2015年12月25日星期五

Merry Christmas 圣诞快乐


2015年12月3日星期四

ERL fares to go up

ERL fares to go up

Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) announced today that its fares will be revised effective Jan 1 next year.

This is the first revision since ERL commenced operations almost 14 years ago and was approved by the government in accordance with Section 120 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010.

From Jan 1 next year, the fare will be increased from the current price of RM35 to the new price of RM55 for a one-way trip between KL Sentral and KLIA/klia2. This is a discounted rate as ERL has been authorised to revise the fare to RM64 based on the terms of the concession agreement.

"We structured our new fares with our customers in mind. We recognise that the rising cost of living is a challenge, and are working on ways to make more fare options available to our passengers,"said Noormah Mohd Noor, CEO of ERL.

Discounts up to 20% are available when using certain credit cards, and ERL is in discussion to expand the list.

Passengers are also encouraged to buy their tickets online, through the mobile app, and from ERL's kiosks as they can enjoy 10% off.

Users of the Touch 'n Go card will save 10% during the promotion period. Travellers can also save RM10 by purchasing return tickets between KL Sentral and the airport.

For daily commuters on the KLIA Transit, a new 44-trip Monthly TravelCard will be offered to ensure they can commute to work daily, while keeping the increase to a minimum.

TravelCard users will enjoy discounts of 17%- 83%, with an average discount of 45%. Senior citizens and disabled persons will continue to receive discounts of 30% on one-way fares on the KLIA Transit.

~News courtesy of The Sun~

2015年12月2日星期三

一夜之间换公司、编号、路线 公巴大调整乱!

一夜之间换公司、编号、路线 公巴大调整乱!



巴士车头置有旧巴士的编号, 方便乘客辨识。



巴生谷巴士网络今日起大调整,基于事先全无宣传,不少公众对巴士业者更换、巴士编号及一些路线的更改大感混乱,不少乘客乱了阵脚,有者更误时上班,怨声载道!

此外,一些乘客因为更换巴士业者而无法继续使用持有的快捷通卡、快捷通乐龄卡等,抱怨该如何处理卡内余额,更感叹部分地区服务如开倒车。

陆路交通委员会(SPAD)为让民众享有更便捷的巴士服务,今日起调整巴士路线,把服务区域划分为8个走廊,新增35条路线至241路线,服务范围达9202公里。

事先无宣传

奈何,当局先前全无通知,让不知情的公众大感措手不及,以致引发乱象,《南洋商报》记者今早走访民众时,受访者就直斥事前完全不知巴士路线会重新整顿,而且编了新号码,有些人更因此痴等了好一会儿。

受访者说,他们在车站等了数分钟觉得不太对劲,才得知巴士重组了,川行当地的巴士服务已改由其他巴士业者接管。

此外,由于部分路线更改原有行程,或是以新路线取代,促使原有乘客被迫中途转车,有者因找不到服务的巴士,只好破财乘德士赶上班。

也有民众认为不是大问题,因大部分巴士业者有在挡风镜贴上旧巴士编号,仍可轻易掌握路线,并期待日后服务真正得到改善。

美罗巴士问题多 搭客不满

旧巴生路走廊的蒲种区大部分路线服务,改由美罗巴士(Metro Bus)取代原有吉隆坡快捷通巴士(Rapid KL),引发部分乘客不满。

基于美罗巴士较陈旧,加上外劳乘客居多,早前也有颇多负面新闻,如司机鲁莽驾驶、不守时、车内有人抽烟等问题,让搭惯吉隆坡快捷通的乘客有感巴士服务如倒退至80年代,一时无法适应。

有者抱怨当局提供的路线图相当简陋,只有起点和终站,例如“蒲种乌达玛-中央艺术坊”,没说明途经地区,使许多中途上下的乘客,摸不清巴生编号。

无论如何,据记者观察,美罗巴士业者今早也有派员在蒲种总站为乘客说明路线,现场也有华人员工,替不谙马来文者解说。

他们透露,公司未来有计划改善服务,包括安装收费系统。

针对小撮乘客投诉等候时间太长,业者代表指出,由于部分路线今日才开始接管,一些还司机不熟悉路线,而耽误时间,但问题可在短时间内解决。

监督是否按时间表川行 所有巴士分阶段装GPS

陆路交通委员会主席丹斯里赛哈密说,随着巴生谷巴士网络于今日调整,所有巴士将分阶段安装全球定位系统(GPS),确保服务更便捷。

明年增设资讯牌

他发文告说,该委员会也透过车站监督系统,监视装置有全球定位系统的巴士是否有按时间表川行。

“委员会设定于明年,在各车站装置300个巴士资讯牌,并于2017年和各地方政府合作,再增加3700个巴士资讯牌。”

他说,通过大整顿计划,128条需求高的主要干线服务将改善,每5至30分钟一班次;98条地方巴士则提供最早及最后的短程服务。

他说,交通巅峰时段,当局也另准备了16辆快捷巴士(BET)采用高速公路通往市中心。

他说,该委员会已针对这项调整于上月23日起,在8个走廊会见公众,并将通过主要的电台,向大众传递这项资讯。

任何详情可浏览http://www.spad.gov.my/BNR或联络1-800-88-7723。

SPAD回应 新政策落实混乱难免

陆路交通委员会公关哈西敏接受《南洋商报》记者电访时说,今日是落实巴生谷巴士网络首天调整,任何新政策的落实,难免会因为不习惯而引发小混乱。

他说,尤其是部分路线的巴士业者刚接手,司机难免对路线不熟,也无法向乘客清楚解释途经地点,所以委员会热线今早有接获民众的投诉。

“无论如何,相信在未来数日,乘客适应后就不会觉得是大问题。”

针对蒲种区搭客不满巴士服务改由美罗巴士公司接管一事,他欢迎乘客拨电向该会反映,当局会指示业者配合,要求他们改善各项被投诉的事项,包括车内的卫生问题。

本报记者也针对一些民众的投诉,发送电邮给哈芝敏,寻求进一步的解答。

国家基建公司回应 探讨处理快捷卡余额

国家基建公司发言人阿扎哈受询时向《南洋商报》记者说,该公司服务路线是在陆路交通委员会的指示下重整,包括退出蒲种区服务。

他说,由于今日首次落实新网络,快捷卡的余额如何处理,该公司暂不便回应,皆需与委员会进一步讨论。

乘客抱怨

1.巴士重组没事前通知。

2.新编号的巴士,没列明途经地点。

3.车资没优惠。

4.巴士设施降级。

5.上班迟到。

6.车站的电子资讯牌所列明目的地,让人混淆。

编辑‧刘彩霞(38岁):巴士卫生有待改善

之前曾听到一名资深巴士司机透露巴士会重组,但当时他说据知是从9月份开始。

因没详细资料,9月过去了也没落实,以为受骗,所以没理会。

没想到,突然就在12月份落实了,而且换了新巴士公司后,提供服务的巴士卫生情况等各方面均有待改善。

编辑‧杨秋雁(45岁):候车站不见路线图

我是当天才知道公共巴士路线重组,可是到了候车站,并没有看到张贴任何指示或新的巴士路线图。

搭客个个一脸茫然,尤其是老人家,更是不知如何是好。我认为计划落实的过于仓促,令人措手不及。

美甲师‧郑彩玫(30岁):被迫搭德士上班

以往是乘搭快捷通巴士到公主城工作,方便又快速,甚至鼓励友人乘搭公交车工作,惟昨日突接到司机派传单,指明日停止服务,叫我们另乘美罗巴士去上班,若有任何不满就向政府投诉。

这让我无法接受,美罗巴士予人印象差,车内肮脏还有尿骚味,更不时听闻有割包党,叫我如何安心乘搭?对乘搭公交车的正面看法也变成负面。

同时,原本乘搭的509巴士不再服务,而业者也无法明确告知该乘搭几号巴士,眼看接近上班时间,只好乘搭德士上班。

政府有任何计划,应事先通知,给予乘客至少3星期的时间适应,非加重我们的烦恼。

书记‧潘小姐(37岁):转车导致上班迟到

之前不清楚雪隆巴士服务要重整,来到车站看到很多人在抱怨,才知此事。

其实蕉赖区路线还是由快捷通巴士提供,只是车编号换了。加上事前没通知,很多人不懂而傻傻在旁张望,也有部分路线不再直通,需转车,结果上班迟到。

虽业者有准备了原有车号贴在车上让乘客辨认,惟许多老人不懂,四处问人。

另外,从今日起,使用快捷通卡也不再享有20%优惠,同时有轨公交服务将在明日调整收费,未来肯定加重负担。

退休人士‧莫初(73岁):美罗巴士没有优惠

政府怎么可以毫无通知,突然更换巴士业者与服务路线,叫我们如何适应,也找不到人问清楚服务路线。

蒲种路线大多数由美罗巴士业者承包,这些巴士没给老人优惠价。以往搭车下隆市才1令吉50仙,如今收费3令吉60仙,加重负担。

我的快捷通乐龄卡昨晚还加额了50令吉,如今不懂如何使用?

我有许多老朋友今早来到车站,都投诉找不到惯搭的巴士,为何会从大巴士公司服务,转为小巴士业者经营,无从适应这种转变。

以往上午10时后,每15至20分钟,就有一趟巴士下坡,如今尚不清楚新公司的服务素质。

学生‧吴子超(13岁):盼巴士公司改善服务

家里距离蒲种总站只需步行5分钟,常常自已走路到来这里乘搭快捷通巴士去隆市,惟今日来到,才发现巴士改由美罗巴士承包了,巴士也好像比以前少了。

虽说这巴士有通往隆市,惟担心回程时不懂该到哪里候车,路线是否有更改?也希望美罗巴士公司改善他们的设备与服务。

~以上新闻转自南洋商报~

2015年12月1日星期二

12月起提升巴生谷巴士服务

12月起提升巴生谷巴士服务 民众:明天再看吧!



陆路公共交通委员会(SPAD)近日宣布将在12月1日起,提升巴生谷巴士服务,即扩大整个公交涵盖区域、新增至241条路线和添加1500辆巴士。



根据官网的资料显示,这一次的公共交通大改革将会把整个公交涵盖区域分为8个,公交线路的车次因此将会更加频密,民众等候巴士的时间也因此会缩短。另外,当局也会在各个巴士站添加新的告示牌,方便公众了解巴士班次、来往地点等。




与此同时,现有的巴士最低收费,也会从RM1稍微调涨到RM1.10。


究竟这是否能够改善公共巴士的服务?根据《星报》报道,专家认为当局必须严密监督执行有关提升服务,而提升的成败就在于巴士公司有无真正跟从改善后的路线。至于民众对此又有何看法?


【佳礼论坛】

2015年11月26日星期四

旅游部推出英文版指南‧“Jom Singgah”带你玩透透

旅游部推出英文版指南‧“Jom Singgah”带你玩透透

为吸引更多新加坡及泰国旅客前来我国自驾游,旅游部与南北大道公司联手推出英文版的“Jom Singgah””旅游指南手册,除了讲解南北大道16个R&R休息站特色及美食外,手册中也將介绍西马多个旅游景点。



玛丝艾米雅蒂(左四)与眾嘉宾一同推介英文版“Jom Singgah”旅游指南手册。(图:星洲日报)


旅游及文化部副部长玛丝艾米雅蒂今早受邀在南北大道振林山往北的休息站,为英文版“Jom Singgah”旅游指南手册主持推介礼。 她致词时表示,今年1月至6月共有640万名新加坡旅客前来我国,其中79.7%通过陆路入境,而新加坡旅客也是使用南北大道旅游的最大组別外国旅客。


休息站独具特色


“如果他们从新加坡前往檳城,一路上就会使用南北大道多个R&R休息站,而每一州的R&R休息站都独具特色,可成为另一个推广我国旅游的平台。”


玛丝艾米雅蒂表示,今年6月17日推出的“一个马来西亚旅游近在咫尺”(Cuti-Cuti 1 Malaysia Dekat Je),就是为了推广国內旅游。


她说,国內旅游人数从2013年的5千440万人次增加至2014年的6千零70万人次,增长率达11.6%;国內旅游的收益,也从2013年的356亿令吉增加至2014年的414亿令吉,增长率为16.3%。


“今年我们设下6千370万名国內旅客及434亿7千万令吉收益的目標,因此有必要大力推广国內旅游。”


当天出席者包括:旅游及文化部副秘书长拿督拉西迪、旅游促进局副总监锺玉霞、柔州旅游执行委员会拿督財尼、新加坡驻新山领事潘宣强及南北大道公司首席营运员莫哈末弗艾。


莫哈末弗艾在新闻发布会上表示,该公司共印刷了5万本英文版“Jom Singgah”,分派至南北大道16个R&R休息站,民眾也可上网:Jomsinggah.plus.com.my或从该公司官方推出的“PLUS Mobile Apps”应用程式下载电子版手册。


询及吗什休息站苍蝇为患一事,莫哈末弗艾坦承此事,並指源头是附近一带的养鸡场引来苍蝇,而该公司將继续向地方政府反映。


(星洲日报‧大柔佛)

2015年11月14日星期六

KL records 20% drop in foreign tourist arrivals

KL records 20% drop in foreign tourist arrivals

Foreign tourist arrivals to Kuala Lumpur has dropped by 20% this year compared to 2014, due to a decrease in regional tourism.

KL Tourism Board general manager Noraza Yusof said 11 million foreign tourists visited the capital last year.

"Based on the information we have at this point in time, an estimated 8.8 million have visited the city in 2015," she said during the launch of the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Bureau (KLTB).

Noraza attributed the drop to the global economic scenario besides other reasons.

"Alongside the regional factor, there are other reasons beyond our scope which we are attempting to identify," she said.

The KLTB marks the revamping of Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) Tourism Unit.

In his address, mayor Datuk Mhd. Amin Nordin Abd Aziz explained KLTB's four main functions.

"It will focus on developing tourism products and infrastructure across the board, to bring together the public and private sectors in promoting the city, to support government bodies in enforcing regulations that govern tourism players, and lastly for dedicated marketing and promotion for KL's tourism," he said.

Mhd Amin expressed his confidence in KLTB's conducive environment for cooperation and collaboration, which would enable sustainable long-term tourism growth.

The bureau, launched at a cost of RM16 million, is located at Lot 11, Jalan Tangsi, here.

It was built in 1903 and formerly owned by tin mining tycoon Loke Chow Kit.

After being burnt to shambles, Lot 11 was subsequently refurbished with its original facade intact.

~News courtesy of The Sun~

2015年10月21日星期三

Northbound buses to operate from Bandar Tasik Selatan

Northbound buses to operate from Bandar Tasik Selatan terminal effective Nov 1

Effective Nov 1, northern corridor express buses involving buses to Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis will no longer operate from Pudu Sentral but Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) at Bandar Tasik Selatan.

The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) in a statement Tuesday said as many as 545 of the 635 northbound express buses operating at Pudu Sentral would be moving to TBS.

"The decision to move from Pudu to TBS was made after discussions with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and the bus operators concerned.

"Apart from offering better security, ease and comfort, the relocation to TBS will be able to curb the rampant touting activities at Pudu Sentral.

"TBS is equipped with electronic information display boards and various mode of transport in one location, such as the LRT, KTM Commuter, KLIA Transit and taxi services," it stated.

Meanwhile, Pudu Sentral will continue to be used as a terminal for short-distance buses and stage buses, including buses from Pudu Sentral plying to Tanjung Malim, KLIA 1, KLIA 2, and Seremban.

~News courtesy of Bernama~

Haze will not last till March 2016

Haze will not last till March 2016

The haze affecting the country currently will not last till March 2016, as claimed by certain parties.

"The current haze situation is caused by typhoon Champi and Typhoon Koppu, east of the Philippines, and when these typhoons hit landfall, the winds will change and the haze situation will improve after Oct 26," said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau in a statement today.

Madius said the coming northeast monsoon season from November will see a change in wind direction and will no longer carry over haze from Indonesia to Malaysia, despite the Indonesian forest fires expected to last until March.

Meanwhile, rainfall is expected to decrease nationwide due to typhoon Koppu, thus making the haze situation even worse.

According to the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) weather outlook, typhoon Koppu is currently 1,187km north-east of Kudat, Sabah. It will eventually head north-west towards Taiwan.

In addition, typhoon Champi located 2,942km north-east of Kudat is slowly heading north.

The presence of both typhoons has affected the wind patterns across the country as a result, especially rainfall due to the moderate south-westerly winds.

Separately, the Department of Environment recorded 3,534 cases of open burning detected nationwide, from the start of the year to Oct 19.

As of 6pm today, a total of 27 areas recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, with Port Klang with the highest at 179, followed by Shah Alam at 164, and Kuala Selangor at 139.

~News courtesy of The Sun~

2015年10月14日星期三

Cheaper TEKS1M by year-end

Cheaper TEKS1M by year-end, says SPAD

Teksi 1Malaysia (TEKS1M) fare rates will be reduced by year-end to encourage more people to use the service.

Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said today the commission is finalising a study to make the gold-brown taxis more popular.

It is also considering a new sedan-type car for TEKS1M other than the MPV-type vehicles," he said.

"We will standardise the fare rates between TEKS1M and budget taxis. Hopefully, we can announce it in a month or two," he told theSun.

Syed Hamid said when TEKS1M was introduced two years ago, SPAD had envisioned that it would lift the image of the taxi industry by providing better ride comfort and better quality drivers.

However, many cabbies were not keen to migrate to TEKS1M due to the vehicles' higher cost while the public preferred to use the cheaper budget taxis.

For Klang Valley and Johor Baru, the current flagfall rate for TEKS1M is RM4 with 30 sen for every 200m, while the budget taxi rate is 25 sen for every 200m with the flagfall fare set at RM3.

It also includes time-based charge of 30 sen for every 36 seconds for TEKS1M while the budget taxi is 25 sen for every 36 seconds.

Based on the current fare rate, for a 10km ride (based on distance rate), TEKS1M ‎would clock RM17.50 while budget taxi would cost RM14.25.

~News courtesy of The Sun~

2015年9月30日星期三

New cash-free card system for KL

New cash-free card system makes visiting KL a breeze

Tourists to the capital will soon find it much easier with the launch of the KL PASS card system, enabling seamless access to the various tourist spots around KL.

Speaking at the launch, mayor Datuk Mohd Amin Nordin said the system, produced and managed by Meridian Tourist Access Sdn Bhd, was aimed at making it easier for tourists visiting certain attractions.

“From the KL Tourism Master Plan’s research, some attractions record high daily visitors while others suffer from low numbers. This is partly due to the limited packages to motivate tourists and the absence of sufficient awareness to the diversities KL has to offer,” he said.

Amin expressed his confidence in KL PASS’s potential to reflect the capital’s position as one of the world’s top ten shopping destinations.

“Given the international recognition, it is vital to ensure continued growth, development and maintain standards of excellence in enhancing tourists’ experiences,” he said.

Meridian Tourist Access managing director Farouk Nurish said the project’s system cost RM1.2 million to set up, with another RM1 million expected to be spent.

“We conservatively estimate about 20,000 cards will be sold in the first year alone,” he said.

Farouk described the KL PASS as a cash-free solution for tourists to enjoy not just attractions but also retail and F&B outlets, with public transportation soon to come.

It is estimated between 2011 and 2014 some 38 million international tourists have travelled to Malaysia.

The KL PASS is available for purchase online at www.klpass.com and various sales outlets in the city and at KLIA.

~News courtesy of The Sun~

2015年9月28日星期一

恐袭阴影笼罩 部分贩商休业 阿罗街人潮稀落

恐袭阴影笼罩 部分贩商休业 阿罗街人潮稀落



晚上7时左右, 不少夜市业者刚开业, 人潮依旧稀疏。

“噢,怎么没开档?”

吉隆坡著名旅游景点阿罗街(Jalan Alor)被突如其来的恐袭消息笼罩,上午时段部分食肆没开业,至晚上7时许虽然不少业者开档,但人潮也显得稀落,不见平日的车水马龙。

早市冷清气氛怪

阿罗街不仅是隆市美食天堂,也是闻名海外的旅游点,这里更是是吉隆坡金三角地带上班族常去的用餐地点,平日一踏入中午12时即高朋满座,一些食店甚至需大排长龙等位。

不过,随着警方接获可靠消息,指阿罗街及附近或有恐袭威胁,美国大使馆和澳洲政府也个别在该国的旅游网页向他们的公民发出旅游警戒,避免前往阿罗街后,当地的氛围确实有所不同。

《南洋商报》记者走访当地时发现,尽管仍有部分不知情商家如常营业,惟据观察,该区比平时稍为冷清,一整天下来气氛和平日的热闹喧哗不一样。

尽管不确定这是恐袭传言造成,但部分食肆没开业,倒真的让不少食客扑了个空,而且部分受访者也直言,踏入阿罗街不见人流,感觉“怪怪”。

一些食客一如平日到常光顾的档摊,但到达时发现档口居然无人并上锁,才知道休业没开,大感扫兴,只好转往其他食肆“找吃”。

未见警方巡逻

受访的大部分食肆业者及食客均相信,有者是因为恐袭传言而却步,因为直到下午12时40分,业者也只见稀稀落落的人群走进阿罗街,预计今天生意已受影响。

阿罗街食肆分早市及夜市,一些业者今早8、9时开业后,陆续从食客转述或翻阅报章得悉恐袭威胁的消息,他们说虽然有消息指警方提高警戒并增加巡逻人力,惟业者看不到有警方人员在该区巡逻。

他们表示,情况看来仍是相当平和,加上如今消息真真假假,而且仍有食客上门,所以不会提前打烊,反之会像平日般如常作业。

游客减少变外劳街

阿罗街两边均有食肆摊档,但今天情况有异,一半档口没开业,平日如联合国般的美食天堂今天看来倒像成了“外劳街”。

当地附近有很多酒店,入住的游客都喜欢到阿罗街享受地道美食,一般上午约8时就会看到三三两两的游客,从酒店步行到食肆用早餐。

不过,据本地食客说,平时可见大群游客的阿罗街,今天非常冷清。

丘祖昆:安抚小贩 工会理事留守视察

阿罗街小贩联合商工会副主席丘祖昆受访时向《南洋商报》记者说,为了安抚小贩紧张心情,阿罗街小贩联合商工会理事议决,晚上留守阿罗街视察。

他说,主席马国强和他本身以及理事们都会留守阿罗街,虽然他们不是保安员,但为了保护小贩能继续营业,留守现场是他们能做的事。

同时,他出表示,该会对警方维持治安的能力有信心,并表示小贩其实做不了什么,只能依赖警方协助提升安全措施和策略。

另一方面,他也说,有的食客可能不清楚阿罗街早市只有4个档口营业,另外超过100个档口为夜市业者,从傍晚开始营业直到次日清晨3时,所以会以为整个阿罗街都变得静悄悄。

他坦言市道不好,早在9‧16集会事件前业者的生意已受影响,随着的集会和如今的恐袭阴影,或会加剧情况,惟他庆幸昨天的公共假期,有看到人流恢复。

方贵伦促警方加强巡逻 确保游客商贩安全

武吉免登区国会议员方贵伦说,政府须积极及严正看待美澳大使馆旅游警戒游客避免接近阿罗街的情报来源,并希望警方及反恐小组加强巡逻及提升安全措施,确保游客及商贩的安全。

“我们一定要避免阿罗街及武吉免登区成下个恐怖袭击目标。”

他说,武吉免登区是我国重点的旅游区,在美元兑马币的优势下,将吸引游客到来,因此安全因素非常重要,警方须时时刻刻提高警惕,避免恐怖袭击案发生。

另外,他也希望警方能禁止本周六的大集会,因为该集会所衍生的种族仇恨会让我国一直提倡的国民团结功亏一篑,警方应避免让这次的大集会成为种族团结的绊脚石。

他说,我国经历了航空意外事件、9‧16集会等已重创旅游业,政府须积极向海外推展我国旅游业,此时若发生恐袭将让我国旅游业一蹶不振,尤其泰国曼谷近期发生的爆炸案应成为警方的借镜。

法国籍食客●柯林(来马工作3年):比平时冷清

我在马来西亚从事基本建设领域相关事业,办公地点就在吉隆坡,知道阿罗街平时确有不少游客。

今早从新闻知道阿罗街旅游警戒的消息,但我还是如常到阿罗街来用餐,只是发现比平日冷清,平时可以看见一大群游客,今天没有。

德士业者●李添喜:游客却步“未发市”

平常到阿罗街用餐,都会看见对面街的摊档有营业,但今天发现很多档口没开,但不确定是否与恐袭消息有关。

我常载游客到阿罗街,他们都很喜欢这里,一般载来的游客是2人或6人。

自从9‧16集会至今,阿罗街游客有减少的情况,今天更是人流稀疏,除了下午有游客要赴机场,我上午大半天时间都没有载过游客到来,可谓是“未发市”,不过倒是发现不少外劳。

烧腊鸡饭业者●李雪亮:阅报才知消息

我上午9时来开档后,读报章才知道有“恐袭”消息,如今已是中午时分了仍不见有多少食客,感觉和平时街头巷尾热闹大有不同。

往日从中午至下午2时30分左右,阿罗街总是人潮满满,但今天食客不多。相信是听到消息者为策安全,减少接近这地区。

无论如何,一切安好,没有发生不妥的情况,我也没看见警方加强巡逻,我们一般营业至下午4时,不会提早收档。

炒粿条业者●黄亚仔:不担心恐袭消息

食客前来打包交谈时,我才知道美、澳发出阿罗街旅游警戒,这是阿罗街第一次听到的恐袭消息。

我是吉隆坡人,在这里长大、工作和居住,不会太担心这项消息,反而眼前是市道已经很差了,如今阿罗街游客更是越来越少,今天也很冷清,这才让人头痛。

~以上新闻转自南洋商报~

雪隆7地区破百点 莎阿南最严重

雪隆7地区破百点 莎阿南最严重

雪隆烟霾情况出现恶化,清晨6时的空气污染指数已踏入不健康水平,多区更保持指数上升趋势,以致天空一片朦朧,能见度减低。

 根据环境局张贴的数据,雪隆7个地区,在早上的空气指数已突破百点,莎阿南更是去到204点,隨后的指数更是节节上升,截至中午1时的指数是255点,在眾地区中位列榜首。

 另一个空气糟糕地区为巴生港口,除了清晨6时以外,接下来的时段都是不健康水平,当中最高指数是255点。

《中国报》

2015年9月23日星期三

Haze expected late this evening

Haze expected late this evening

The air quality nationwide which was reported to be improving since this morning, is expected to see the return of the haze late this evening.

A spokesman for the Malaysian Meteorological Department, Dr Hisham Mohd Anip said a tropical cyclone wind currently taking shape in the eastern Philippines would push the wind carrying the haze from Indonesia to Malaysia.

"If this happens, the wind changes that usually occur gradually, are expected to bring back the haze late this evening.

"For sure, starting tomorrow the air quality will begin to be affected," he told Bernama today.

"He said the haze was expected to linger for the next seven to 10 days, while the level of the Air Pollutant Index (API) was also dependent on the speed of the cyclonic winds, as well as rate of forest burning activities in Indonesia.

According to the Department of Environment (DOE) portal, 14 areas recorded healthy API readings as at 1pm, with Sandakan recording a reading of 22, Industrial Training Institute Miri (24), Limbang and Tanjung Malim (28) and Kapit (31).

The other areas are Keningau (33), Kota Kinabalu (39), Miri and Kuala Selangor (42), Jerantut and Perai (45), Kangar (49), Muar (47), and Bintulu (50). Meanwhile, 32 areas registered moderate API readings with Banting recording the highest moderate reading at 80.

No region recorded unhealthy API readings. API readings of 0-50 is categorised as good, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy) and 301 and above (hazardous).

The public can visit the website at http://apims.doe.gov.my/v2/ to obtain the current API readings.

~News courtesy of Bernama~

2015年9月9日星期三

Petaling Street hawkers may close on Sept 16

Petaling Street hawkers may close on Sept 16

Some 80% of the hawkers in Petaling Street have indicated that they will close on Sept 16 to avoid any untoward incident should the "Red Shirt" gathering go ahead.

The mammoth anti-Bersih rally planned by the Himpunan Maruah Melayu, which has identified Bukit Bintang, Law Yat Plaza and Petaling Street as gathering points, has raised the concern of traders in those areas.

Apart from the Petaling Street hawkers, traders in Bukit Bintang are also ready to declare a day off on Malaysia Day.

According to Sin Chew Daily, hawkers in China Town are keeping close tabs on the development of the planned rally, and the majority of them are prepared to stay closed when the rally takes place to avoid possible confrontation with the protesters.

Some of the petty traders interviewed by the daily said since the majority of their customers are Chinese, they decided to take a break on Sept 16 as they believe Chinese would avoid Petaling Street that day.

Some of them told the daily that up to 80% of the hawkers would not open for business as they are worried that the Red Shirt rally, which has a racial connotation based on remarks posted by Himpunan Maruah Melayu on social media, may not be as peaceful as the Bersih 4.0 rally held on the eve of Merdeka Day.

However, a small group of the hawkers are keeping their options open, believing that police would adopt the same stand they took during the Bersih rally and would be able to control the crowd.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairman Datuk Ang Say Tee said neither Bukit Bintang nor Petaling Street is suitable for big rallies as they would affect both traders and tourists.

"If such rallies have to be held, the Merdeka Square is a more suitable venue, not crowded tourist spots."

Ang said he is working closely with the police and hoped that they would act to stop the rally.

However, he urged the traders concerned to close for business if the organisers insist on having the rally and use Bukit Bintang and Petaling Street as gathering points.

He said he will use all available channels to notify traders of the association's decision, adding that those who ignore its advice would be left to their own devices.

~News courtesy of The Sun~

2015年9月8日星期二

Air quality in Peninsular Malaysia remains bad

Air quality in Peninsular Malaysia remains bad

Air quality remained bad today as the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia continued to be blanketed by a heavy shroud of haze, with many coastal cities recording an unhealthy reading on the Air Pollutant Index (API).

According to readings published on the Department of Environment's (DOE) website, six locations including Seremban, Malacca, and Putrajaya were rated as unhealthy (100-200) on the API as at 5pm today.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said in a statement today that the haze is caused by open burning of forests and land in Sumatera, Indonesia according to satellite images captured by the Singaporean based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The agency detected 132 hot spots in Kalimantan, Indonesia, alone, while only one hot spot was detected in Sumatera due to incomplete satellite coverage as of Sunday.

According to satellite coverage, the ministry said, the haze is expected to spread to Pahang and to east Johor in the next 48 hours while in East Malaysia the haze from Kalimantan is expected to spread to west Sarawak and the waters surrounding both Sabah and Sarawak in the same period of time.

The ministry said the country is still experiencing the southwest monsoon phase that is expected to end by mid-September and noted that the haze will likely dissipate by the monsoon transition phase in October.

Meanwhile, the Environment Department will continue monitoring the status and trend of air quality on an hourly basis due to the uncertain haze situation and increased hot spots in Sumatera and Kalimantan.

All government agencies relevant to haze disaster response have also stepped up efforts in preventing open burning locally that will worsen the already unhealthy air quality.

Local governments and land owners have also been instructed to closely monitor and take preventive actions in places that could easily catch fire such as waste disposal spots, forests, farm land, and industrial complexes.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar will also head to Indonesia as soon as possible to meet his counterpart there to discuss solutions and to finalise a memorandum of understanding on cross-border haze prevention.

~News courtesy of The Sun~

逢周六日提供服务 餐车入驻独立广场

逢周六日提供服务 餐车入驻独立广场



流动餐车相当受民众欢迎, 因此获得市政厅允许在苏丹阿都沙末大厦市政厅剧场外围提供饮食服务。

为多元化旅游元素,吉隆坡市政厅允许流动餐车在独立广场毗邻苏丹阿都沙末大厦市政厅剧场外围,向公众提供餐饮服务。

这项措施从昨晚开始,市政厅料将逢周六晚及周日上午,局部围起道路供餐车之用。

隆市政厅(规划部)执行总监拿督莫哈末纳吉指出,位于独立广场的流动餐车,是于昨天首日投入服务,并有15名餐车商贩参与。

他指出,当局观察昨天的情况,发现流动餐车颇受民众欢迎。

“因此隆市政厅将和峇都路零售商协会(BARRA)合作,在周六晚及周日上午,局部关闭路段提供流动餐车服务。”

莫哈末纳吉是今早参与“绿色无车早晨”后,这样指出。

绿色早晨无车日

不过他说,独立广场逢周末举办流动餐车活动,并非为配合绿色早晨无车日而准备,只是流动餐车已是国际趋势,市政厅与协会初步合作,以测试公众对餐车服务的反应。

他也回应有意在隆市地区的提供流动餐车服务者需依据一般的小贩执照程序,向隆市政厅小贩组申请执照。

另外,峇都路零售商协会(BARRA)主席拿督刘伟强指出,协会属下有25个流动餐车商贩,其中15个年轻创业者于昨天开始,每逢周六晚上8时至12时及周日上午7时至10时,提供饮食类的服务。

今办荷兰脚车基建研讨会

吉隆坡市政厅将于近期举办荷兰脚车基建研讨会,并于明日(9月7日)上午在市政厅大厦主持推介仪式。

莫哈末纳吉说,隆市政厅与荷兰驻马大使馆配合举办研讨会,以针对脚车道设施事项展开交流。

吉隆坡市长拿督阿敏诺丁今早主持“绿色无车早晨”活动,与荷兰驻马大使馆一众代表,以及荷兰驻马大使夫妇哈利摩利纳及路易娜丝体验骑脚车乐趣。

荷兰驻马大使馆代表们也受邀体验流动餐车服务。

荷兰驻马大使哈利摩利纳指出,荷兰城市人早已视骑脚车往办公处上班为日常生活的一部分,乐于分享脚车道设施有趣概念,而吉隆坡半年内已设置脚车道,仍有提升设施的空间。

他说,其办公室毗邻公交站只是5分钟路程,为鼓励员工骑脚车上班,办公处范围有提供浴室及橱柜,以方便员工抵达办公处后更衣上班。

~以上新闻转自南洋商报~

2015年8月26日星期三

烟霾来袭‧雪隆灰蒙

烟霾来袭‧雪隆灰蒙

根据大马气象局及环境局的官网显示,雪隆各区今日的空气污染指数都出现逐渐上升的迹象,尽管如此,庆幸所有指数仍属中等水平。



虽然雪隆一带的污染指数处于中等水平,但依然可见烟霾。 (图:星洲日报)

截至下午5时,万津、瓜雪、八打灵再也、沙亚南、峇都慕达、蕉赖及布城的空气污染指数从中午12时开始节节上升。

其中,巴生港口的空气污染指数成为雪隆区指数最高的地区,中午12时呈78点,下午1时一度下跌至77点,不过下午2时再攀升至78点,并维持有关指数至下午5时。

至于沙亚南及峇都慕达的空气污染指数则位居第二高,都是73点;八打灵再也则位居第三,达72点。

灵市见度一度低至1公里

此外,能见度低的八打灵再也于下午4时一度骤降至1公里,下午5时则稍微升至2.8公里。

而雪邦的能见度也从早上的8公里开始下降,直至下午5时,能见度仅有4公里;梳邦的能见度则维持在4公里左右。

(星洲日报‧大都会)

2015年8月20日星期四

云顶福斯主题乐园明年开幕!

云顶福斯主题乐园明年开幕!

该主题乐园范围占地超过25英亩,共设有25项游乐乘骑、零售商店及主题餐饮店等,而它也是首个以电影世界为主题的户外游乐场,预计让前来游玩的旅客彷彿置身于电影中!

云顶集团主席兼总执行长丹斯里林国泰透露,在未来的几年,云顶集团还会有更多的“首创”,包括云顶综合旅游计划(Genting Integrated Tourism Plan),这将提升大马的经济和旅游业。在2016年,马来西亚云顶世界将见证全球首个二十世纪福斯主题乐园的隆重开幕。

该主题乐园范围占地超过25英亩,共设有25项游乐乘骑、零售商店及主题餐饮店等,而它也是首个以电影世界为主题的户外游乐场,预计将前来游玩的旅客彷彿置身于电影中。除了一般如黑暗探索、儿童乘骑及水上活动等乘骑,乐园亮点更包括多项以著名电影如《博物馆惊魂夜》、《冰河世纪》、《少年PI》等为主题的特效乘骑及以电影动画人物为主的梦幻巡游,以提供游客独特的玩乐新体验。此外,大马名胜世界云顶度假村也已在策划增建1300个住宿单位,以解决住宿不足的隐忧。  

丹斯里林国泰也表示,云顶当今的经济发展不仅仅是局限在马来西亚,云顶集团也进驻英国,旗下的伯明翰云顶世界(Resorts World Birmingham)将会是英国首个综合性度假胜地。在韩国,云顶也兴建济州云顶世界(Resorts WorldJeju)提供世界级综合性度假胜地,包括公寓式酒店和别墅。今年,云顶也为兴建云顶中华世界(Resorts World Las Vegas)进行动土仪式.

资料来源:东方日报

2015年8月14日星期五

KTMB services derails near Segambut station

Fallen tree derails KTMB services near Segambut station

Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) Berhad train services were disrupted by a fallen tree which obstructed the railway track near the Segambut station at about 6pm today.

A KTMB spokesperson said due to the mishap, trains using the line was delayed by more than 30 minutes.

"Services resumed at 9.30pm but only one track was in service," said the spokesperson when contacted by Bernama, here today.

Work on the damaged track would be restored fully by midnight, said the spokesperson. The fire and rescue department was called in to clear the tree from the track.

~News courtesy of The Sun~

2015年7月29日星期三

klia2 safe for operation, assures MAHB

klia2 safe for operation, assures MAHB

Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) gave its assurance that klia2's terminal, apron and taxiways are safe for operation.

"Safety is of utmost priority to us and we adhere to a very stringent regulatory regime by the Civil Aviation Department (DCA), in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommended practices," it said in a statement today.

MAHB said the low-cost carrier terminal's apron and taxiway are undergoing differential soil settlement.

"Of the total 1.48 million sq metre total klia2 airport area, only 2.3% is affected by this differential settlement that causes ponding and depression issues," said MAHB.

It pointed out that since the opening of klia2 in May last year, MAHB has been very diligent in monitoring the safety aspects of overall airport operations together with the relevant stakeholders.

"A Joint Inspection Committee (JIC) is the proper platform for the airport stakeholders to raise and resolve any operational issues including the update on the rectification works.

"The committee is chaired by klia2 head engineering, whose members include the principal assistant director of airport standards division from the civil aviation department (DCA), as well as ground safety managers and safety officers of AirAsia, AirAsia X and Malindo airlines," it said, adding that the committee has had 27 meetings to date.

It pointed out that onsite inspection and verification on the rectification works are conducted by all members of the JIC.

MAHB said it had complied with all required safety certifications, including the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) and DCA's Aerodrome Certificate.

MAHB was responding to comments by AirAsia Bhd CEO Aireen Omar, who in an interview, claimed that klia2 was "still sinking", stressing that the situation increases wear and tear on their planes and poses potential safety risks.

~News courtesy of The Sun~

Toyota Innova as new addition to TEKS1M fleet

Toyota Innova as new addition to TEKS1M fleet



Land Public Transport Commission chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar admires the Toyota Innova 2.0 liter (automatic) as a new addition to the Teksi 1Malaysia (TEKS1M) service in Kuala Lumpur today. Looking on his left is Public Cab Sdn Bhd managing director Frankie Yap. 

It is expected that at least 300 Innova cars will be added to TEKS1M fleet by year-end. 

The taxi industry received a boost with the introduction of Toyota Innova as part of Teksi 1Malaysia (TEKS1M) fleet, as an addition to the Proton Exora.

Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) expects around 300 Innova models to beef up the gold-brown TEKS1M fleet by year-end, in its quest to meet the commission's key-performance index to convert 42,642 budget and executive taxis to migrate to TEKS1M in the next five years.

To date, SPAD has issued 1,382 TEKS1M licences, a far cry from the commission's KPI of reaching 5,000 TEKS1M vehicles by end of 2015.

"We aim to increase TEKS1M vehicles availability from time to time. That's why Innova has been selected as an option, other than Proton Exora. Both models fit our requirements for the space of cabin inside as well as offering comfort to passengers while the drivers will be able to increase their daily income," said SPAD chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar at the launching of Toyota Innova at One World Hotel here today.

Other than the conversion to TEKS1M service, SPAD chief executive officer Mohd Nur Ismal Kamal said that the commission would allow the market force in the taxi industry to determine whether operators want the taxis to run as executive or budget taxi and change to TEKS1M.

"Until today, 1,021 TEKS1M operators have undergone training with us and there will be more cabbies to be trained in our objective for TEKS1M and our cabbies to emerge as one of the best cab services in Asia by 2017," he said.

As reported exclusively by theSun two months ago, Toyota Innova has been identified by SPAD as an option for TEKS1M vehicle and to address the production supply issue of Proton Exora since last year.

The Toyota Innova 2.0 litre is available for sale as TEKS1M at RM‎72,550 for manual transmission and RM75,333 for automatic transmission with the option to install NGV system at RM5,000 and it will be equipped as well with tracking performance device Centralised Taxi Service System (CTSS), cashless machine and other new features.

~News courtesy of The Sun~

提升服务减投诉 一马德士增设丰田车款

赛哈密:提升服务减投诉 一马德士增设丰田车款

陆路公共交通委员会主席丹斯里赛哈密宣佈,一个大马德士(TEKS1M)將增设丰田Innova车款,以提升国內德士服务及顾客的选择。

 他说,巴生谷目前有3万7000辆各式各样的德士,该委员会接获3367项把旧款德士更换为一个大马德士的申请,並已批准1382张一马德士执照,其它程序也在进行中。

 “一马德士的车款原为普腾EXORA,如今增设丰田Innova款式,无论舒適度、空间都让人满意,可互相媲美,希望籍此提升服务素质,减少顾客投诉。”

 赛哈密今日出席移交丰田车款的一个大马德士仪式时,这么指出。

司机可选择车款

 出席者有该委员会总执行长莫哈末诺依斯迈及营运部主任哈林胡先、UMW Toyota Motor(马)有限公司总裁拿督依斯美苏基及副主席竹山昭夫(Akio Takeyama)、Public Cab私人有限公司董事经理叶进来及豪华轿车司机与业者协会(PETEKMA)副主席沙里尔。

 赛哈密强调,该委员会仍支持国產车,也未全面以丰田Innova取代普腾EXORA,而是增设选择,就像英国伦敦的德士也有选择性,大马同样要朝国际水准前进。

 “司机们可自行选择要使用哪款车,顾客也可选择车款。”

 他补充,该委员会正分阶段提供一个大马德士司机培训,提升司机们的专业。

 此外,依斯美苏基说,目前该公司已接获300辆一个大马德士丰田Innova车款的订单,预料在年尾达至700辆的目標。

將付清巴士营运者支援基金

赛哈密说,该委员会將在获得財政部拨出城市巴士支援基金(Interim Stage Bus Support Fund)后,把拖欠的基金发放给巴士营运者,希望可在8月解决。

 他说,虽然巴士营运者强调政府已拖欠他们长达8个月的支援基金,但根据该委员会资料,最后一次付款记录是3月。

 “无论如何,我们获得財政部的拨款后,会一次过付清,拖欠巴士营运者的支援基金。”

 他针对巴士营运者日前召开记者会,申诉遭政府拖欠长达8个月的支援基金,这么指出。

 赛哈密说,该委员会十分关注此事,有关的拨款已在处理中,希望8月可以解决问题。

 “我们没有基金,是完全依赖政府,所以仍有待政府拨出基金。”

调整轻快铁车资下月定夺

赛哈密说,调整轻快铁车资须先提呈內阁,8月才会有决定。

 他受询及国家基建公司日前表示向该委员会建议调整轻快铁车资一事,这么指出。

 他说,国家基建公司已提出相关要求许久,基于此事將对人民造成影响,所以必须通过內批准。

 “但我认为,此次他们提出要求不合时,毕竟才发生两起事故,就说要调整车资。”

赛哈密:非打压国產车

赛哈密强调,增设丰田款的一个大马德士不是为了打击由前任首相敦马哈迪一手催生的普腾,此事完全和政治无关。

 他说,该委员会依旧支持国產车,所以不能撤换国產车,只是增设其它车款,这是转型的一步。

 “这款丰田Innova也是在本地组装,最后也是贡献予国家,我们是以国家利益作出考量,而非政治。”

 他针对媒体询问不继续增设普腾车款是否与敦马哈近月来频频向政府开炮有关,这么指出。

 赛哈密说,他从来没有想过有关揣测,指这个年代很多“扭曲者”。

 “之前我推介国產Exora时,也有人说我是国產代言人,现在又说我打压国產,我已习惯。”

 无论如何,他说该委员会会考虑推出小型的一个大马德士或是採用国產车,让顾客有更多选择。

~中国报~

2015年7月28日星期二

苦等一小时司机赶下车 一家四口搭城巴满肚火

苦等一小时司机赶下车 一家四口搭城巴满肚火



GO KL城市巴士的服务时间依旧维持旧时间,乘客容易混淆。

GO KL城市巴士更换服务时间没通知大众,乘客一家四口傻傻在夜晚枯等逾一句钟! 《南洋商报》读者黄汝政(28岁)向“哈罗南洋”投诉,他于本月11日,与太太带两位孩子到城中城参观书展。

“我们晚上9时许离开,乘坐GO KL城市巴士到安邦路一间大厦取车回家;可是司机到了拉惹朱兰路,突指前端塞车,叫往武吉免登的乘客下车走路过去。”

他说,基于本身是要回到安邦路,与家人没下车,司机见状,提高声量要求他们立即下车,还强调已下班,不会载他们到城中城,唤他们到对面车站等下一辆车。

被迫步行半小时取车

“可是,我们从晚上11时等到午夜12时,都没有看到有免费巴士到来,而车站告示牌指星期六的服务时间是从上午6时至午夜1时。”

他说,基于深夜,孩子抱怨累了,一家人只好走半小时路程到大厦取车,同时针对司机无礼以及巴士没按时服务,向陆路交通委员会投诉。

读者不满:浪费时间

黄政汝对于陆路交通委员会回应感惊讶,更担心有多少人如他们一家,痴痴地在午夜等巴士。

“当局回覆指调整了服务时间,星期六服务至晚上11时结束,并会针对司机态度一事,展开内部调查。”

他强调,本身每天有乘搭GO KL去上班,不曾看到巴士内或车站张贴通告通知更换时间,也尝试到GO KL城市巴士官方网站查看,依旧是旧时间表。

“有很多人都在使用GO KL服务,还包括游客,当局毫无通知下更改时间,令到无辜乘客白白浪费时间等车。”

他要求当局立即通过媒介公布最新服务时间,并在巴士内张贴通告,方便乘客阅读。

~南洋商报~

2015年7月27日星期一

中东客却步 流浪汉天堂 阿拉伯公园失败

中东客却步 流浪汉天堂 阿拉伯公园失败



每到中午时段, 公园椅子或坐或躺有许多身分不明的流浪汉。

武吉免登区柏利米路(Jalan Beremi)路阿拉伯公园不再吸引游客到来,反成为流浪汉聚集露宿地点,引发社会问题。

随着流浪汉人数越来越多,在椅子、亭子不够情况下,引发争执;有居民更传言上个月有3名流浪汉为争地盘而大打出手,其中一人送院不治。

阿拉伯公园位于武吉免登期金三角地带,早期为当地约500户住家绿肺地带。吉隆坡市政厅于2005年为开拓中东旅游市场,耗资百万令吉把该草地打造为阿拉伯公园,以吸引更多中东人到马旅游。

标志性茶壶不再流水

《南洋商报》记者走访阿拉伯公园时,发现当年曾遭反对及热议一时的阿拉伯公园美景不再,尤其是该标志性茶壶不再流水,而且雨水堆积池底,形成繁殖蚊虫的温床。

同时,富有中东色彩的牌楼、亭子,大都出现破损及龟裂,但整体卫生令人满意,还有工人在旁打扫。

只是亭子或树荫在中午时段,就有许多流浪汉躺在椅子上睡觉,或是坐在椅子上默默无语,身分不明。

记者也在该处逗留片刻,惟不见有游客到访。

外籍人聚居环境复杂 慈善布施招来流浪汉

柏利米路居民希望,阿拉伯公园重新被提升为合适各阶层居民使用的公园。

受访居民指出,当地大部分老居民已搬离,空置单位大多数出租给外籍人士居住,环境复杂;早期公园就经常发生外劳聚集喝酒闹事。

如今阿拉伯公园又演变为流浪汉天堂,加上有慈善团体到来布施,成为固定集聚地,难免引起社会问题,包括夜晚喧哗、闹事或制造垃圾问题。

居民也坦言,过去数年,鲜少见游客或中东人到来,公园原意不在。

方贵伦:市厅正洽谈 寻私企领养公园

武吉免登区会议方方贵伦指出,隆市政厅正找寻私人界领养阿拉伯公园。

“不少居民都向我投诉公园破烂,不符当年耗费百万令吉打造特色,如同虚设。”

无论如何,他说,据他向隆市政厅了解情况,当局目前正与私人企业洽谈领养该公园的事宜,并由领养企业耗资重新提升公园。

退休人士●单女士(80岁):居民鲜少公园活动

阿拉伯公园除建有数个牌楼及椅子外,并无特别设施,加上社会风气不好,附近住有多国的外劳,居民基本上鲜少到公园活动。

因此,阿拉伯公园平常成为流浪汉集聚地,晚上更有不少流浪汉到来露宿,或等待善心团体派饭,难免会引发社会问题或噪音。

据说上个月还有3位流浪汉为了争地盘,发生肢体冲突,一人受重伤死亡,使居民更不敢到该公园活动。

无论如何,最近听说公园将全面提升,并会围起防止车辆进入,我希望能打造适合居民使用的基设,如儿童游乐场及健身器材等。

退休人士●邱太太(60岁):流浪汉参与教会活

虽这公园是钢筋水泥城市里少见的绿肺,但鲜少使用,平常也不见有什么居民使用,外籍人较多,不太想到来。

偶尔会有教会的人在这里办活动及唱歌,有流浪汉参与,由于是公共地方,我们不便阻碍他人活动。

~南洋商报~

2015年7月22日星期三

游客涌入带动各业 适耕庄商机处处

适耕庄旅游多姿彩(上):游客涌入带动各业 适耕庄商机处处



2008年后, 适耕庄旅游业蓬勃发展。

适耕庄(Sekinchan)让人想到的,首先就是那一望无际的稻田,还有可口的海鲜,再来就是纯朴的风土人情。顾名思义,这个被喻为“鱼米之乡”的地方,在大家眼中就是一个不折不扣,既适合种稻,鱼产也丰富的好村庄。

适耕庄的成立,可追溯到1953年代马共出没的时期,当时马来亚进入紧急状态,英国殖民地政府为了取缔共产党,强制村民聚居生活,把这个沿海的种稻区慢慢形成了现有的垦殖A、B、C村和海口渔村。

近年来,随着当地旅游业蓬勃发展,适耕庄的名气愈是响当当,吸引不少国内外游客到访,尤其是想享受悠哉闲哉短途旅游者,适耕庄几乎都在选择名单内。

这个蜕变中的海口渔村,在该区州议员兼适耕庄旅游发展协会主席黄瑞林和理事、居民们的推动和努力打造下,商机处处。

得天独厚的适耕庄,近年崛起成为国内数一数二的旅游区,带动社区发展之余,处处商机让逾80%各行业业者从中受惠,也一并提高当地居民收入。

尤其经一番广泛宣传后,当地更是名声大噪,加上因为消费税的“效应”,以致许多国人选择本地旅游,游客蜂拥而入。

适耕庄区州议员兼适耕庄旅游发展协会主席黄瑞林说,单是在5月初的劳动节及卫塞节一连数天的黄金旅游周,就有逾万人涌入,粗略估计一天有300万令吉经济效益,显见旅游能带动社区的经济发展。

他接受《南洋商报》记者访问时说,旅游业蓬勃发展后,适耕庄的酒店、餐馆、土产店等如雨后春笋般林立,制造了商机,也提供了许多就业机会。

旅游业带动经济起飞

他以周末或假日为例,不少从事食品或餐饮的业者接应不暇,有的食品如虾饼、椰子、鸡蛋糕等,甚至卖到断市,生意可说好得不得了。

他强调,各行业生意好,受惠的却不仅是商家,也连带居民有更多机会的赚取外快,甚至找到创业机会。

“好比学生能到餐馆当招待员或当导游及翻译员,一些妇女可替酒店洗床单毛巾、打扫,甚至有居民家园种植的蔬菜都可提供给餐饮业,这么一来,让中下收入者有额外赚钱机会。”

他也说,当居民赚到了钱,自然出手阔绰,提高市场买气,进而让没有直接参与旅游业的业者得利,社区的经济便会起飞。

“所以说,有的居民认为他们并没有直接参与旅游或商业活动,无从受惠,但事实上,大家同心协力发展区内旅游业,人人都可从中受惠。”

年轻游子回流充满活力

适耕庄因旅游业而蜕变,商机无处不在,吸引不少年轻人回流继承家业,甚至自行开创生意,在经济市场上分一杯羹。

黄瑞林说,以往区内并没有“像样”的酒店,顶多只有两家旅馆,但目前区内有7间酒店,还有超过50间民宿。

他也说,由于区内土地见少买少,酒店建设受限,而且都会向上发展,也因此民宿日渐建立起来,一些以往丢空多时的房屋被翻新,让业主从中获利。

他说,从事酒店或民宿的业者,有的是外资,有的则是离乡背井多年的游子,他们看准了商机回流家乡做生意,令适耕庄重现年轻人的踪迹。

“以往我们都担心适耕庄居民外流,人口老化,但是现在不同了,很多年轻人回流,也有人愿意留在这里发展,让适耕庄变得充满活力。”

他说,年轻人有的是魄力,加上有创意的新点子,相信能为适耕庄更添特色,让游客百游不厌。

红毛港脚踏车店业者●胡朝明(48岁):3年增9家脚车店

我在3年前开设脚车店,当时区内只有两家脚车店,但目前已有11家,对商家而言非常竞争,但同时显见,区内旅游业发展,带动了商机。

这属良性竞争,业者们各有各做,务求尽量达到游客的需求。

在假日的高峰期,店里出租的脚车可达100辆,也曾出现接应不暇及脚车不够,游客因此“抢”脚车。

无论如何,我们希望到来的游客都能尽情享受假日;我希望政府当局能建设脚车道,让游客能更安全行驶。

阿嫲的家业者●魏爱芳(36岁):良性竞争才有进步

适耕庄近5年有很大改变,商机增加了虽对商家而言竞争大,但有竞争才有进步,最重要大家有共识要办得更好。

游客涌入无疑会制造垃圾,甚至有者在把稻折断,这都需要教育与觉醒。

假期时区内会塞车,不过据说会逐步落实单向道,希望能纾缓问题。

区内旅游业蓬勃发展不仅是商家获利,连居民也有更多机会增加收入,包括我会请一些学生替我顾店,所以我认为旅游发展是双赢的。

~南洋商报~