said after opening a conference at the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology yesterday.
Dr Lee said smokers or restaurant owners who violated the ruling would face action under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 under the Food Act.
He added that the ruling was not only to encourage smokers to kick the habit, but also to protect non-smokers from the effects of secondhand smoke.
“We are ready to face objections from smokers and restaurant owners, but we will not compromise when it comes to looking after the health of the people.
“No doubt smokers will say they have the right to smoke, but non-smokers also have the right to enjoy their food without being harmed by cigarette smoke.
“Business operators and traders need not worry about getting fewer customers as we are confident that more non-smoking customers will eat at places without the presence of cigarette smoke,” said Dr Lee.
He also said imposing the ban on roadside and illegal eateries was still a challenge and that the ministry had yet to decide on the details.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Melaka takes over zoo and aviary park
Melaka takes over zoo and aviary park
The Melaka Zoo and Safari in Ayer Keroh here has been closed for two weeks following the transfer of its management to the state government.
The state has also taken over the management of a nearby Melaka Bird Park, putting it under the care of the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ).
Both sites were closed since Sept 28 to facilitate internal audits and facelifts.
They will be reopened on Oct 11.
State Housing, Local Government and Environment committee chairman Tey Kok Kiew was at the zoo yesterday to observe the transfer.
Also present were state and MPHTJ officials, and also the private concessionaire.
In a press statement released by MPHTJ, both the menageries were taken over after the previous concessionaire, KKW Sdn Bhd, had violated the agreement signed on Dec 31, 2012, to facilitate the privatisation exercise.
However, Tey declined to elaborate whether the main reason for state government’s takeover was due to the negligence of the animals’ well-being.
He only disclosed the rationale was meant to safeguard the interest of both sites.
On Saturday, Tey told The Star that the 60-year agreement sealed with the concessionaire in 2012 had been nullified through an amicable bilateral discussion.
Meanwhile, MPHTJ’s president Mahani Masban said the two-week auditing exercise would cover the number of animals still alive and those that died since the privatisation six years ago.
The zoo has currently 554 animals compared to 600 in 2015.
~News courtesy of The Star~
The Melaka Zoo and Safari in Ayer Keroh here has been closed for two weeks following the transfer of its management to the state government.
The state has also taken over the management of a nearby Melaka Bird Park, putting it under the care of the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ).
Both sites were closed since Sept 28 to facilitate internal audits and facelifts.
They will be reopened on Oct 11.
State Housing, Local Government and Environment committee chairman Tey Kok Kiew was at the zoo yesterday to observe the transfer.
Also present were state and MPHTJ officials, and also the private concessionaire.
In a press statement released by MPHTJ, both the menageries were taken over after the previous concessionaire, KKW Sdn Bhd, had violated the agreement signed on Dec 31, 2012, to facilitate the privatisation exercise.
However, Tey declined to elaborate whether the main reason for state government’s takeover was due to the negligence of the animals’ well-being.
He only disclosed the rationale was meant to safeguard the interest of both sites.
On Saturday, Tey told The Star that the 60-year agreement sealed with the concessionaire in 2012 had been nullified through an amicable bilateral discussion.
Meanwhile, MPHTJ’s president Mahani Masban said the two-week auditing exercise would cover the number of animals still alive and those that died since the privatisation six years ago.
The zoo has currently 554 animals compared to 600 in 2015.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Malaysia eyes 30 million tourist arrivals by 2020
Malaysia eyes 30 million tourist arrivals by 2020
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is targeting 30 million tourist arrivals by 2020.
Deputy Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said this would increase the contribution of tourism to the Gross Domestic Product from 14.9 per cent last year, when there were 26.1 million tourist arrivals, to 15.1 per cent.
He said the increase in tourist arrivals proved that tourism promotions had been successful.
“We are now asking for a bigger budget for tourism promotion because it is key to the sustainability of the tourism industry,” he told reporters after flagging off the 2018 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Penang, here, today.
He said there was a need to go all out to promote the country’s tourism industry as there was stiff competition from neighbouring countries.
He urged tourism organisations to use the tagline, Malaysia Truly Asia, in their promotions as it had proved to be effective in wooing tourists.
Bakhtiar said the ministry was working with the Education Ministry to introduce staggered school holiday breaks according to states to distribute the domestic tourist load.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is targeting 30 million tourist arrivals by 2020.
Deputy Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said this would increase the contribution of tourism to the Gross Domestic Product from 14.9 per cent last year, when there were 26.1 million tourist arrivals, to 15.1 per cent.
He said the increase in tourist arrivals proved that tourism promotions had been successful.
“We are now asking for a bigger budget for tourism promotion because it is key to the sustainability of the tourism industry,” he told reporters after flagging off the 2018 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Penang, here, today.
He said there was a need to go all out to promote the country’s tourism industry as there was stiff competition from neighbouring countries.
He urged tourism organisations to use the tagline, Malaysia Truly Asia, in their promotions as it had proved to be effective in wooing tourists.
Bakhtiar said the ministry was working with the Education Ministry to introduce staggered school holiday breaks according to states to distribute the domestic tourist load.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Monday, September 24, 2018
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Asam Pedas
Asam Pedas
Asam Pedas (Indonesian and Malaysian Malay: Asam Pedas, Minangkabau: Asam Padeh, English: Sour and Spicy) is a Minangkabau and Malay sour and spicy fish stew dish. It is popular in Indonesia and Malaysia.
The spicy and sour fish dish is known widely in Sumatra and Malay Peninsula. It is part of the culinary heritage of both Minangkabau and Malay traditions, thus its exact origin is unclear. The Minang asam padeh can be easily found throughout Padang restaurants in Indonesia and Malaysia.
It has become a typical cuisine of Malays from Jambi, Riau, Riau Islands, Malacca, and as far north in Aceh. The spice mixture and the fish used might be slightly different according to the area.
~wikipedia~
Asam Pedas (Indonesian and Malaysian Malay: Asam Pedas, Minangkabau: Asam Padeh, English: Sour and Spicy) is a Minangkabau and Malay sour and spicy fish stew dish. It is popular in Indonesia and Malaysia.
The spicy and sour fish dish is known widely in Sumatra and Malay Peninsula. It is part of the culinary heritage of both Minangkabau and Malay traditions, thus its exact origin is unclear. The Minang asam padeh can be easily found throughout Padang restaurants in Indonesia and Malaysia.
It has become a typical cuisine of Malays from Jambi, Riau, Riau Islands, Malacca, and as far north in Aceh. The spice mixture and the fish used might be slightly different according to the area.
~wikipedia~
Monday, September 17, 2018
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Tourism contributes 14.9% to Malaysia's economy
Tourism contributes 14.9% to Malaysia's economy
The tourism industry continued its significant contribution to the country’s economic growth with a share of 14.9 per cent last year as compared to 10.4 per cent in 2005.
In a statement, chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the figure showed an upward trend since 2005 and was growing rapidly with an average annual growth rate of 11.2 per cent over the past twelve years.
“The direct contribution of the tourism industry to the nation’s gross domestic product last year recorded 6.1 per cent with a value of RM82.6 billion compared to RM76.6 billion in 2016,” he said.
He said foreign tourist arrivals dropped to 25.9 million last year from 26.8 million in 2016.
The number of domestic visitors increased from 189.3 million in 2016 to 205.4 million in 2017, he said adding that Selangor was the most visited state by number of tourists.
According to Mohd Uzir, shopping remained as the largest component of tourism product with a value of RM26.8 in 2017, followed by accommodation and transportation which recorded RM20.7 billion and RM15 billion respectively.
He said as for total employees involved in the tourism sector, the number also increased to 3.4 million in 2017 from 1.5 million in 2005.
Mohd Uzir said retail trade continued to be the largest contributor to the national economy with a share of 44.8 per cent and posted a double digit growth of 12.4 per cent in 2017 as compared to 10.5 per cent in the previous year.
He said this was followed by food and beverage serving service with 16.3 per cent and accommodation with 12.8 per cent.
- Bernama
The tourism industry continued its significant contribution to the country’s economic growth with a share of 14.9 per cent last year as compared to 10.4 per cent in 2005.
In a statement, chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the figure showed an upward trend since 2005 and was growing rapidly with an average annual growth rate of 11.2 per cent over the past twelve years.
“The direct contribution of the tourism industry to the nation’s gross domestic product last year recorded 6.1 per cent with a value of RM82.6 billion compared to RM76.6 billion in 2016,” he said.
He said foreign tourist arrivals dropped to 25.9 million last year from 26.8 million in 2016.
The number of domestic visitors increased from 189.3 million in 2016 to 205.4 million in 2017, he said adding that Selangor was the most visited state by number of tourists.
According to Mohd Uzir, shopping remained as the largest component of tourism product with a value of RM26.8 in 2017, followed by accommodation and transportation which recorded RM20.7 billion and RM15 billion respectively.
He said as for total employees involved in the tourism sector, the number also increased to 3.4 million in 2017 from 1.5 million in 2005.
Mohd Uzir said retail trade continued to be the largest contributor to the national economy with a share of 44.8 per cent and posted a double digit growth of 12.4 per cent in 2017 as compared to 10.5 per cent in the previous year.
He said this was followed by food and beverage serving service with 16.3 per cent and accommodation with 12.8 per cent.
- Bernama
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Malaysia aims to be in world's top 10 tourist destinations by 2019
Malaysia aims to be in world's top 10 tourist destinations by 2019
Malaysia aims to be among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations in 2019, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi today. Photo credit: Hafiz Sohaimi
Malaysia aims to be among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations in 2019, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi today.
He said the ministry has undertaken several efforts to promote Malaysia as a must-visit destination and will set new strategic directions to provide a conducive environment for industry players to drive and boost tourism growth.
“It is our aim to improve the country’s position after being ranked number 12 last year. We must be more competitive internationally.
“We will have good cooperation between federal and state governments to promote Malaysia and discuss with local airlines companies to have more direct flights to Malaysia,” he told a press conference after launching the Matta Fair 2018 at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here today.
Mohamaddin said with resilience, innovation, product quality and excellent service standards, the tourism sector should be able to drive the nation forward, making Malaysia a preferred travel destination for tourists.
He said the tourism industry in Malaysia had grown significantly and is targeting a foreign tourist arrival goal of 26.4 million with a total expenditure of RM84.9 billion this year.
From January to April 2018, Malaysia recorded 8.4 million international tourists, an increase of 37.2 per cent from China, India (21.2 per cent, South Korea (26.5 per cent, Canada (28 per cent) and United States of America (23 per cent).
The 46th edition of the Matta Fair being held from Sept 7 to 9 features 1,336 booths offering international and domestic travel promotions and discounts, including 86 booths offering umrah packages. – BERNAMA
Malaysia aims to be among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations in 2019, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi today. Photo credit: Hafiz Sohaimi
Malaysia aims to be among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations in 2019, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi today.
He said the ministry has undertaken several efforts to promote Malaysia as a must-visit destination and will set new strategic directions to provide a conducive environment for industry players to drive and boost tourism growth.
“It is our aim to improve the country’s position after being ranked number 12 last year. We must be more competitive internationally.
“We will have good cooperation between federal and state governments to promote Malaysia and discuss with local airlines companies to have more direct flights to Malaysia,” he told a press conference after launching the Matta Fair 2018 at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here today.
Mohamaddin said with resilience, innovation, product quality and excellent service standards, the tourism sector should be able to drive the nation forward, making Malaysia a preferred travel destination for tourists.
He said the tourism industry in Malaysia had grown significantly and is targeting a foreign tourist arrival goal of 26.4 million with a total expenditure of RM84.9 billion this year.
From January to April 2018, Malaysia recorded 8.4 million international tourists, an increase of 37.2 per cent from China, India (21.2 per cent, South Korea (26.5 per cent, Canada (28 per cent) and United States of America (23 per cent).
The 46th edition of the Matta Fair being held from Sept 7 to 9 features 1,336 booths offering international and domestic travel promotions and discounts, including 86 booths offering umrah packages. – BERNAMA
Sunday, September 9, 2018
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Cultural and Music Performance
Don't missed a chance to watch a live performance by Melaka cultural troupe on every Friday , Saturday and Sunday at Victoria Fountain Square, Banda Hilir.
Monday, September 3, 2018
M'sia, S'pore have agreed to defer HSR project
Malaysia, Singapore have agreed to defer HSR project, confirms Azmin
Singapore has accepted Malaysia’s view on deferring the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail mega project, says Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Azmin said the outcome was agreed upon in a meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Both countries, said Azmin, agreed to defer the project.
“The HSR project benefits both countries, enabling better connectivity and could generate long-term economic growth. However, given the current economic situation (of Malaysia), it is impossible for us to continue with the project and after a series of discussions, Singapore has agreed to accept the Malaysian government’s view to defer the project to a certain period. We are confident that by then, Malaysia’s economy will improve.
“Lee was happy that both countries had agreed to defer the project and there is no compensation needed to pay during this deferral period. It must be paid if at the end of the deferral period, we (Malaysia) decide to cancel the project,” said Azmin.
Azmin said this when met at the sidelines after the opening of the second meeting of the first term of the14th Selangor state legislative assembly by Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
The event was also graced by Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah.
Azmin, who is also Bukit Antarabangsa state assemblyman, however, stopped short of elaborating on how long the deferral would be.
He assured that “a reasonable period” had been agreed upon by both parties and that an agreement would be sealed in Kuala Lumpur in the near future.
Though deferred, Azmin added that discussions will continue to see how the cost of the project can be reduced through the use of new technology or other aspects.
He said Malaysia wants to continue with the project once the deferral period ends as the services will be economically beneficial to both countries and its people.
“We want to discuss ways to lower the cost and one of the steps we will focus on is the international service first. There are two components to the HSR, one is the international service route from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and another is domestic service, which has seven stations along the way.
“We will focus on international service only as it gives a good economic impact to both Malaysia and Singapore,” said Azmin.
Business weekly The Edge had prevously reported that Malaysia and Singapore had reached a compromise over the implementation of the HSR.
The deferral, claimed the report, will be in effect until May 31, 2020.
The report also said Malaysia would be spared a RM500 million penalty the two-year deferral.
According to the report, the original agreement to build the HSR, signed in 2016, did not contain provisions for a postponement.
Pakatan Harapan, after taking over the government after the May 9 general election, had said the project could cost up to RM110 billion.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Singapore has accepted Malaysia’s view on deferring the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail mega project, says Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Azmin said the outcome was agreed upon in a meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Both countries, said Azmin, agreed to defer the project.
“The HSR project benefits both countries, enabling better connectivity and could generate long-term economic growth. However, given the current economic situation (of Malaysia), it is impossible for us to continue with the project and after a series of discussions, Singapore has agreed to accept the Malaysian government’s view to defer the project to a certain period. We are confident that by then, Malaysia’s economy will improve.
“Lee was happy that both countries had agreed to defer the project and there is no compensation needed to pay during this deferral period. It must be paid if at the end of the deferral period, we (Malaysia) decide to cancel the project,” said Azmin.
Azmin said this when met at the sidelines after the opening of the second meeting of the first term of the14th Selangor state legislative assembly by Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
The event was also graced by Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah.
Azmin, who is also Bukit Antarabangsa state assemblyman, however, stopped short of elaborating on how long the deferral would be.
He assured that “a reasonable period” had been agreed upon by both parties and that an agreement would be sealed in Kuala Lumpur in the near future.
Though deferred, Azmin added that discussions will continue to see how the cost of the project can be reduced through the use of new technology or other aspects.
He said Malaysia wants to continue with the project once the deferral period ends as the services will be economically beneficial to both countries and its people.
“We want to discuss ways to lower the cost and one of the steps we will focus on is the international service first. There are two components to the HSR, one is the international service route from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and another is domestic service, which has seven stations along the way.
“We will focus on international service only as it gives a good economic impact to both Malaysia and Singapore,” said Azmin.
Business weekly The Edge had prevously reported that Malaysia and Singapore had reached a compromise over the implementation of the HSR.
The deferral, claimed the report, will be in effect until May 31, 2020.
The report also said Malaysia would be spared a RM500 million penalty the two-year deferral.
According to the report, the original agreement to build the HSR, signed in 2016, did not contain provisions for a postponement.
Pakatan Harapan, after taking over the government after the May 9 general election, had said the project could cost up to RM110 billion.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Enjoy your satay, there’s no tax for it at food outlets
Enjoy your satay, there’s no tax for it at food outlets
IPOH: There will be no Sales and Service Tax on satay sold in food outlets, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.
He said the SST on the popular Malaysian food was imposed during the processing stage for the purpose of packaging and sales.
“It is the sales that get the SST, not at the outlets,” he told reporters after a briefing on the SST at a hotel here yesterday.
Lim was replying to a question on whether the SST would be imposed on chicken or beef satay sold in food outlets, as it was among the items listed as taxable under “preparation of meat”.
He said failure to do so would mean that they could not charge the SST and would have to use their own funds to pay the tax to the government.
His call was echoed by Customs Department director-general Datuk Seri T. Subromaniam, who said friendly visits by the department found that there were still food providers who had not updated their systems.
“We advised them to update their systems so that the 6% service tax could be charged,” he said.
In Shah Alam, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Jamil Salleh said the real impact of the SST on the prices of general goods was expected to be fully felt in the second week of its implementation.
This is because goods sold during the first week after the end of the tax holiday are actually tax-free.
Noting that traders had bought the goods during the tax holiday period, he said the tax-free stocks should be sold at prices minus the SST.
“However, some traders might want to take advantage of the situation but we are ready for that.
“We have mobilised 1,000 enforcement personnel to check against profiteering.
“Legal action will be taken against profiteers, and I want them to be severely punished to deter others from doing the same,” he said after visiting a juice-producing factory yesterday.
The Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act provides a fine of up to RM100,000 or a three-year imprisonment upon conviction.
~News courtesy of The Star~
IPOH: There will be no Sales and Service Tax on satay sold in food outlets, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.
He said the SST on the popular Malaysian food was imposed during the processing stage for the purpose of packaging and sales.
“It is the sales that get the SST, not at the outlets,” he told reporters after a briefing on the SST at a hotel here yesterday.
Lim was replying to a question on whether the SST would be imposed on chicken or beef satay sold in food outlets, as it was among the items listed as taxable under “preparation of meat”.
He said failure to do so would mean that they could not charge the SST and would have to use their own funds to pay the tax to the government.
His call was echoed by Customs Department director-general Datuk Seri T. Subromaniam, who said friendly visits by the department found that there were still food providers who had not updated their systems.
“We advised them to update their systems so that the 6% service tax could be charged,” he said.
In Shah Alam, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Jamil Salleh said the real impact of the SST on the prices of general goods was expected to be fully felt in the second week of its implementation.
This is because goods sold during the first week after the end of the tax holiday are actually tax-free.
Noting that traders had bought the goods during the tax holiday period, he said the tax-free stocks should be sold at prices minus the SST.
“However, some traders might want to take advantage of the situation but we are ready for that.
“We have mobilised 1,000 enforcement personnel to check against profiteering.
“Legal action will be taken against profiteers, and I want them to be severely punished to deter others from doing the same,” he said after visiting a juice-producing factory yesterday.
The Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act provides a fine of up to RM100,000 or a three-year imprisonment upon conviction.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Sunday, September 2, 2018
SST: Not much difference for service sector
SST: Not much difference for service sector
The implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) beginning this Saturday is not expected to make a major difference in the price of services.
According to tax expert Norsa’adah Ahmad, this was because the six per cent tax imposed on services such as those provided by hotels, insurance, and food catering companies was the same as that imposed by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) before this.
“There should not be much difference with the previous price...most (prices) will remain the same.
“Compared to the effect (of SST) on the price of other goods where the public is watching to see if prices increase or not, the price of services is not expected to show much difference,” she told Bernama today.
However, Norsa’adah who is also a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) did not discount the possibility of double taxation on the price of food and drinks sold in food outlets.
She said a 10 per cent sales tax is imposed on certain products like canned drinks at the production stage and it was not impossible that restaurants would increase their prices to cover the service tax.
Among the services on which the SST is imposed are those provided by night clubs, private clubs, golf clubs, casinos, lotteries, telecommunications, paid television, legal services, accounting services, forwarding agents, architects, engineers, valuers, security, parking, car rentals, advertising, domestic services, information technology services, credit cards and electrical services.
Meanwhile, hoteliers also do not expect an increase in room rates with the SST except for the usual increase during peak periods such as school holidays due to high demand.
However, executive director of the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners Shaharudin M.Saaid said if the mechanism for the tax was the same as the previous SST, the room rates are expected to decrease.
“If the mechanism is the same as SST 1.0 before the GST was imposed, then room rates should be cheaper as the SST 1.0 did not impose a six per cent tax on service charges,” he said.
He said under the GST, a six per cent tax was imposed on service charges, resulting in an increase in the price of rooms and other services.
However Shaharudin hoped the mechanism for the implementation of the new SST is explained to the hotels quickly to avoid any confusion.
“We are waiting for clarification from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department,” he said. - Bernama
The implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) beginning this Saturday is not expected to make a major difference in the price of services.
According to tax expert Norsa’adah Ahmad, this was because the six per cent tax imposed on services such as those provided by hotels, insurance, and food catering companies was the same as that imposed by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) before this.
“There should not be much difference with the previous price...most (prices) will remain the same.
“Compared to the effect (of SST) on the price of other goods where the public is watching to see if prices increase or not, the price of services is not expected to show much difference,” she told Bernama today.
However, Norsa’adah who is also a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) did not discount the possibility of double taxation on the price of food and drinks sold in food outlets.
She said a 10 per cent sales tax is imposed on certain products like canned drinks at the production stage and it was not impossible that restaurants would increase their prices to cover the service tax.
Among the services on which the SST is imposed are those provided by night clubs, private clubs, golf clubs, casinos, lotteries, telecommunications, paid television, legal services, accounting services, forwarding agents, architects, engineers, valuers, security, parking, car rentals, advertising, domestic services, information technology services, credit cards and electrical services.
Meanwhile, hoteliers also do not expect an increase in room rates with the SST except for the usual increase during peak periods such as school holidays due to high demand.
However, executive director of the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners Shaharudin M.Saaid said if the mechanism for the tax was the same as the previous SST, the room rates are expected to decrease.
“If the mechanism is the same as SST 1.0 before the GST was imposed, then room rates should be cheaper as the SST 1.0 did not impose a six per cent tax on service charges,” he said.
He said under the GST, a six per cent tax was imposed on service charges, resulting in an increase in the price of rooms and other services.
However Shaharudin hoped the mechanism for the implementation of the new SST is explained to the hotels quickly to avoid any confusion.
“We are waiting for clarification from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department,” he said. - Bernama
Friday, August 31, 2018
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Malaysia welcomes tourists from all over the world
Malaysia welcomes tourists from all over the world
Malaysia continues to welcome tourists from all over the world, including China, without any restriction.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s office today said other than the usual immigration requirements for all foreign tourists, there are no other restrictions for anyone including visitors from China.
“Tourists from China will still be given a single-entry visa for up to 30-days stay in the country and are eligible to take up other programmes organised by the government as well,” it said.
The statement said property purchases by foreigners were also allowed irrespective of nationality but there were certain conditions imposed by the government.
“Purchase of property, however, does not guarantee automatic residency in the country. But for foreigners who wish to make Malaysia their permanent residence, they could consider the ‘ Malaysia, My Second Home (MM2H)’ programme.
”Malaysian government also welcomes foreign direct investment that contributes to the transfer of technology, provides employment for locals and the setting up of industries locally,” the statement read.
It added that last year Malaysia received 2.3 million Chinese tourists from China and it now aims to multiply the number to 10 million visitors in time to come.
Information on these programmes and conditions are available.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Malaysia continues to welcome tourists from all over the world, including China, without any restriction.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s office today said other than the usual immigration requirements for all foreign tourists, there are no other restrictions for anyone including visitors from China.
“Tourists from China will still be given a single-entry visa for up to 30-days stay in the country and are eligible to take up other programmes organised by the government as well,” it said.
The statement said property purchases by foreigners were also allowed irrespective of nationality but there were certain conditions imposed by the government.
“Purchase of property, however, does not guarantee automatic residency in the country. But for foreigners who wish to make Malaysia their permanent residence, they could consider the ‘ Malaysia, My Second Home (MM2H)’ programme.
”Malaysian government also welcomes foreign direct investment that contributes to the transfer of technology, provides employment for locals and the setting up of industries locally,” the statement read.
It added that last year Malaysia received 2.3 million Chinese tourists from China and it now aims to multiply the number to 10 million visitors in time to come.
Information on these programmes and conditions are available.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
S'pore, M'sia to announce joint decisions on HSR and RTS soon
Singapore, Malaysia to announce joint decisions on HSR and RTS soon: Khaw
Singapore and Malaysia will announce their joint decisions on the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) link and Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) projects soon, said Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Thursday (Aug 30).
In a Facebook post recapping a meeting with Malaysia's Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali, Mr Khaw said the two were "brainstorming ideas on how to further our bilateral relationship".
"There is so much we can do together, for mutual benefits. He is an inspiring leader," Mr Khaw said.
"We should be able to announce our joint decisions on RTS and HSR soon," Mr Khaw added.
Mr Azmin also posted a tweet on Thursday morning, saying: "We are inching closer to a win-win deal on HSR, thanks to the hard work of officials from both sides."
The HSR and RTS agreements were among several entered into by the Najib Razak-led government that were revisited following the opposition Pakatan Harapan's historic victory in the Malaysian general election.
In May, opposition leader and newly appointed Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced that the country would drop the HSR project, saying it would cost "a huge sum of money" and was not beneficial to Malaysia.
Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke, however, has said the government remains committed to the RTS, though it still needs to study the costs of the project.
In July, Dr Mahathir said his government would look to negotiate a deferment of the HSR instead.
"Having studied it and the implication of unilaterally discarding the contract, we decided we may have to do it at a later date, we may have to reduce the price. But reduction of the price is very difficult as far as we can make out. So it has to be deferred," he said.
Mr Azmin had said then that he planned to visit Singapore in the near future to discuss the status of the HSR agreement.
Dr Mahathir, who also announced in August that he was dropping the Chinese-backed East Coast Rail Link pipeline projects, as well as a natural gas pipeline project in Sabah, said after his appointment that Malaysia's debt topped RM1 trillion (S$331 billion).
He told the Financial Times in an interview that the cancellation of the HSR was necessary to "avoid being declared bankrupt".
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Singapore and Malaysia will announce their joint decisions on the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) link and Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) projects soon, said Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Thursday (Aug 30).
In a Facebook post recapping a meeting with Malaysia's Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali, Mr Khaw said the two were "brainstorming ideas on how to further our bilateral relationship".
"There is so much we can do together, for mutual benefits. He is an inspiring leader," Mr Khaw said.
"We should be able to announce our joint decisions on RTS and HSR soon," Mr Khaw added.
Mr Azmin also posted a tweet on Thursday morning, saying: "We are inching closer to a win-win deal on HSR, thanks to the hard work of officials from both sides."
The HSR and RTS agreements were among several entered into by the Najib Razak-led government that were revisited following the opposition Pakatan Harapan's historic victory in the Malaysian general election.
In May, opposition leader and newly appointed Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced that the country would drop the HSR project, saying it would cost "a huge sum of money" and was not beneficial to Malaysia.
Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke, however, has said the government remains committed to the RTS, though it still needs to study the costs of the project.
In July, Dr Mahathir said his government would look to negotiate a deferment of the HSR instead.
"Having studied it and the implication of unilaterally discarding the contract, we decided we may have to do it at a later date, we may have to reduce the price. But reduction of the price is very difficult as far as we can make out. So it has to be deferred," he said.
Mr Azmin had said then that he planned to visit Singapore in the near future to discuss the status of the HSR agreement.
Dr Mahathir, who also announced in August that he was dropping the Chinese-backed East Coast Rail Link pipeline projects, as well as a natural gas pipeline project in Sabah, said after his appointment that Malaysia's debt topped RM1 trillion (S$331 billion).
He told the Financial Times in an interview that the cancellation of the HSR was necessary to "avoid being declared bankrupt".
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Monday, August 27, 2018
Teh Tarik
Enjoy a good start of the day with a cuppa of our national drink, Teh Tarik which literally means 'pulled tea'. It is a hot Indian milk tea beverage.
Its name is derived from the pouring process of "pulling" the drink during preparation. It is made from black tea, condensed milk and evaporated milk.
In Malaysia, there are occasions where teh tarik brewers gather for competitions and performances to show their ability to drag a long stream of tea. ✌
~Tourism Malaysia FB~
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