Countdown celebrations taking place

Countdown celebrations taking place at various spots in the Klang Valley

Dazzling: Tourist and locals will be delighted by the light and fireworks showcase at i-City in Shah Alam.

THE time has come for the much-anticipated New Year’s Eve countdown and there are lots of places for everyone to take part in the revelry. StarMetro has compiled a list of places that will be organising fireworks displays and parties.

Publika

Starting from 3pm, The Square in Publika, Kuala Lumpur is having a fireworks display and various performances to cap the year off. Performing artistes such as Bunkface and Dina Nadzir and hosts Baki Zainal and Nadia Nazir from 8TV will help revellers get into the festive mood. Stilt walkers, street magicians, clowns and fire-eaters will be parading around the mall, too.

Visitors can participate in the Publika Facebook Masquerader Photo Contest; or dress up and be spotted for the Best Dressed Masquerade Competition; or show your dance talent at the Masquerade Open Dance Competition to win gadgets, vouchers, CD hampers and cash prizes.

SohoKL

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at SohoKL, Solaris Mont’ Kiara today from 7pm till 1am. Enjoy live and entertaining musical performances, which vary from K-pop, Latin to the Middle Eastern. At midnight, revellers can welcome 2013 with a beautiful display of fireworks. There are exciting giveaways all night worth RM20,000 during lucky draw sessions and games. Food stalls are located near the stage area and seating on the streets is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sungei Wang

Join in the fun and excitement as various performances and activities such as buskers walkabout, cheerleading, and fire and robotic dance performance await revellers. The celebration kicks off at 6.30pm while the street party concert featuring 12 local and international artistes such as Fama and Peter Pan starts at 9.30pm There will also be a fireworks display to usher in the New Year. The events are slated to take place at Sungei Wang Plaza’s main entrance and open-air car park.

KLCC

This year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations themed “HEADL12NERS” will showcase a riveting video presentation of spectacular images that have struck a chord with audiences worldwide. These images will be projected on to a giant water screen at the KLCC Lake Symphony Fountain. The show starts at 9pm, followed by the New Year countdown and fireworks display at midnight.

Unique idea: Unforgettable images with fascinating lights and sounds along with the Lake Symphony Fountain show will enthrall visitors at KLCC. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Visitors at Pavilion KL will enjoy live performances, street buskers, free party packs and various food and beverage promotions at street bistros and cafes in the mall, from 9pm to 1am.

Genting Outdoor Theme Park

Genting is having stage activities and fireworks display at the Merdeka stage. The entrance to the theme park is free today from 10pm onwards.

Fireworks are subject to weather conditions, if weather conditions are bad, the fireworks will be postponed to the next day at 8pm.

Mutiara Damansara

Grammy Award winners and R&B pop group All-4-One is at the Mutiara Damansara Commercial Centre to usher in the New Year with local artistes Reshmonu, Atilia, Elvira Arul, Nadhira and Malaysia’s own beat-boxing sensation Shawn Lee.

Dance champions Elecoldxhot will perform its signature feet-thumping performances. At midnight, partygoers can expect an extravagant display of fireworks.The party starts from 7pm till midnight.

Subang Jaya

Residents of Subang Jaya can look forward to an exciting New Year’s Eve at the Subang Jaya Community Fire & Rescue Depart-ment in SS17.

There will be a countdown celebration starting from 9.30pm to the wee hours of the morning.

Activities such as Christmas carolling, entertaining performances and lucky draw are just some of the things in store for revellers.

Sunway Pyramid

Enjoy the festivities at Oasis Boulevard with vibrant parties at the various outlets with live music and family entertainment, followed by a display of fireworks over at Sunway Lagoon.

Putrajaya

Visitors can look forward to a star-studded evening of entertainment during the Ambang 2013 Putrajaya, which will begin at 8.30pm today.

The evening’s line-up of performers include Datuk M. Nasir, Mizz Nina, Jamal Abdillah, Datuk Hattan, Ramli Sarip, Hujan, Wings, Stella Chung and Magen.

It is held in Persiaran Perdana, Presint 3, beside the Palace of Justice.

It will be broadcast live on NTV7 from 10.30pm to 1am with live streaming on www.ntv7.com.my/ambang2013

IOI Boulevard

Those in Puchong can join the countdown party at The Palette at IOI Boulevard today at 8.30pm.

The event highlights include live performance by Suki Low, lucky draw and exciting contests. The event will also culminate in a fireworks display to usher in 2013.

i-City

In conjunction with the day-long “Karnival Sayangi Selangor”, there will be a concert by Malaysian artistes including Alyah, Logeswaran, Black and Modread, and Fiq at 8pm followed by a fireworks display.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Counting down under the stars

Counting down under the stars

LIVE IT up under the stars as KL Tower counts down to the New Year with an extra special gig.

KL Tower

2, Jalan Puncak, off Jalan P. Ramlee, KL

Bringing the finest exports from across the globe and the future sound of dance music, here comes the party to end your 2012 – TWELVE 13.

On this night, march your way down to KL Tower with your fellow comrades to witness the top rising names on their dance music debut performances in Malaysia and experience the best sounds at this biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in town.

On top of the bill, Kuala Lumpur welcomes for the first time Moldova’s Andrew Rayel (#77 in DJ Mag Top 100 2012) who broke into the scene through his first Tune Of The Week on A State of Trance, Aether.

Also featuring will be Colombia’s DJ KhoMha, labelled legendary EDM specialist magazine DJ Mag and signed to Markus Schulz Coldharbour Recordings.

Two up-and-upcoming Dutch trance DJs already making their presence known on trance superstar Armin van Buuren’s record label imprints also join the festivities — Ruben De Ronde of A State Of Trance label and Wezz Devall who is signed to Armada Music, along with DJ Eco from the US, also signed to Armada Music.

Australia’s #1 trance DJ of 2012 DJ MaRLo will also be returning to KL to join Malaysians misterAriffin, Chukiess and Leey Houdini from 5pm till late night. Tickets are priced at RM128 (presale) and RM158 (at the door). Get your tickets now online at www.AirAsiaRedtix.com, or visit all Rock Corner and Victoria Music Centre outlets in the Klang Valley.

Twelve 13 is organised by Duago International. For details, visit www.twelvemalaysia.com.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Pandas coming to Putrajaya

Pandas coming to Putrajaya

In June, Malaysians rejoiced at a piece of good news — two giant pandas will be loaned to our country for 10 years to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The two cuddly cubs — Feng Yi (female) and Fu Wa (male), both six years old — are set to arrive in Malaysia from China next year to begin their longest stay away from home.

They will be living in a 1.13ha of air-conditioned enclosure at the Wetlands Park in Putrajaya. Bamboos will be planted on another 6.07ha for their consumption, which come up to about 20kg a day.

Since pandas are regarded as national treasures for China, the loan was welcomed as a significant boost to bilateral ties between China and Malaysia.

To-date, there is a total of 342 pandas living in captivity, including 20 pandas that are settling outside China. Malaysia is the 13th country to be hosting China’s pandas.

Both Feng Yi and Fu Wa were born at the Wolong nature reserve and panda base in Wenchuan, Sichuan.

After the Sichuan earthquake in 2008, the pandas in Wolong base were evacuated to the Bifengxia base in Ya’an, also in Sichuan, to make way for the rebuilding of Wolong.

Feng Yi and Fu Wa are no strangers to assisgnments away from home. They were among the eight pandas that took part in an exhibition at Beijing Zoo from June to December 2008 in conjunction with the Beijing Olympics.

A year after returning to Bifengxia, Feng Yi was placed at the Guilin Zoo in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region while Fu Wa was at the Changyudong panda museum in Zhejiang province’s Wenlin city for two years.

Besides bamboo, Feng Yi and Fu Wa’s favourite foods are corn bread, apple and carrot.

Malaysians who are excited aboout the pandas’ arrival can participate in a naming contest organised by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry on its website (www.nre.gov.my/Malay/Pages/panda.aspx).

The contest will end on Dec 31 and the results will be announced next year.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Snowman lands in i-City

Snowman lands in i-City

Colourful bulbs: More than a million LED lightscapes provide myriad colours in i-City’s City of Digital Lights.

ONE of the must-see attractions in the Klang Valley this festive season are the Christmas lights display at i-City in Shah Alam.

More than a million LED lightscapes provide myriad colours at i-City’s City of Digital Lights. This is known as the first and only place in the country with such a feature.

About RM5mil was spent on the decor, which will stay until they change the theme for Chinese New Year.

i-City has to-date invested RM50mil to create this 25acre theme park within the i-City development that is organised into four precincts; known as City of Digital Lights, SnoWalk, WaterWorld and FunWorld.

At the digital park, there is also a 15ft Christmas tree and snowman displays.

Throngs of people have visited i-City to see the vibrant LED lights which are strewn around the trees and animal displays.

In keeping with the Christmas season and feel, the public can also visit i-City’s Snowalk — a 50,000 sq ft Arctic Environment with winter rides such as tobogganing, slides, winter futsal and other adventures.

~News courtesy of The Star~

適耕庄春节文化街暨迎春晚会

適耕庄春节文化街暨迎春晚会‧1月19起逢週末日举行

適耕庄【Sekinchan】新村將於1月19日起至2月8日的每逢星期六及日，傍晚6时至晚上11时，在该区商业中心举办第二届的“癸已年春节文化街暨迎春晚会＂，与本地村民和外地人共庆华人农历新年，星洲日报是这活动的指定媒体伙伴。

大会总筹王和伦表示，今年，大会除了如去年一样设有年货市集让大家办年货外，也增设了美食街，以向国內外游客推介適耕庄道地美食，满足饕客的味蕾。

他说，届时在年货市集消费超过预定数额的民眾，也有机会参加幸运抽奖，贏得丰富奖品包括3份双人澳洲地接旅游配套（不包机票）、9份6人上海地接旅游配套（不包机票）、黄金烧猪及40份由著名品牌虹桥所赞助，价值138令吉肉乾肉鬆礼品等。

他在新闻发佈会上感谢企业家赞助今次活动，包括首要赞助商Forest Sport和嘉联发展有限公司；赞助商旺庄豪苑、EITA及全利资源有限公司等。

60档年货美食摊位

同时，活动摊位主任潘嫦娥也表示，今年的年货和美食摊位都有60档，比去年增加20档；目前已有80%的摊位被申请，剩下的摊位不多。若有兴趣加入年货或美食售卖行列者，可於明年1月1日前，致电联络潘嫦娥（012-3706242）或叶老师（013-3215866）报名。

出席新闻发佈会者包括瓜雪及沙白县福建会馆署理会长郑益兴、活动宣传主任王盛潮以及本报乌雪及巴生滨海区经理郭富广等。

带动適耕庄旅游经济发展
——活动副总筹兼育群校友会会长潘来云

“適耕庄举办此项活动，主要是为了让当地人和外地游客能在新春期间，感受到不一样的中华传统文化气息和温馨场面，同欢共庆，並且也有助带动適耕庄的旅游经济发展。＂

传承文化人人有责
——大会主席暨適耕庄潮州会馆会长谢名峰

“虽然第一届的春节文化街暨迎春晚会在筹办时，遇到来自多方面的压力，但最终在各造的互相扶持下总算成功举行。

今年，大会更延续传承中华文化的坚定信念，续办这项活动。

传承中华文化，大马华裔人人有责，因此希望类似活动能在我国发扬光大，朝希望迈进。＂

介绍適耕庄道地文化
——適耕庄客家公会副主席蔡燕伦

“春节文化街暨迎春晚会除了有助提昇適耕庄知名度之外，也顺道向旅客介绍適耕庄的道地文化、人才、组织及风土民情，尤其也打造了一个平台，让各社团发挥所长、互相配合，把活动搞得有声色。＂

传承中华文化免失传
——瓜雪及沙白县福建会馆会长郑庆荣

“上述活动除了可以带动適耕庄的旅游商业活动外，最重要是能够传承中华文化，让大家瞭解华人过年的意义，並把文化代代相传，以免失传。＂

华团组织团结联办活动
——適耕庄仙法师公庙理事会副主席王盛壁

“这项活动不仅可以让適耕庄热闹起来，更能让地方上的华团组织团结一致地来联办活动，向世界宣传適耕庄，让更多人认识大马的渔米之乡。＂

適耕庄癸已年春节文化街暨迎春晚会

日期：从1月19日起至2月8日的每逢週六、日
时间：傍晚6时至晚上11时
地点：適耕庄商业中心
联办：適耕庄华团联谊会（今年以適耕庄潮州会馆为首）
平面媒体伙伴：星洲日报

適耕庄癸已年春节文化街暨迎春晚会活动时间表：

第一週： 1月19日（週六）和20日（星期日）序幕
第二週： 1月26日（週六）和27日（星期日）文化
第三週： 2月2日（週六）和3日（星期日）蜕变
第四週： 2月8日（週五）迎春

节目內容：

1） 闻名海外暨获奖无数的“吉隆坡光艺龙狮体育会＂呈献高桩舞狮和廿四节令鼓
2） Astro欢喜台台柱黄一飞与喵喵组合献歌舞
3） 大马原创音乐元老周金亮带来本土创作
4） 亚洲著名魔术大师表演
5） 音乐才子適耕庄之光汤小康高歌
6） 2012年第四届世界国术锦標赛太极冠军演出
7） 適耕庄音乐学院live演唱会
8） 嘻哈热舞
9） 体操表演
10） 红毛港乐团live演出
11） 儿童舞蹈
12） 春节时装show
13） 烟花大匯演

（星洲日报／大都会）

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

GO-KL Green Line to serve more routes

GO-KL Green Line to serve more routes

Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has announced route changes to the GO-KL Green Line, beginning today.

In order to expand the service to new areas frequented by public transport users, SPAD has approved new routes to the Green Line.

The Green Line now starts from KLCC, Jalan Ampang and ends at Citibank, Wisma Atlan, KLCC Jalan Ampang.

It passes Jalan Sultan Ismail (Hotel Concorde, Life Centre, Wisma Genting), Jalan Raja Chulan (Pavillion, Hotel Prince), Jalan Imbi (Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Sakura Restaurant, Berjaya Times Square), Jalan 1/77B, Changkat Thambi Dollah (SMK (P) Bandaraya), Jalan Sultan Ismail (Bukit Bintang Plaza, Wisma Genesis, Menara KH), Jalan P. Ramlee (Wisma Rohas Perkasa), Jalan Pinang (Grand Hyatt Hotel), Jalan Kia Peng, Persiaran KLCC (KLCC Convention Centre, Traders Hotel, Menara ESSO), Jalan Binjai (Menara Felda, the Binjai, Intercontinental Hotel).

The old route was from Jalan Ampang, KLCC and passed through Bukit Bintang through Jalan P. Ramlee and Jalan Raja Chulan, and returned to Jalan Ampang, KLCC.

SPAD hopes this change will benefit more public transport users around the Kuala Lumpur Central Business District.

To-date, the average number of GO KL users are 14,000 per day for both Purple and Green Lines.

~News courtesy of The Star~

免费巴士服务‧GO-KL新路线明开跑

免费巴士服务‧GO-KL新路线明开跑

免费巴士服务GO-KL城市巴士的新路线將本星期五开始。（图：星洲日报）

陆路公共交通委员会（SPAD）宣佈將於本月7日（星期五）开始执行免费巴士服务GO-KL城市巴士的新路线，包括安邦路、苏丹依斯迈路、拉惹朱兰路、燕美路、比南利路、檳榔路、朱嘉炳路、敏惹、1/77B路及柏西兰城中城路。

该免费巴士服务於早前开始推行，而“绿色路线”的免费巴士是从安邦路开始，通过比南利路直达武吉免登，然后再经过拉惹朱兰路返回安邦路。

此外，该免费巴士服务將会拓展服务路线於多个新地区，而这些地区主要是已被鑑定为有潜质成为公共交通使用者的“据点”。

该会希望有关措施可以提供更多的便利予吉隆坡商业中心的公共交通使用者，目前每天平均有1万4千人使用该免费巴士服务，即平均有7千人使用“绿色路线”。

（星洲日报／大都会）

打造吉隆坡成购物天堂

黄燕燕：很多商品免税‧打造隆成购物天堂

旅游部长拿督斯里黄燕燕表示，旅游部一直与財政部商討减低各种货品的税务，最终目標是將吉隆坡打造成购物天堂。

她说，我国很多货品已经免税、免税、再免税；一年3次的购物嘉年华成功打造吉隆坡成为购物天堂，商品价钱更是无人能比。

她指出，我国的购物嘉年华与外国不一样，外国的购物嘉年华是跟隨私人企业而定，而我国的购物嘉年华则是政府规定，因此一年一定会有3次购物嘉年华。

最佳购物城市
隆全球第4名

“为了能够將吉隆坡打造成购物天堂，政府特別从城中城至武吉免登建造高架行人走道；而我国多元文化的色彩，也成功吸引旅客前来我国度过各种节庆。＂

黄燕燕昨晚在新山柔佛再也花园主持2012年“一个大马‧食全食美＂街头美食节推展礼后，在新闻发佈会上说，吉隆坡在“全球最佳购物城市＂票选中荣获全球第4名，虽然在服务及交通便利上略显不足，不过在价格及多样化项目却荣获高分，不足的地方，旅游部將会尽力改善。

盼小贩提昇环境卫生

她指出，一个大马美食节已经迈入了第4年，旅游部不需要“砍树＂来吸引旅客到来，只需要通过美食旅客自然会找上门。但她仍希望小贩们能够提昇环境卫生，这才能打造世界级的街边小吃。

她也说，我国的火车服务不单是普通的公共交通设施，它也可成为旅游卖点。旅游部也会在火车站设立民宿，让旅客能够体验不一样的旅程。

出席者尚有柔佛旅游及国內贸易委员会主席拿督何襄赞、全国贩商总会总会长兼一个大马街头美食节筹委会主席李中永、柔南流动小商公会会长兼柔州街头美食节筹委会主席姚文春等。

（星洲日报）

Time for Look Out Point restaurants to move

Time for Look Out Point restaurants to move

Danger site: Ampang Look Out Point restaurant owners have been told to remove their belongings from the area next week.

RESTAURANT operators at Look Out Point (ALOP) will have to remove their belongings from the area next week, Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) president Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman said at the full board meeting.

“They will be supervised by Tourism Selangor when they move their belongings. The slope at ALOP has been stabilised. We have stationed 15 enforcement officers there on three shifts, 24-hours daily, ” he said.

He also said Taman Koop Cuepacs 3B would be closed to the public beginning today. Only residents can access the road now.

“Residents have requested for the road to be closed to outsiders due to heavy usage,” explained Hassan.

Meanwhile, a month has passed since the issue of houses being turned into hostels was raised in last month’s full board but the council has yet to come up with guidelines or solutions.

MPKj councillor Arut-chelvan Subramaniam had raised the issue during the previous full board meeting and was given the same reply, that the council would study how the Petaling Jaya City Council and Subang Jaya Municipal Council had dealt with similar problems in their jurisdiction.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Tune Hotel celebrates fifth anniversary

Tune Hotel celebrates fifth anniversary with new look

TUNE Hotel, which recently celebrated its fifth year anniversary, has embarked on a new project by redesigning its very first Tune Hotel, the downtown Kuala Lumpur Tune Hotel.

Speaking to the media during the anniversary party, Tune Hotel commercial director David Lusteaux said the rebranding exercise was in line with its target market — young travellers on a budget.

“We are changing our design to suit the young market who are trendy and hip with urbane sophistication,” he said.

Tune Hotels Downtown Kuala Lumpur manager Shireen Jasin said the new look of the designs take on an urban contemporary flair, with a clean decor, emphasising on the colour elements of red, white and black, which represent the corporate identity colours of the Tune Group.

“Over time, all the current Tune Hotels will slip on the new look and all new hotels in development will have the new design and brand,” she said.

She added that Kuala Lumpur was voted to be the second best shopping city in Asia Pacific, according to Global Shopper Index.

To further celebrate its fifth anniversary, Tune Hotels has tied up with Gua, a lifestyle and entertainment portal.

Collaboratively, Tune Hotels and Gua celebrated their anniversary recently in a star-studded event attended by actor, model and VJ Nicholas Saputra.

Nicholas flew in from Indonesia specially to support the event held at the newly refurbished Tune Hotel Downtown Kuala Lumpur.

The savvy world traveller said: “I look for hotels in prime locations, which is why I like Tune Hotels, especially because of its location and services.”

Guests were also entertained by homegrown celebrities such as Awan Band, Amanda Imani, Imran Ajmain, The Vella, Mira and Ika.

~News courtesy of The Star~

明年5月吉隆坡新机场启用

全球最大廉航机场　明年5月吉隆坡新机场启用

全球最大的廉价航空机场——吉隆坡第二国际机场（KLIA 2），将于明年5月1日正式投入运作，预计首年乘客量将达2000万人次。

根据《星洲日报》报道，马来西亚机场控股有限公司建筑总经理莫哈末再夫丁指出，吉隆坡第二国际机场目前经已完成70％工程，主要建筑物将在明年1月竣工，基础设施则在明年3月底完成。他预计4月底可完成一切准备工作，并在5月1日启用。

《联合早报》

G0 KL City Bus - Free Bus

Green Line:

KLCC -- Bukit Bintang -- KLCC

Stops:
1. KLCC - Interchange to KLCC LRT station
2. Angkasaraya
3. Malaysia Tourism Centre - Interchange to Bukit Nenas Monorail station
4. Concorde Hotel
5. Hap Seng Tower
6. The Weld
7. Wisma Lim Foo Yoong
8. Pavillion Kuala Lumpur
9. HSBC Bukit Bintang - Interchange to Purple line and Bukit Bintang Monorail Station
10. Raja Chulan Monorail station.
11. Crown Regency and Apartment
12. City Bank
13. Atlan Tower

Purple Line:

Pasar Seni - Bukit Bintang - Pasar Seni

Stops:
1. Pasar Seni - Interchange to Pasar Seni LRT station
2. Bangkok Bank
3. Telekom Museum
4. Olympia Tower
5. KL Tower
6. The Weld
7. Wisma Lim Foo Yoong
8. Pavillion Kuala Lumpur
9. HSBC Bukit Bintang - Interchange to Purple line and Bukit Bintang Monorail Station
10. Boustead Tower
11. Wisma MPL
12. St Andrew's Church
13. Telekom Museum
14. Kota Raya

吉隆坡德士乱开价服务態度恶劣

隆司机最糟国际排榜首‧乱开价服务態度恶劣‧搭客：“实至名归”

德士业者之间的竞爭强烈，部份德士司机为了討生活而拒绝使用计程表。（图：星洲日报）

日前LondonCabs.co.uk网站的调查显示吉隆坡在“世界10大德士司机最糟糕的城市”排行榜中高居榜首，这项调查引来许多搭客与德士业者的热烈討论，对调查结果各有看法。

《大都会》今日走访吉隆坡金三角一带，询问搭客以及德士业者对於该排行榜的看法。

政策执法不严是主因

受访的搭客认为吉隆坡德士司机“荣登”该排行榜榜首是“实至名归”；而德士司机也不讳言该行业有害群之马。但双方都认为政府的政策和执法不严是问题的主因。

受访的搭客表示，吉隆坡德士司机漫天开价、服务態度恶劣的事件经常发生，加上有些德士的卫生意识不高，所以才会被认为服务最糟糕。

搭客也表示，大部份在金三角一带的德士司机都拒绝使用计程錶，而是收取同业间定下的“標准收费”，有者更专门选择外地游客来载送，以收取更多车资。

他们表示，一般上，本地人都是在没有其他选择的情况下才乘搭德士，因为在花费更多车资之余，可能还会受气。 曾到外地旅游的受访者指出，外国德士司机的服务態度很好，车子干凈，又统一使用计程錶，所以在外地旅行时也乐意乘搭德士。

他们普遍认为，造成德士业者服务恶劣的根本原因是政府的政策存在问题。他们认为本地德士业者没有受过专业训练，並且没有適当的制度管制，服务態度自然恶劣。

业者：同业间竞爭大
不用计程錶生活所逼

受访的德士业者表示，现今同业间的竞爭很大，许多业者都因为生活所逼，才会拒绝使用计程錶，改收取標准收费。

他们透露，当顾客要求载送的地方比较偏远时，他们会收取標准收费，因为可以补贴回程时的汽油钱。

他们表示，在一般情况下，只要乘客要求，他们就会使用计程錶。

“GO-KL巴士”威胁德士生意

他们指出，日前政府推行的“GO-KL城市巴士”计划使到德士业者的生意更加艰难，认为政府应该考量德士司机的难处，不要让他们的生活压力百上加斤。

德士超过乘客数量

其外，他们认为政府无限制地发出德士执照也是造成竞爭激烈的原因，德士数量远远超过乘客的数量，造成部份同业“抢生意”的情况出现。

部份德士司机表示，他们至今还没获得政府早前宣佈分发的轮胎券，而申请这些津贴的过程冗长繁杂，认为政府应该关注这些问题，让德士业者能有更好的福利。

张国威（30，电机工程师）：德士司机应改进“德士司机选择性载客有他们的苦衷。我的大伯也是一名德士司机，在入夜后，通常会谨慎接客，以免自身安全受威胁。

我之前到访新加坡，当地的德士司机都是用计程表的，服务態度很好，车子又干凈。我认为本地业者向他们看齐，改进自身，才能吸引更多乘客。”

马先生（38岁，饮食业者）：应限制发德士执照

“我认为政府应该限制德士执照的发放，现在德士司机的数量非常多，竞爭激烈，服务素质却降低，原因在於他们能轻易获得执照。

政府应该对违反交通规则的司机给予处分，让他们珍惜德士执照，提昇服务水准。”

潘先生（56岁，德士司机）：同业竞爭过大

“相信许多同业都是由於竞爭过大，生活所逼之下才拒绝使用计程表的。

我本身是租德士的，一天的租金大约50令吉，加上汽油费、过路费等等，一天的成本大约100令吉左右，经济压力很大。”

陈先生（64岁，德士司机）：免费巴士影响生计

“早前政府推行的免费巴士计划严重影响我们的生计，使到竞爭更为激烈。

以我所知，只有一部份同业拒绝使用计程表，不能一概而论。若顾客要求的话，就一定要使用计程表。”

（星洲日报／大都会）

New bus terminal

New bus terminal

All public bus operations at Medan Pasar terminal will be transferred to a new terminal at Lebuh Ampang near HSBC building from Oct 7. For details, call 03-7885 2585 from 7am until 8.30pm(weekdays) and 8.30am until 5.30pm (weekends) or visit www.rapidkl.com.my

~News courtesy of The Star~

中央艺术坊《中秋园游会》

中央艺术坊《中秋园游会》今引爆‧节目精彩一定要来！

喜欢逗趣可爱的“神气龙”小提灯吗？那么別忘了来参与在中央艺术坊展开的中秋园游会。（图：星洲日报）

（雪兰莪‧八打灵再也20日讯）2012《中秋园游会》再获支持！台湾观光协会吉隆坡办事处及海外天份別赞助“神气龙”小提灯及中秋月饼！

配合大马旅游部及吉隆坡中华大会堂联办的“2012一个大马全民庆中秋晚会”，台湾观光协会吉隆坡办事处特別为赞助“神气龙”小提灯供灯谜游戏摊位之用。

设免费灯谜及游戏摊位

这项由本报承办的《中秋园游会》订於9月21日下午6至10时在中央艺术坊停车场举行，除了约100题的灯谜免费让读者参与外，现场也设有游戏摊位让读者凭《星洲日报》全国封面版报头参与。

台湾观光协会吉隆坡办事处主任巫宗霖在早前新闻发佈会上表示，“神气龙”小提灯造型可爱別致，相信会吸引眾多读者及民眾。同时也对该协会有机会与大马民眾共度中秋节，並与眾人一起分享过节的气氛感到荣幸。

他表示，台湾是理想的旅游地点，每年都吸引来自世界各地的旅客，而大马旅客也非常热爱到台湾旅行。

台湾灯会明年於新竹举办

他透露，2013年台湾灯会將在明年2月24日至3月10日於台湾新竹县举办，有意要报名灯会行程的旅行者可向台湾观光协会吉隆坡办事处联络，电话是03-20706789。

凡购买此行程者將有机会获新竹伴手礼、2013年小提灯、伴手礼券及台湾精美雨伞各一份。出席新闻发佈会者包括了本报首席执行员许春、世华多媒体有限公司市场及销售总经理谢念芳、本报企业公关及业务促进总经理陈金泉以及台湾观光协会吉隆坡办事处市场经理周慧菁。

另外，海外天也再次盛情赞助特製月饼予现场举行的灯谜活动奖品。

灯龙游行长500公尺
公眾受邀闔家参与

另一方面，公眾也受促闔家参与全长约500公尺的“2012一个大马全民中秋晚会”提灯龙游行。

提灯游行预计將在晚上9时30分从中央艺术坊展开，並途径敦陈禎禄路、苏丹街、思士街及茨厂街。届时，首相拿督斯里纳吉也將参与游行的队伍。

（星洲日报／大都会）

Firefly starts weekly flights to Haadyai

Firefly starts weekly flights to Haadyai

FIREFLY started its four weekly services between Subang and Haadyai, Thailand, when its inaugural flight FY3614 took off with 96% passenger load yesterday.

Passengers and media delegates, who boarded the 80-minute flight at 9.50am from the airport in Subang were given a warm reception by a Thai cultural group.

They were welcomed with flower garlands and gift bags by Thai authorities as they disembarked at the Haadyai International Airport.

The Firefly aircraft was also given the traditional aviation industry welcome of water-spraying guard of honour.

“We have been anticipating for the launch of this new destination, as this service adds another milestone in Firefly’s regional network and strengthens our Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand growth triangle agenda.

All smiles: Ong (second from right) with Firefly Captain Shahrul Affendi and crew introducing the route to passengers. All smiles: Ong (second from right) with Firefly Captain Shahrul Affendi and crew introducing the route to passengers.

“A new destination certainly is an encouraging indication of an airline’s successful growth and that is exactly the path that we are at and in which we will continue heading towards.

“The celebration of Firefly’s two other new routes between, Kota Baru-Singapore and Penang-Koh Samui just last week, further reiterates the achievement of our expansion plan which was announced earlier this year.

“As we continue to market our new routes and destination, we assure passengers of our commitment to providing top-notch service coupled with our signature warm hospitality.

“A positive customer experience is a part of our brand promise and we intend to keep it,” said Firefly chief executive officer Ignatius Ong .

Firefly’s head of marketing and communications Angelina Fernandez said, “Malaysians are attracted to Haadyai for its extensive shopping options and a vast variety of delicious authentic Thai food.”

“Haadyai is also the gateway to Satun and Trang provinces, which are popular island destinations in the southern coast of Thailand.

“We expect passengers travelling from Subang to Haadyai to comprise Malaysians and members of its expatriate community in search of a quick convenient getaway.

“We also anticipate it to include in-bound tourists who choose to get a taste of Thailand while in Kuala Lumpur,” she said.

“As for passengers from Haadyai, upon arrival in Subang, they will find the city airport to be strategically situated due to its close proximity to international universities, theme parks such as Sunway Lagoon, and the vibrant Kuala Lumpur City Centre, which is just 30 minutes drive away.

“Resorts World Genting is also a popular attraction with this market and it is only about an hour’s drive from Subang,” she added.

In conjunction with yesterday’s inaugural flight celebrations, Firefly will be offering an all-in one way deal that starts from RM99 for this new destination.

Booking period is from now to Aug 26 for travel from Aug 24 to Oct 31.

Ticket purchases can be made from Firefly’s website (www.fireflyz.com.my), mobile application, airport and city ticketing offices, call-centre and through travel agents.

~News courtesy of The Star~

马来西亚烟雾情况恶化

烟雾情况恶化，雪兰莪州蒲种地区昨天被浓浓烟雾笼罩，当地民众都减少户外活动。（图／中国报）

马来西亚半岛烟雾情况恶化，截至昨天傍晚5时，共有七个地区的空气污染指数超过100点，处于不健康水平。

由于印度尼西亚苏门答腊烧芭的关系，西马半岛多个地区昨天被浓浓的烟雾笼罩，尤其是雪兰莪及吉隆坡，空气素质处于不健康水平的地区从前天的三个增至七个。

《联合早报》

吉胆码头泊车费昂贵

吉胆码头泊车费昂贵‧岛民游客吃不消

执法人员发出传票给在码头附近违例泊车的车辆。（图：星洲日报）

（雪兰莪‧巴生25日讯）吉胆岛民和游客目前在巴生港口的吉胆码头，面对泊车费昂贵的问题，希望有关当局关注。

目前，拿督沙阿里码头停车场是最靠近巴生港口往吉胆岛码头的最大停车场。

很多游客和回乡的游子，还有住在岛上的岛民，通常只能选择把车停在那里，不然就是在码头另一端的小型停车场。

一直以来，巴生港口所有的停车场都只是一天或一次收费3令吉。

改成1令吉一个小时

由於没有大道可进入吉胆岛，许多拥有车辆而来回巴生港口的岛民，唯有长期將车辆泊在停车场才回吉胆岛，比起城市的居民泊车在自己家门前，是多了一个“每日收费”。

最近，拿督沙阿里停车场悄悄的在入口处加了一部出入自动开关，而且在毫无通知的情况下，该收费机器的泊车收费，就被改成1令吉一个小时。

这跟过去相比可以差別很大，算起来还比一般在大城市的停车场贵上好几倍！

许多岛民只好共挤一个小型停车场。许多爭不到位子的岛民只好硬著头皮每天泊在收费昂贵的停车场。

昂贵停车费嚇跑游客

一些负担不起的人，就只能把车辆停在路边。尤其是星期六和星期日，回乡的游子更多，往往连游客也被昂贵的停车费嚇跑。

许多岛民都觉得这对他们不公平。

而游客也可能会考虑到高昂的停车费、船费、旅程费等，而打退堂鼓。

岛民认为，这种垄断式的停车场应徵收一个合理的价格。

（星洲日报／大都会）

Entering M'sia? No need for arrival cards

Entering M'sia? No need for arrival cards 

 Starting from June 1, foreigners entering Malaysia need not fill in arrival cards issued by the Immigration Department, the Home Ministry said in a statement yesterday. 

Chief Secretary of the Home Ministry, Mr Mahmood Adam, said the procedure would not be required because the Immigration Department had already introduced a biometric recording system for every foreigner upon arrival, under the National Enforcement Registration System (NERS), the Bernama news agency reported. "

Through the NERS system that was introduced on June 1, 2011, the data of foreigners will be recorded and stored. The procedure will also fulfil the requirement of the Tourism Ministry to record data and number of tourist arrivals," he said in the statement quoted by the agency. 

Mr Mahmood said the decision was made after consultations with the Immigration Department, Home Ministry and Tourism Ministry, and that the NERS system was a much faster way to record the data of foreigners. 

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

下月起入境马来西亚免填白卡

 （布城综合讯）马来西亚将从6月1日起，取消外国游客需填写入境卡（俗称白卡）的措施。 

內政部秘书长马末阿当昨日发表文告做出上述宣布。他说，内政部自去年6月落实生物指纹登记及执法系统（NERS）后，所有入境马来西亚的外国人的资料都被输入系统内，因此，不必再推行填写白卡的措施。 

他指出，NERS让当局可掌握每一名入境马来西亚的外国人资料，而这些登记程序也符合旅游部欲记录游客人数与资料的要求。“有鉴于此，内政部、移民局及旅游部在讨论后决定，从下个月开始，取消外国人填写入境卡的措施。” 

据了解，马来西亚移民局早在今年2月起，就取消填写白卡的措施，入境的外国人只须扫描生物认证护照或指纹即可。不过，当时内政部尚未正式做出宣布。 

～以上新闻转载自OMY～

配合瓜冷观光月举行 逾千脚车越野竞逐

配合瓜冷观光月举行 逾千脚车越野竞逐

逾千名脚车好手向前冲刺。

（万津15日讯）配合“瓜拉冷岳县区观光月”主办的“5·13爬山脚车越野竞赛盛会”，吸引逾1000名来自全国各地的脚车好手前来参与，大大提高瓜拉冷岳县的名声，刺激瓜冷县区的旅游业，尤其再次把摩立海滨景点推向高峰。

 “爬山脚车大集会及团结脚车越野赛”乃由万津脚车俱乐部、双溪哥兰布D’Lereng MTB Club及瓜拉冷岳ABIM（马来西亚伊斯兰青年运动）等非政府组织联合主办，并获得雪州政府及瓜冷县议会的大力支持协助。

来自全国各地的爬山脚车精英，包括来自东马砂拉越及西马多个州属的著名脚车俱乐部代表都前来参加，甚至我国脚车运动国手级的安华马南也在盛会中亮相，并轻易夺得公开组冠军荣衔。 73岁老翁获“精神奖” 首位骑脚车环游世界的现任加影市议会主席拿督哈山纳瓦威也到来捧场。

 一名来自吉隆坡73岁高龄的华裔老翁林世桐，老当益壮，与朋友一起来参赛，结果获得主办当局颁予特别“精神奖”，以资表扬。 以李志光律师为首的万津脚车俱乐部当天也派出60名男女代表出席参与，并与其他脚车好手交流，获益不浅。

主办单位主要负责人马斯鲁京指出，参赛者人数约达1100人，出乎主办当局意料之外，顿时成为最受人瞩目的爬山脚车大集会，也是瓜拉冷岳县有史以来最大规模的爬山脚车盛会。

在场的行政议员阿末尤努斯、直落拿督区州议员陈春水、民联摩立区协调员哈斯奴及瓜冷县议会代主席哈菲斯等均受邀主持颁奖及主持幸运抽奖等。

骑脚车助青少年远离歪风 雪州行政议员兼昔江港区州议员阿末尤努斯受邀主持闭幕时指出，骑踏脚车已经成为促进身体健康的良好运动，同时也很受青少年的欢迎，因此参与骑脚车运动也可以协助青少年远离社会不良风气。

他说，骑踏脚车运动也是协助减肥的良药，因此值得加以推广。 瓜冷县议会代主席哈菲斯表示高兴看到这项骑踏爬山脚车运动盛会虽然首次在瓜冷县举行，却成功吸引超过千名本区及外地人到来欢聚，也成功促销瓜冷县的旅游业，为“瓜拉冷岳观光月”打响名堂。

～南洋商报～

即起至7月31日 恐龙展体验古生物生态

即起至7月31日 恐龙展体验古生物生态 

配合假期，许多家长扶老携幼的出席恐龙展。 

 （吉隆坡6日讯）恐龙在吉隆坡复活了! 史前曾有巨大生物在地球表面走动的迷思至今仍引起人们的好奇心，如今透过顶尖的电子科技，让这些认为在6500万年至2亿5000万年前，曾经统治地球的巨大生物已在吉隆坡现实生活中，揭破大马民众对恐龙的迷思。 

 由国家科学馆主办长达三个月的电子恐龙展览，即日起至7月31日期间，多达30只与真实恐龙相同体形的电子恐龙将把国家科学馆当成家。 

这次的展览将重新塑造恐龙的动作，声音和栖息地，使整个体验更有生气，完整地呈现史前的恐龙时代。

同时，公众可观赏电子恐龙如何移动身体和五官，就如几百万年前般活生生呈现在眼前。 这由活动策划公司Cityneon控股及EMS控股及国家科学馆联办的展览会。 

了解恐龙习性 这次并非只专注在娱乐性质的恐龙展览，也包含了深入研究的教育资料，让公众能正确地了解恐龙的发源地，存在的时间、解剖特征、饮食习惯和一连串的科学发现，还包括每种恐龙的进化及栖息地。 

此展览将依据不同种类的恐龙的史前生存时代而布置，主要目的是分享有趣的古生物学。 值得一提的是，现场活动包括教育活动小册子、团体参观，教育讲座和节目等。 

【互动性展览包括】 

•跑得比恐龙快－具备速度测量仪表的跑道，让参观者与恐龙赛跑 

 •恐龙角落－填色与蚀刻图画 

•专人带领参观及探险护照 

•与恐龙照相－小孩可骑在恐龙身上拍照 【电子恐龙展览】 

日期：5月1日至7月31日 

地点：国家科学馆 

入门票：成人15令吉（7至12岁的学生（需展示学生证）12令吉）；6岁以下儿童免费入园 

 查询： www.dinosaurslive.com.my 或Dinosaurs Live! 的面子书 www.facebook.com/dinosaurslive.my 。

～南洋商报～

Costly rides out of Brickfields

Costly rides out of Brickfields

 LITTLE India in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur has now joined the list of black areas in the city where taxi drivers tend to overcharge or refuse to use meter.

Areas with high tourist concentration like KLCC, Petaling Street where Chinatown is located, and Bukit Bintang are some of the places where cabbies overcharge the passengers.

Rogue cab drivers park their vehicles on both sides of the road along Jalan Tun Sambanthan — opposite Public Bank and KL Sentral — waiting for customers.

Unscrupulous: The taxi drivers haggle with customers and state their amount without using meter.

These drivers can be seen sitting on the steel benches smoking away, while the leader of the pack will walk about approaching potential customers.

Members of the public who were cheated by these taxi drivers called StarMetro to highlight the problem.

 “I wanted to go to Dataran Merdeka, which is definitely less than RM5, but was quoted RM15,” said an irate caller.

“When I insisted they use the meter, they offered me a discount of RM3. I refused and told them that I would report them and one of the guys shouted profanities at me,” he said.

Irresponsible: Rogue taxi drivers parked themselves side by side at bus/ taxi lane waiting for their next victim A check by StarMetro revealed that the drivers were very lackadaisical about using the meter.

When asked the cost from Brickfields to Bangsar Shopping Centre, the taxi driver said RM15.

He went on to justify his claim by saying that someone needs to pay for his return journey as well as the traffic rush during lunch hours.

The taxi driver even went on to offer RM12 and flatly refused to use the meter because it would be a loss for him.

 “It is better if I just stay here and wait for a customer. I need to make money, otherwise if I go around I only waste fuel,” he said.

The irony of it all is that these daily occurrences are taking place even with the presence of officials from the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) who are stationed at 1Sentral, Brickfields.

In a recent incident, a driver of an executive taxi was fined RM1,000 by a magistrate’s court after pleading guilty to charging a British couple RM459.20 for a journey that was at most 4.8km or a 10-minute ride.

He was charged under Section 75 (1) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 on April 26 for overcharging, an offence punishable with a jail term of up to three years or a maximum fine of RM50,000 or both. The driver was one of the first to be charged under the Act.

~News courtesy of The Star~

东禪寺系列活动庆卫塞

5日花车游行6日浴佛园游会‧东禪寺系列活动庆卫塞 

青年义工赶工佈置花车。（图：星洲日报） 

马来西亚佛光山东禪寺，为庆祝佛歷2556年卫塞节，迎接佛陀日的喜悦，定於5月5至6日，在仁嘉隆东禪寺举办“龙天护佑庆佛诞”系列卫塞活动。 重点节目包括佛祖花车巡游，浴佛祈愿及素食园游义卖会等。 

东禪寺行政组有根法师表示，今年东禪寺的卫塞节庆典，较往年来得盛大。欢迎各界踊跃前来共襄盛举。这项庆典活动是由佛光山东禪寺、国际佛光会马来西亚协会瓜冷分会、东禪寺校友会和直落七宝分会联办。 

花车游行路程5公里 

她说，“佛祖巡境”花车游行，在5月5日（星期六）晚上7时30分开始，起点及终点为东禪寺，途径仁嘉隆大街及主要道路，路程超过5公里，欢迎商店及民宅设香案恭迎，同时，敬请沿途相关住户配合，確保停泊在屋前的车辆，不会妨碍花车游行或运转的界限。 

她说，今年佛祖花车出巡游行，还有5辆花车隨行，同时有小仙女、小沙弥队、印度同胞队及各社团队，逾十多支队伍等参与游行，届时必有一番盛况。 外地信徒朋友，如有兴趣参与游行，可联络东禪寺。

另外，卫塞节庆典需要许多义工协助，她欢迎自愿者报名参与。 5日办义诊健康讲座 大会主席拿督黄世交指出，於5月5日（星期六）上午9时至下午3时，举行中医诊疗咨询服务，这项中医义诊活动，是联合吉隆坡中医学院及雪隆中医学会医师团，逾十多名中医师，为民眾提供全方位及一站式健康咨询和门诊，包括针灸等治疗。 欢迎病患者亲临东禪寺就诊。

另外，当天上午11时，举行健康讲座“中医排毒养生好轻鬆”，开导养生保健，启动健康钥匙，预防胜於治疗的观念。 他说，当天上午，佛光缘美术馆也举办“我心中的佛陀及我爱佛馆绘画赛”，欢迎5至18岁的青少年儿童参加。 

园游会节目精彩 

筹委会主席（一）梁谢强说，5月5（星期六）至6日（星期日）上午9时至下午6时，“浴佛净心，祈福感恩”欢迎十方大德沾香礼佛，让更多民眾瞭解浴佛真正意义。 此外，在5月6日，当天有“园游会”等活动。节目多姿多采，包括素食、美食义卖、益智竞赛、多元化游戏和节目表演等（素食园游会至下午2时）。 

筹委会主席（二）林玉表示，义卖园游会在当天早上9时开始至下午2点，现场只限固本交易。 若有任何疑问或建议，可联络东禪寺，电话03－31911533，或瀏览http://www.fgs.org.tw/fgsart/index.html。 

（星洲日报／大都会）

铁道公司擬推行快线服务

停站30秒‧舒缓人潮流量‧铁道公司擬推行快线服务

拉惹龙吉（站者左）与市民们一起乘坐火车，体验新火车的新颖设备之外，也展现出其亲民的一面；站者右为阿米努汀。（图：星洲日报）

（吉隆坡12日讯）马来亚铁道公司总裁阿米努汀指出，为了紓缓乘搭电动火车的人潮流量，铁道公司考虑推行“电动火车快线”（Komuter Express）服务，由於“电动火车快线”的停站时间会缩短至30秒，因此，在发生班次延误或人潮太多的情况时，將能够有效紓缓人潮。

不过，他说，此计划仍需进一步研究才能够落实。

邀德国专家改进现有系统

另一方面，他也对电动火车发生故障一事指出，该公司目前正进行检测，同时也邀请来自德国的专家进行研究，以鑑定发生故障的肇因，並改进现有的系统，以解决问题。

他说，一旦电动火车发生故障时，当局也会安排辅警在车站维持秩序，协助疏散人潮。

龙吉乘搭新电动火车

他也指出，马来亚铁道公司將推出优惠活动以吸引更多乘客乘搭电动火车，包括学生、残障人士及乐龄人士都能够享有优惠。

阿米努汀今日陪同联邦直辖区部长拿督拉惹龙吉从班底达南站乘搭新电动火车到国家银行站后，在新闻发佈会上这么表示。在场者包括吉隆坡市政局副总监拿督阿敏。

原本3车厢增至6节
新电动火车舒適

另一方面，联邦直辖区部长拿督拉惹龙吉在亲身体验新电动火车的设备后说，新电动火车从原本的3节车厢增加至6节，每辆设有两节的女性专用车厢，共有38辆火车將於今年7月推出，目前则有11辆新火车投入服务。

“新火车车厢环境舒適，並没有出现拥挤的情况，乘客都认为新火车服务很好。”

他对於乘客希望增加火车班次的建议回应说，铁道公司將於4月杪將火车班次从每30分钟一趟提昇为每15分钟一趟，希望藉此舒缓人潮。

他说，提昇公共交通系统服务是政府对人民的承诺。

（星洲日报／大都会）