Welcome 2014 in style
Revellers can look forward to ringing in the new year with a bang in two of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib recently announced that City Hall together with Visit KL, Tourism Malaysia and KLCC Properties are organising countdown celebrations, known as the KL New Year Countdown 2014, at Dataran Merdeka and KLCC.
The four-hour events will kick off at 9pm on Dec 31.
At Dataran Merdeka, catch the performances of Zainal Abidin, Amy Search, Jay Jay, Aweera Mojo, Najwa Latif, Def Gab C and more.
The crowd can also join in the fun with a "Joget Lambak with Cultural Dancers" and win prizes in a "Visit KL Guess What" quiz.
There will also be a food bazaar at Dataran Underground. Starting at 3pm, the bazaar offers over 50 varieties of party food such as cupcakes, pizzas and pavlovas with a local twist.
Revellers can also write down their resolutions to be placed on a Resolution Tree@KL City Gallery, with prizes to be won for the best resolutions.
The highlight of the evening is the spectacular countdown before the fireworks display.
At KLCC, the celebrations are aptly themed Fabulous 2014@KLCC with performances by Jaclyn Victor, among others, at the KLCC park.
There will be laser shows, cultural performances and a giant water screen showing the upcoming highlights of Visit Malaysia Year 2014.
"The celebrations will see Kuala Lumpur's largest fireworks display," said KLCC Properties chief executive officer Datuk Hashim Wahir.
Phesal advised the public to use public transport such as the LRT and Monorail which will be extending their services to 2am.
However, those who wish to drive can park their vehicles at Dataran Merdeka Underground, Daya Bumi, Padang Merbok and around Central Market.
To facilitate preparations, Jalan Raja Laut will be closed from 7pm to 1am on Dec 31.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib (second from left) with the celebrities who will be ushering in the new year.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
新年后首周展开 独立广场修复草坪
独立广场草坪修复以及排水系统工程， 将让广场更加美观。
吉隆坡独立广场草场改善工程将于新年的首个星期展开，这项工程预计耗资400万令吉，是该广场第三期，也是最后一期的改善工程。
较早时，耗资450万令吉的第一和第二期工程已经完成，工程包括增设3个喷水池和壁画、改善沟渠、人行道、花盆箱、靠近主要旗杆的平台层和苏丹阿都沙末大厦前面的道路整修等。
吉隆坡市长拿督斯里阿末费沙表示，重铺草皮、排水系统的整修工程等将从1月4日开始，预计4月可以完成。
他说，有关改善工程因为年尾进行的各项活动，而展延了7个月，为了不影响工程进度，改善工工程期间，广场将会被围起，公众不得进入。
针对有报道指广场草坪情况糟糕，是因为隆市政厅骑马队造成，市长澄清，除非活动彩排，当局并没有经常让马匹跑到草坪。
阿末费沙也透露，上一次的铺草皮工程是在20年前进行，而这次广场将会铺上不但耐磨损，并适合热带气候的混合草种。
另外，隆市政厅发言人指出，广场的填土也会完全更换，新的土壤拥有充足的养分含量，同时也会铺一层沙，以利排水。
他说，目前的土壤营养耗尽及pH值低，无法再支持新值和草生长，而广场草坪因受重压包括太多人行走和放置重型机械，也造成土壤的空气含量减少。
另外，地下水沟排水故障，灌溉系统也无法充分滋润整个草坪，因此工程将装置崭新的喷水器。
~以上新闻转自南洋商报~
Sweets and treats in Genting
This school holiday, Resorts World Genting (RWG) is delivering a host of sweets and tasty treats during the Cookies, Candies and Cream promotion.
Previously RWG had a Chocoholics and Candylicious promotion.
The cookies and pastries served at the Coffee Terrace are prepared by Genting grand executive pastry chef Alan Yeong Wai Luen.
"We consistently try to serve different types of desserts for our customers.
"Since many of them come here often we continuously strive to provide something different for every meal," he said.
Yeong said that all the cookies and pastries such as the macaroons, glass mousse cake, ais kacang, cendol and snowflakes are made in- house.
The candies and ice cream are from Gelatomio.
The buffet at the Coffee Terrace also has a rotating menu ensuring visitors who dine here often don't get bored with the food.
On top of the upgraded dessert section, the Coffee Terrace also serves Asian and Western dishes ranging from nyonya, local, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Japanese and Western dishes.
Once your craving for sweets has been satiated, take a stroll outside the Genting Grand Hotel where a fabulous light show will commence.
The entire facade of the Genting Grand Hotel will be transformed into a giant projection screen where festive specials will be screened.
The "screen" is as big as a football field and the images are clear and sharp, as the latest projection technology is being used.
The Christmas specials are screened every 20 minutes, accompanied by the group II Divo's Christmas songs.
It is the first of its kind in Malaysia and it is a great opportunity for visitors to experience this show.
For New Year's Eve there will be a countdown special. For Chinese New Year you can expect a touch of Choy San Yeh and there will be a special screening for Valentine's Day.
Alan Yeong Wai Luen showcases his sweet specialities.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
KL's tallest Christmas tree
The lighting of the tallest Christmas tree in Kuala Lumpur was met with cheers and admiration on a cool night at Suria KLCC recently.
Hours before the lighting up, shoppers had already gathered outside to take pictures in front of the 20-metre high Christmas tree.
The tree is located just outside the mall, facing Lake Symphony.
When the time came for the tree to be lit, over 500 people began the countdown to the lighting of the tree by Suria KLCC chairman Datuk Hashim Wahir.
Thirty thousand environmentally friendly LED lights and hundreds of Christmas baubles made the tree shimmer and sparkle.
The spotlight was on the green giant, which stole the limelight from the towering Petronas Twin Towers.
Spectators were then treated to Christmas carols by the Dithyrambic Singers.
As the tunes of Jingle Bells and We Wish You A Merry Christmas echoed through the night, more tourists and shoppers posed for pictures.
A visitor from Sabah, Clement Wong commented on how nice it was to look at the tree, saying that it was the largest tree he had ever seen.
For American Ron Frisinger, the tree was a sight to behold.
"I have seen taller trees, but this one is certainly beautiful to look at, especially with the Twin Towers behind it," he said.
Meanwhile Hashim said that Suria KLCC is always looking for ways to spread festive cheer among its visitors.
"Christmas is one of those festive seasons that many people find magical and special, so this Christmas we wanted to give our customers something special too.
"By lighting up the tallest tree in the city, we hope it will brighten hearts with some magical moments," he said.
The tree which took five days to complete weighs 13,500kg.
The majestic tree can be viewed by the public at Suria KLCC until Dec 25.
Suria KLCC will also be entertaining visitors with dazzling performances until Dec 26.
Several lucky children will also get to see Santa Claus on stage and receive candy canes.
Datuk Hashim Wahir (third from right) with the members of Suria KLCC’s management team and the beautiful tree in the background.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
瓜冷县观光月招游客 古典脚车大匯集
由瓜拉冷岳(Kuala Langat)县议会举办的“古典脚踏车大集会”，拥有许多古典脚踏车泊在现场，让出席者逐一瀏览，非常壮观。
约500辆古典脚车齐聚在万津摩立(Banting Morib)海滨，一批骑乘旧式古典脚车的骑士更在摩立新村展开20公里的骑脚车运动，引起许多人民和旅客围观，场面热闹。
配合2013瓜拉冷岳县旅游观光月活动的系列活动，瓜冷县议会配合甘榜根登脚车协会举行“古典脚车大集会”，吸引约500名热爱古典脚车的骑士参与，表现积极踊跃。
参与“古典脚车大集会”有来自全马约12个脚车协会，包括雪州、森美兰、马六甲和霹雳，最年轻的骑士是5岁的小男孩。
“专业”服装引注目
万津摩立海滨现场共有几辆超过多年歷史的古典脚车，包括世界第二大战后价值1万2000令吉的古典脚车，以及于1912年製成的脚车，吸引不少国內外旅客拍照留念。
配合古典脚车，不少参与者都穿上“专业”的服装，引人注目，包括日本军人、唐装、英国军人、英国兵士、军警、海军和邮政员等，其中一名参赛者更是一家四口身穿我国国旗参与“古典脚车大集会”。
主办单位为了讚扬参与“古典脚车大集会”的参与者，也颁发多项奖项，包括最佳古典脚车（5名）、最美的古典脚车（5名）、最奇异的古典脚车（2名）、VIP选择的古典脚车（2名）、最佳服装（5名）、最佳古典服装（5名）、最奇异服装（2名）、最年轻参与骑士和最早报名的组合等。
出席者包括瓜拉冷岳县议会主席莫哈末阿斯哈和摩立区州议员哈斯曼等。
政府拨款提升摩立海滨
摩立区州议员哈斯曼指出，瓜拉冷岳县议会获州政府拨出10万令吉作为提升摩立海滨用途，同时县议会將爭取更多拨款来提升及修建摩立海滨的基本设施，州政府也將10万令吉的拨款增至16万令吉。
他说，瓜拉冷岳县议会今年第一次提名摩立海滨公厕参与“全国厕所清洁竞赛”，成为大马10间清洁厕所之一，摩立海滨公厕更上一层楼，被宣佈为“全国最清洁公厕”。
他说，为了满足旅客的要求，瓜拉冷岳县议会多年已积极提升摩立海滨的基本设施，加上摩立海滨是具备一流的旅游景点条件，因此县议会和州政府都积极发展摩立海滨。
此外，他说，我国多个州属面对水灾的困扰，庆幸雪州水灾问题受到控制，但也促请人民勿將垃圾丟入排水沟和沟渠，造成沟水无法顺利排出引发水灾。
~中国报~
阿末菲沙：发掘更多活动 吸引游客逗留更久
吉隆坡市长及吉隆坡旅游发展理事会主席拿督斯里阿末菲沙指出，他们要在2014年旅游大马年，在吉隆坡发掘更多活动，以吸引游客，让游客在吉隆坡逗留更长的时间。
他今日与雪兰莪皇家高尔夫球俱乐部签署合作备忘录后指出，根据他们统计，前来吉隆坡旅游的游客，平均会逗留2.6天，相比起泰国曼谷及印尼耶加达6至8天来说，时间太短。
他说，在明年旅游大马年估计有2800万旅客前来我国，他们要在吉隆坡打造更多吸引游客的活动，延长游客逗留的时间。
他说，这次他们与雪兰莪皇家高球俱乐部合作，就是其中一项增加游客的计划。
与商家合作办活动
“我们还有与一些商家、餐厅合作，举办一些活动吸引游客。”
他指出，根据当局研究，吉隆坡有许多旅游元素还未充分被发挥，如我国的多元种族文化，这是一个可以更加发挥吸引游客的元素。
另外，他指出，高尔夫球在目前是標誌性的旅游运动，高球爱好者的游客市场，对吉隆坡来说是一个很有前景的领域。
“我们还会与其他高球场洽谈合作的可能性。”
出席者包括吉隆坡旅游发展理事会联合主席端姑依斯甘达、俱乐部经理莫哈末阿兹兰等。
吉隆坡旅游发展理事会今日与雪兰莪皇家高球俱乐部签署的备忘录，將在明年1月1日生效至12月31日，在合作期间，將允许游客（非会员）在特定时段到俱乐部打球。
欲知道详情，可瀏览www.rsgc.com.my／www.visitkl.gov.my。
~中国报~
隆市地标文化遗产建筑 中央艺术坊迎125周年
中央艺术坊特设的马来西亚文化美食街， 吸引了国内外游客品尝。
创建于1888年的中央艺术坊踏入第125年，配合明年的旅游年，该坊成为吉隆坡市政厅主打为隆市具有地标性的文化遗产建筑之一，以吸引国内外游客到访，促进我国旅游年。
吉隆坡市长拿督斯里阿末费沙指出，吉隆坡共有11个文化遗产建筑，中央艺术坊则是其中之一，为凸显其文化特色，将在不同的佳节展开不同的文化活动，例如哈芝节、农历新年、屠妖节及圣诞节，除了让国内的民众参与，也可借此吸引国外游客，共享其盛。
“政府明年的目标是吸引2800万游客人次，中央艺术坊也成为重要的一环，为此，艺术坊欢迎更多的相关单位加入此推广文化行列，成为合作伙伴。”
配合125周年办美食街
他也说，文化遗产在未来扮演很重要的角色，不但推动经济，更推广文化，让百年遗产更有价值性，因此需要年轻一代支持。
阿末费沙于昨晚为“中央艺术坊125周年纪念庆”主持开幕时，这么指出。
当天的出席嘉宾还包括中央艺术坊的经营公司家胜集团总执行长苏文川、创办人黄严庆以及总监阿扎哈里。
配合此百年周年纪念，中央艺术坊也举行为期4天的“马来西亚文化遗产美食街”，现场共16个美食摊位，都是经过筛选，并被列入文化遗产美食排行榜内的我国美食。
现场美食各有风味，让国外游客食指大动，可一次过尝完我国所有的美食。
苏文川：越古老越值钱 人民应保护文化遗产
苏文川在开幕致词指出，艺术坊从125年前的菜市场，转型为现在的文化艺术坊，成功吸引了国内外游客来到收集各种不同文化的艺术品。
他形容，文化遗产“越古老越值钱”（Old is Gold），艺术品也随着岁月变得更有吸引力，因此他呼吁人民不应只知道其价值所在，更重要的是，要懂得保护独特的文化遗产。
“我相信只要大家继续支持中央艺术坊，我们会推广更多保护及爱护文化遗产意识的活动，让年轻一代的青年明白其价值。”
～以上新闻转载自南洋商报～
雪隆姑苏慎忠行联办 食全食美27日揭幕
俞植昌（中排左起） 、慕鲁、林瑞桔、李雄芳、邱星超、周金祥、何志强、加亚瑟卡兰、王瑞成、韩家生及黄筠财主持2013“一个大马·食全食美” 美食嘉年华烹饪大赛新闻发布会。
由旅游及文化部和马来西亚雪隆姑苏慎忠行餐饮业公会联合主办的2013“一个大马‧食全食美”美食嘉年华烹饪大赛，将于12月27至29日在吉隆坡世贸中心（PTWC）敦拉萨1号展厅举行。
这项集美食与旅游于一身的年度盛会今迈入第5年，旅游暨文化部长拿督斯里纳兹里将主持开幕。
大马雪隆姑苏慎忠行餐饮业公会总务拿督邱星超记者会上说，过去四年来，美食嘉年华反应热烈，因参赛水准一年比一年高，因此，大会今年续办“大马国际金厨争霸赛”及多项赛事。
他呼吁餐饮同业踊跃派厨师参赛，共同学习，将烹饪技艺推上更高层次；出席者包括该公会署理主席俞植昌、副会长李雄芳、何志强、副福利主任黄筠财、大马餐饮行政协会代表韩家生、雀巢专业美极执行厨师慕鲁、雀巢专业全国销售营运经理周金祥、大马食品及饮料执行协会副会长加亚瑟卡兰、Jasmine Food Corporation公司总执行长林瑞桔及南顺油脂有限公司总经理王瑞成。
增设水果拼盘赛
其余竞赛包括去年与Nescafe联办的“雀跃于巢、一啡冲天”之拉啡比赛，也增设一项花式抛樽调制热带水果果汁及另一项获联邦农业销售局配合的国际热带水果创意立体拼盘比赛，现场将促销本地热带水果。
各比赛项目开始接受报名，有兴趣者或知更多，可致电大马雪隆姑苏慎忠行餐饮业公会03-21448791/03-21481601。
大马金厨争霸赛 70高手竞厨艺
大马国际金厨争霸赛获中国、韩国、日本、美国、新加坡、澳门、台湾、加拿大及我国等10个国家与地区高手参赛，原定60个名额，但因反应热烈增至70个，而且名额已满。
新增的大马金厨亚细安热菜烹饪大赛公开让友族同胞参与，参赛菜式可以是娘惹式、马来式、泰式、越南式、印尼式、印度式或菲律宾式的清真菜肴。
为鼓励上述两赛参赛者及其服务的餐馆单位，大会特别设计独一无二的奖杯，每一位参赛者都有机会获得奖励。
奖励分为：30%的参赛作品可获特金奖，奖品为一座15寸高奖杯、70%参赛作品可获金牌奖，奖品为一座13寸高奖杯，以及最高荣誉奖，可获一座18寸高奖杯及现金奖3000令吉；各奖都附一面盾牌及2张奖状。
～以上新闻转载自南洋商报～
Save more with KLIA Ekspres value packages
Express Rail Link (ERL) is once again offering the KLIA Ekspres Group Saver and Family Package during this year-end school holiday. Also making a return is the Touch 'n Go on KLIA Transit.
ERL chief executive officer Noormah Mohd Noor, in announcing the return of these promotions, said: "Our customers have recognised the convenience and reliability of our train services. With our 99.7 per cent on-time performance, we can assure them of a safe and smooth ride at very affordable rates."
The KLIA Family Package offers one-way travel for two adults and two children aged 2 to 12. At RM75, the package is 25 per cent cheaper than the total of four tickets at regular price.
Those travelling in a group of three or more can enjoy the Group Saver rate of RM25 per person one way. The regular fare is RM35.
The packages can be purchased online from now until Jan 1 at www.KLIAekspres.com or through the KLIA Ekspres mobile app for Android and iPhone users. The e-tickets are valid for use on the selected travel dates within the travel period.
The Touch 'n Go on KLIA Transit offers a 10 per cent savings for those using Touch 'n Go cards at KLIA Transit gates from now until Feb 14.
The discount will be automatically calculated at the gate. Customers can also buy and reload Touch 'n Go cards at ERL stations.
For details on the offers, visit www.KLIAekspres.com/deals or call customer enquiry at 03-2267 8000 on weekdays, 8.30am to 6pm.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
