Restricted movement for 14 days

Restricted movement for 14 days



Public measure: The movement control order will limit congregation at religious, sport, social and cultural events.

PETALING JAYA: A movement control order will be imposed from tomorrow until the end of the month to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Prime Minister announced the measure after chairing the National Security Council (NSC) last night.

“The government has decided to enact the measure, starting March 18 until March 31, throughout the whole country.

“This order is being issued under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967, ” he said during a special broadcast.

The measure will restrict the movement and congregation at religious, sport, social and cultural events.

While public and business premises will be closed, Muhyiddin announced that supermarkets, sundry shops and other shops which sell daily essentials will remain open.

Overseas travel for Malaysians will be restricted while those returning to the country must undergo health checks and voluntary quarantine.

Educational centres and schools, including higher learning institutions, will also be closed during this period.

The Prime Minister assured the public that essential services will continue.

These include health services, utilities such as fuel and electricity, along with the Fire and Rescue Department, police and those involved in the food supply chain.

Muhyiddin said he will chair daily NSC meetings and periodic updates will be announced to the public.

He also urged for all Malaysians to be patient during these trying times and to comply with the restrictions.

He assured the public that enough food and essentials are available, including face masks.

But at the same time, he said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will monitor the supply of these items.

“I realise the public might feel these actions create difficulties and hardships during their day to day lives. However, such action must be taken by the government to contain the outbreak.

“We cannot wait any longer for the situation to turn more dire. Drastic measures have to be taken immediately, ” he said.

He urged the public not to panic and remain calm.

“I believe that with these measures, we will be able to contain the outbreak soon, ” he said.

Muhyiddin also thanked those directly involved in combating the Covid-19 outbreak, including health officers and public servants who have been working around the clock.

“I pray that you will remain strong in performing your duties for the country to ensure public safety, ” he said.

~The Star~

COVID-19: Malaysia bars entry of cruise vessels

COVID-19: Malaysia bars entry of cruise vessels

Malaysia will not to permit entry of cruise vessels to its ports with immediate effect due to the COVID-19 outbreak until the overall situation improves and the spread of the virus is contained, said Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He said in view of the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia and around the world, various measures were being taken by the Malaysian authorities to contain local transmission and to safeguard public health.

He said entry and transit of cruise vessels, passengers and crew members require considerable medical resources to be made available at ports for screening and treatment purposes.

"During this difficult period, it is important that more medical resources are concentrated at hospitals to attend to medical emergencies and undertake preventive measures.

"As such the Ministry of Health in consultation with other government ministries and agencies has taken the decision not to permit the entry of cruise vessels to Malaysian ports," he said in a Facebook posting today.

Dr Noor Hisham said the Health Ministry aknowledged that the cruise industry is an important component of Malaysia’s tourism sector and has contributed significantly to the Malaysian economy but was hopeful that this is a temporary measure and was confident that the concerted efforts of all parties will assist in resolving the issue at hand soonest possible.

-- BERNAMA

马来西亚全面禁止游轮停泊

马来西亚全面禁止游轮停泊

马来西亚政府发出指令，禁止所有游轮停泊在该国港口或码头。

当今大马引述《星报》报道，这个即时禁令是暂时性措施，由卫生部和交通部联合发出，并在槟州港务局发出通令给船主、代理商、港口和码头后才传开。

通令指出，所有游轮暂时禁止进入马来西亚所有的港口，直到另行通知为止。

巴生港务局也发出相同通知，说明尽管游轮业十分重要，但这个临时措施有其必要。

巴生港务局总经理苏巴马连表示，希望这个临时措施的实行及在所有人配合之下，能够尽快解决冠病所带来的问题。 马来西亚是继菲律宾、台湾、香港和日本后，实施游轮禁令的国家。

~早报网~

疫情影响中国游客来马·旅游部重组旅游年策略

疫情影响中国游客来马·旅游部重组旅游年策略

随着新型冠状病毒疫情影响中国游客来马，旅游、艺术及文化部将重组2020年旅游年宣传策略，转向其他国家市场。旅游部长拿督莫哈末丁哥达比指出，该部发现武汉疫情已导致中国游客人数剧降，而去年来马的中国游客占11%。

“令人关注的是我国人民特别是从事旅游业者，对于游客来马带来感染风险及负面影响的反应及担忧。”他主持旅游复苏行动委员会会议后，在记者会上这么说。

莫哈末丁提到，旅游年宣传将专注在新市场如欧洲、澳洲、中东、中亚、俄罗斯，以及东亚如日本及韩国，以吸引有素质及高消费的游客到我国。他说，该部也为东盟国家市场拟定“速赢”（Quick Win）策略，作为恢复国家旅游业的替代方案。该部将于2月10日至3月，在数个州属举办与民对话会，以获取旅游业者对于恢复旅游业的反馈。“此外，我也将与雪兰莪、槟城、柔佛及沙巴州政府商讨及寻找最佳方案，恢复各州旅游业。”

大马旅游局也受指示，与业者推广“旅游大马”活动，巩固本地旅游及平衡外国游客人数减少情况。 “旅游部也将与马航、马印航空及亚航深入商讨开拓新航线，尤其是欧洲、中东及中亚市场，因为目前许多飞往中国航班已暂停。”

~马新社~

吉隆坡国际机场全面消毒

吉隆坡国际机场全面消毒



工作人员清洗手推车。

机场进行大清洗，誓要驱赶所有病毒！

提防新型冠状病毒蔓延，雪兰莪州雪邦吉隆坡国际机场除了提升清洁与卫生，也进行消毒工作。



部分家长为年幼、抵抗力较弱的孩童戴上口罩，防范于未然。

星期二下午，吉隆坡国际机场高层安排工作人员，在机场进行全面消毒工作，凡是公众一般在机场都能够接触的东西，如手扶电梯与出入门口的手把等，都用清洁液一一清洗。

大马机场控股公司终站服务部高级经理哈斯曼星期二向媒体汇报时指出，消毒工作不仅是防范病毒，同时也可加强人们对机场安全的信心。

“无论如何，机场可说是高风险区，因此，在新型冠状病毒横行期间，防范工作是重要的。”

~光华日报~

传马国新隆高铁要减站点缩规模降成本

传马国新隆高铁要减站点缩规模降成本



消息指马来西亚政府明年5月宣布新隆高铁的最新情况时，预料将减少停靠站点及缩小站点建筑规模，以压低预计耗资上千亿令吉的成本。（档案照片）

马国《南洋商报》引述消息指马国政府为了降低成本，预料将减少新隆高铁站点和缩小站点建造规模，例如柔佛站点原本计划的大型商场将不会出现在首期计划内。消息没透露将舍弃马国七个站点中的哪个或哪些站点。

（吉隆坡综合讯）消息指马来西亚政府明年5月宣布新隆高铁的最新情况时，预料将减少停靠站点及缩小站点建筑规模，以压低预计耗资上千亿令吉的成本。

消息人士告诉《南洋商报》，马国政府计划采取上述两项措施以减低新隆高铁（HSR）成本。“例如柔佛依斯干达布蒂里站点面积将缩小。”

消息表示：“根据原本的蓝图，这个站点将建有购物商场。但根据新的‘缩小版计划’，当局将只着重兴建站点，原本计划的大型商场等其他设施将不会出现在第一期计划内。”消息说，另一项减低成本的措施是减少马国境内的七个站点。消息没透露将舍弃哪个或哪些站点。

据马来西亚高铁机构早前的宣布，马国境内的原有的七个站点包括吉隆坡马来西亚城、布城、芙蓉、马六甲，以及柔佛的麻坡、峇株巴辖和依斯干达布蒂里，然后延伸到新加坡裕廊东的高铁终站。

峇株巴辖站最可能被舍弃

据了解，上述七个站点之中，吉隆坡站与布城站最不可能舍弃，芙蓉站与马六甲站又是森美兰及马六甲唯一高铁站点，舍弃的可能性也不高。

至于柔佛境内的三个站点，依斯干达布蒂里站点直接连接新加坡，因此较不可能舍弃，麻坡则是内政部长、希盟署理主席与土著团结党主席慕尤丁的选区所在，慕尤丁多年来都视高铁站点为其政绩之一。因此相比之下，最有可能割爱的可能是峇株巴辖站。

消息人士也透露，马方也将征地赔偿金和站点设计费，列为可以降低成本的关键领域。

关于新隆高铁的成本，纳吉政府指其成本约550亿令吉（约184亿新元）。但经济事务部长阿兹敏7月18日在国会下议院答询时表示，新隆高铁实际成本高达1100亿令吉（约359亿新元）。

新加坡与马来西亚在2016年12月签署“新隆高铁双边协定”，打造全长350公里、新加坡直通吉隆坡的高铁服务。此计划原定2018年动工、2026年底投入运作，但希盟赢得去年5月大选上台后，再次出任首相的马哈迪先以减少国家债务为由，要取消新隆高铁计划，过后则要求展延工程。

两国经过几轮谈判，终于在去年9月签署协定，同意把高铁工程展延约两年。马来西亚为此必须赔偿新加坡1500万新元的延期费用。

双方虽同意延迟新隆高铁项目开工日期，但开工日期不能晚于明年5月31日，也就是希盟政府成立超过两年之后，否则马方就视同毁约而必须额外赔偿新方超过6600万新元。

新加坡交通部：至今未收到马国任何正式企划书

新加坡交通部发言人受询时指出，新加坡至今尚未收到马来西亚有关新隆高铁项目的任何正式企划书。

~早报网~

A friendlier Immigration experience

A friendlier Immigration experience



Immigration officers will be taught basic Mandarin and other essential languages in an effort to provide a friendlier service at the country’s entry points.

Besides easing communication, Immigration Department director-general Datuk Khairul Dzaimee Daud (pic) said the move was also made in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign.

“As part of our ongoing effort to improve the Immigration Department, we want to enhance our counter service, especially at the KLIA (KL International Airport) and other airports.

“Our officers must provide a friendly service because they are our visitors’ first impression of the country when they arrive.

“Those who are stationed at counters will be taught a basic level of Mandarin and other languages to help ease communication, ” he said in an interview ahead of the Immigration Department Day celebrations today.

Khairul Dzaimee, who took over the helm of the department in January this year, said one of his focus areas was personal development for all his officers.

“For me, training and upskilling of our officers is a very important aspect.

“This year, we increased the training period for our cadet officers to four months.

“As for existing officers, they, too, will be required to attend intensive courses to improve themselves, ” he said.

He also spoke on instilling integrity among Immigration officers.

“My wish is for the Immigration Department to be an enforcement agency that is respected by all because of the integrity of our officers, ” he added.

Besides training, Khairul Dzaimee said the department would also beef up its enforcement operations.

“When I inherited the department, we already had a policy where there is no day without an enforcement operation.

“I continued that policy and we intend to increase it further.

“With the Back For Good (B4G) amnesty programme ending on Dec 31, we will ensure that on Jan 1 we will go ahead with our enforcement efforts on a massive scale.

“There will be no compromise for illegal immigrants who are caught after the programme, ” he said.

Khairul Dzaimee also said the department did not intend to extend the deadline of the Back For Good programme.

“As we are approaching the deadline, we see the queues at the Immigration Department getting longer and we expect this to increase further.

“To accommodate this, we have extended our operating hours from 5pm to 10pm on weekdays. We also open on Saturdays until 3pm.

“However, the Home Ministry has made it clear that there will be no extension of the Dec 31 deadline, ” he added.

The B4G programme was introduced this year as an effort to reduce the number of illegal immigrants in the country.

Under the programme, illegal immigrants are allowed to return home without punishment as long as they pay a RM700 compound and can produce flight tickets.

On the Immigration Department Day celebrations, Khairul Dzaimee said for the first time, the department would honour outstanding officers with medals.

The department would also be giving out a special award to an individual for his lifelong contribution to the department.

~The Star~

KLIA systems still down, passengers advised to arrive four hours before flight

KLIA systems still down, passengers advised to arrive four hours before flight



Passengers departing from the KL International Airport (KLIA) are advised to reach the airport four hours before their flight departure time as systems disruption has yet to be resolved.

According to Malaysia Airports, the team is still in the midst of stabilising the system as of 6am Friday (Aug 23).

It urged passengers to arrive at the airport early and check-in via their respective airlines' mobile app or website.

In a statement, Malaysia Airports said they have utilised all 38 remote bays at KLIA Main Terminal to cater to aircraft that are not able to proceed to the scheduled gates as they are still being occupied.

"Following this, we have also provided four additional buses, as well as ground handling services for the airlines in order to facilitate passenger movements to ferry passengers to the remote bays from the terminal and vice versa," it said.

It added that it has extended operating hours at all its other airports nationwide to cater to delayed flights from Kuala Lumpur, and have provided free parking for all passengers at KLIA Main Terminal.

In an unforeseen first-ever disruption of its airport management system, the operations of KLIA came to a halt for hours, with scores of flights delayed and passengers left stranded and frustrated.

The interruption, which hit on Wednesday (Aug 21) night, continued the following day.

As at 10.30am Thursday (Aug 22), there were 20 flights delayed at KLIA main terminal.

The flights were scheduled to take off for destinations in Japan, Australia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Britain and Dubai as well as domestically, Penang, and Kuching and Sibu in Sarawak.

~The Star~

KLIA系统故障航班大延误·

KLIA系统故障航班大延误· 大马机场公司：抢修后逐步复常



根据马新社观察，KLIA的情况受到控制。

吉隆坡国际机场两个终站的系统周三晚上出现短暂故障，数十班机受影响延飞，大马机场公司在周四中午宣布KLIA2的班机资讯荧幕系统（FIDS）及其他系统恢复正常。

根据大马机场公司在文告中指出指出，从周三晚上开始出现干扰的吉隆坡国际机场两个终站的系统运作。受影响的机场系统包括无限网络连接系统、班机资讯荧幕系统（FIDS）、办理登机手续柜台和行李处理系统（BHS）。

此外，吉隆坡第二国际机场(KLIA2）的班机资讯荧幕系统无法运作。

大马机场公司提醒乘客在起飞时间的前4个小时抵达机场，以及向航空公司检查最新的飞行时间表。

尽管如此，一些不在名单内的航班也受波无法准时起飞。一名搭客表示，他飞往新加坡的班机并不在这20班延误飞机的名单上，他乘搭的航班原订下午3时起飞，但是直到下午4时40分才上机。

班机资讯荧幕系统复常

机场管理公司周四中午发出第二份文告指出，指KLIA2的班机资讯荧幕系统（FIDS）及其他系统已经恢复正常。

文告指出，机场管理公司的技术人员正在进行抢修，让主要的乘客服务系统保持稳定。

“我们已经向相关单位汇报最新进展和纾缓计划，包括民航局、各家航空公司代表、航空业者委员会主席。”

文告指出，该公司也派出500名员工协助乘客。

详情可以向机场的亲善大使查询，或拨电03-8776 2000。

另一方面，马航在推特发文指出，由于机场网络问题影响所有航空公司的系统运作，马航以人工处理报到和登机的手续。

“马航以人工方式处理报到和登机手续，因此比平常可能需要更长的时间，任何不便，我们深感抱歉。”

马航促请所有从KLIA登机的乘客通过手机或网络处理登机手续。



游客可以向KLIA安排的亲善大使查询。

KLIA咨询处现人潮

根据马新社观察，KLIA上午的情况尚好，中午开始繁忙，越来越多乘客抵达机场，聚集在咨询处查询详情。

客户服务经理罗斯玛娃蒂指出，从凌晨3时开始，该公司加派亲善大使在现场回答乘客的提问。

“一般上乘客会询问哪里可以登机，班机起飞时间及登机门的地点等。”

她说，目前没有游客生气的情况，他们很体谅机场所面对的问题。

“办理登机手续需要比较长的时间，大约10分钟，今天可能需要更长时间，因为需要人工处理。”

信用卡交易也受影响

另一方面，下午2时左右，在KLIA餐馆和零售商店的信用卡交易也受到影响，KLIA2则没有受影响。

大约一个小时半之后，该公司才在推特宣布，信用卡交易已经恢复正常。

作者 ： 石珮嘉
文章来源 ： 星洲日报 2019-08-22

KLIA systems disruption: 20 flights delayed

KLIA systems disruption: 20 flights delayed



PETALING JAYA: As at 10.30am Thursday (Aug 22), 20 flights departing KL International Airport (KLIA) have been delayed, says Malaysian Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB).

MAHB said its technical team is in the midst of stabilising critical passenger-facing systems at the airport.

It added that it had briefed relevant stakeholders such as the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM), representatives of airlines operating in KLIA, and the Airline Operators Committee (AOC) chairman on the latest updates and mitigation plans.

“We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this disruption.

"Please be assured that we are sparing no effort to provide assistance to passengers and airlines, ” MAHB said in a statement Thursday, adding that 500 staff had been deployed to assist passengers on the ground.

It also said that all critical passenger-facing systems at KLIA including the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) are fully functional.

MAHB had earlier said that several airport systems were affected by the disruption, including WiFi connections, the FIDS, and the Check-In-Counters and Baggage Handling Systems (BHS).

It said that passengers could get more information from MAHB's social media feeds and advised them to reach the airport at least four hours before their flight departure time.

MAHB also encouraged passengers to check-in via the respective airlines’ mobile apps or websites.

It also urged passengers to reach out to their Airport CARE Ambassadors or contact 03-8776 2000 for further information on flight details.

~The Star~

Airasia launches new route Kuala Lumpur-Belitung

Airasia launches new route Kuala Lumpur-Belitung



AirAsia has launched a new route connecting Kuala Lumpur to Belitung in Sumatra, Indonesia with four times weekly direct service commencing from Oct 2, 2019.

To celebrate this new route, AirAsia is offering special all-in members fare from as low as RM79 (all-in-fares are for AirAsia BIG member only) from Kuala Lumpur.

It could be booked on airasia.com or the AirAsia mobile app from today until Aug 25, 2019, for travel between Oct 2, 2019, and March 28, 2020, the airline said in a statement today.

“BIG members will enjoy zero processing fees when making payment using BigPay,” it said.

AirAsia regional commercial head Amanda Woo said the new route is also a testament to the airline's commitment to support the Indonesian government in its efforts to develop 10 new priority tourism destinations.

“Indonesia has more to offer than just Bali and Lombok. Belitung is a beautiful, amazing place with huge untapped tourism potential, and we hope that with this new direct service, more and more people will be able to discover this hidden gem,” she said.

In addition to the new route, AirAsia also operates daily flights to Belitung from the Indonesian capital Jakarta beginning Oct 1, 2019.

AirAsia currently connects Kuala Lumpur to 14 other Indonesian destinations - Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Bali, Lombok, Yogyakarta, Pekanbaru, Pontianak, Padang, Palembang, Semarang, Makassar, Bandung and Banda Aceh.

-- BERNAMA

成为亚细安物流枢纽 泰国要建跨亚洲多国高铁网络

成为亚细安物流枢纽 泰国要建跨亚洲多国高铁网络



泰媒报道，高铁工程主要分为泰国到老挝及中国南部、泰国到柬埔寨、泰国到马来西亚和新加坡，以及曼谷到清迈四条路线，全长达3193公里，造价约914亿新元。

（曼谷讯）泰国政府希望通过一个横跨亚洲多国的高铁网络，致力推动泰国发展成为亚细安的物流枢纽。

《曼谷邮报》报道，这项庞大工程主要分为泰国到老挝及中国南部、泰国到柬埔寨、泰国到马来西亚和新加坡，以及曼谷到清迈四条路线，全长达3193公里，造价约2.07万亿泰铢（约914亿新元）。

可从中国开到新加坡

泰国交通部副部长拜林说，泰国政府希望这个高铁网络可以从中国一路开往新加坡。他说：“到时候，人们就可从曼谷城区挽赐（Bang Sue）乘高铁北上中国北京或南下新加坡。”

连接曼谷和毗邻老挝的东北部廊开府（Nong Khai）的第一阶段工程正在兴建，预计2023年竣工。这一段铁路长达608公里，落成之后，将会成为曼谷通往老挝的主要运输系统。

下一段铁路将把泰国和老挝边境与老挝首都万象连接，最后一段铁路则会将万象与中国云南省边城磨憨镇相连接。

据一个不愿具名的老挝官员说，万象与磨憨镇之间长达414公里的铁路至今已经完成了55%，衔接万象与廊开的铁路工程也已经展开。

他说：“这是一个将我们从内陆国家转变为有土地联系的国家。”他指，目前人们要从万象前往磨憨镇需要两天，但如后有了高铁，来往这两地“就只需要三个小时”。

老挝希望跨国高铁网络能促进经济发展。受访官员预计，有了这条高铁路线，未来到访老挝的中国游客每年可能多达1000万至2000万人次。

泰国也希望借助这个跨国高铁网络来刺激其经济发展，尤其是该铁路网络将把廊开与泰国东部经济走廊（EEC）衔接起来；泰国东部经济走廊是在泰国东部沿海三府北柳、春武里和罗勇设立的国家经济特区，旨在将泰国东部打造为一个现代智能生产的工业中心。

由于项目的重要性和成本非常高，政府应该认真地与中国谈判，并研究随后的利益和条件。从长远来看，我们需要能自己照顾铁路的一切运作，而毋需依靠中国。——泰中战略研究中心前主任阿克松斯里

泰国国立法政大学经济学院副教授、泰中战略研究中心前主任阿克松斯里表示，高铁网络是中国倡议“一带一路”计划的一部分，落成后将会提高泰国的竞争力和与邻国的联系。

不过她指出，发展高铁网络存在一定担忧，主要是在软件和系统安全方面，其他可能影响铁路网络建造项目的障碍还包括“高建筑和征收成本”。放眼望去，泰国日后决定购买中国科技时，也必须明智地进行谈判。

她说：“由于这个项目的重要性和其成本非常高，政府应该认真地与中国谈判，并研究随后的利益和条件。从长远来看，我们需要能自己照顾铁路的一切运作，而毋需依靠中国。”

~联合早报~

Free Tourist Sim Card @ KLIA

Free Tourist Sim Card @ KLIA

Landing in KLIA

Lot No 5, Arrival Hall Level 3
Lot No 1, Main Terminal Building Level 1
Lot No 5, Contact Pier Link Bridge

Landing in KLIA2

Lot PR-04-52, International Arrival before Immigration
Lot L2-74, Level 2 International Arrival before

Details at https://www.u.com.my/extras/promotions/traveller-sim

Dr M: No need for high-speed rail in M'sia, yet

Dr M: No need for high-speed rail in M'sia, yet [NSTTV]

Malaysia does not yet need a high-speed train service, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.

“At the moment, a high-speed train (service) is not really necessary for Malaysia, especially as it is only within Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

“Later on, we might need a high-speed train from Johor Baru to Penang or even to the Thai border. So, we will not build the high-speed train yet,” he told reporters after launching local rail engineering innovation exhibition and technology showcase, or TECHNOMART.

Instead, Dr Mahathir said, the government was more keen on improving the existing railway services.

“We want to improve the quality of service given by our railway system, and that has been done to some extent, by double tracking and electrification.”

The prime minister, however, said Malaysia would go back to the discussion table with Singapore within two years to discuss the High-Speed Rail project.

“We have spoken to Singapore. For the time being, we are not going to build (the high-speed rail). We (have) asked for two years before we begin talks again.

“(For) the HSR at the moment, we are not giving out any contracts but we have had to compensate to Singapore earlier.”

Dr Mahathir was also asked whether Singapore would be agreeable to the idea of the HSR being connected to the Thai border.

“No, I don’t think they will consider. We only think about Kuala Lumpur.”

On the possibility of having an HSR alignment from Johor Baru to Penang, the prime minister said eventually, Malaysia would need such an alignment.

“When the time comes. We are not yet in need of such an alignment. Eventually, we will need it.”

On Sept 5, 2018, Singapore agreed to suspend the construction of the project until the end of May 2020.

As a result of Malaysia’s request for the deferment, it agreed to pay an abortive cost of S$15 million (RM45.6 million) to Singapore by Jan 31 of this year.

Dr Mahathir also said Malaysians had begun to appreciate using the railway system, which had improved over time.

He said some Malaysians would rather use the existing railway services than driving and facing traffic jams.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Firefly to resume Singapore flights with twice-daily trips

Malaysian carrier Firefly to resume Singapore flights with twice-daily trips



Malaysian budget carrier Firefly said on Friday (Apr 12) that it will resume flights to Singapore with two trips a day.

The move comes after Malaysia suspended its permanent Restricted Area over Pasir Gudang indefinitely, while Singapore withdrew the Instrument Landing System procedures at Seletar Airport, paving the way for Firefly to resume operations.

Firefly will offer two flights a day between Subang and Seletar Airports from April 22 to 28, followed thereafter by six daily flights, it said.

"The schedule takes into account stringent safety measures that are in compliance with the technical requirements established by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia," it said.

Chief executive officer Philip See said the flights will play a significant role in strengthening economic and social ties between Singapore and Malaysia.



"It's important for business, for connecting family and friends, and for tourism, to have our Singapore flights reinstated," he said.

"The new schedule, along with other service enhancements, will be progressively rolled out over the coming months."

Going forward, the 12-year-old airline aims to resume a full schedule once the necessary technical and regulatory approvals are secured.

Tickets are available for purchase from Friday via website www.fireflyz.com.my, the mobile app or the call centre at 03-7845 4543.

Firefly suspended its flights to Singapore in December last year, after it was unable to obtain approval from Malaysia’s aviation regulator to move its operations from Changi Airport to Seletar Airport.

Before the suspension, Firefly offered 20 daily flights between Singapore and Subang, Ipoh and Kuantan.

Source: Bernama/CNA/aj(mi)

Travellers against departure levy

Travellers against departure levy

AS the feud intensifies between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and AirAsia, so too the voices from air travellers against the imposition of a departure levy, as well as increase in passenger service charge (PSC).

Malaysians, however, said they were determined to continue travelling.

The New Straits Times’ travel pullout, JOM!, inasurvey conducted on its Facebook page to identify the travel trends of Malaysians, found the majority objecting to both charges.

Of the 663 respondents, 73.2 per cent did not agree that klia2 and other Malaysian international airports should charge the same PSC as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The survey, which comprises eight questions, ran for 11 days.

Effective Jan 1 last year, PSC for those travelling beyond Asean was increased from RM50 to RM73.

It has more than doubled since 2017 for passengers using klia2.

Passengers were charged RM32 before 2017 for travelling beyond Asean via klia2, and it increased to RM50 in 2017.

Since the increase, AirAsia Group Bhd and AirAsia X Bhd have refused to collect the additional RM23, with the justification that the facilities in klia2 were inferior compared with a full-service carrier terminal.

On Dec 11 last year, Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of MAHB, served a writ of summons on AirAsia Group’s unit, AirAsia Bhd (AAB), for RM9.4 million in PSC that AAB had not and refused to collect from travelling passengers.

Malaysians said the departure levy would not encourage domestic tourism as envisaged. Travellers said they would continue to travel, with 4.3 per cent of respondents saying they would travel within the country, 71.6 per cent within Asean and 24.1 per cent beyond that.

The departure levy proposed in the 2019 Budget for air travellers leaving the country is set to roll out in full force in June.

It is set at RM20 to Asean countries and RM40 for non-Asean countries.

The levy was to raise revenue allowing the government to collect a few hundred million ringgit annually, Transport Minister Anthony Loke had said.

DEPARTURE LEVY FRUSTRATION

Shamala Raj, 27, a frequent traveller, said the departure levy would not stop her excursions.

“I understand that the government wants to encourage domestic tourism, but if I have visited all the places that I want to visit in Malaysia, I will still travel abroad for my holidays.

“I believe the idea of introducing a departure levy to encourage people to travel within Malaysia is not effective as some may prefer to travel out of the country, despite the charges.”

She said the government should relook the departure levy as it would deter foreign tourists since the charges were more compared with other Asean countries.

“There are many other ways to collect the revenue, but the government should study this well before implementing it as it may have an adverse effect on Malaysia.”

Mohd Syukri Salleh, 34, who travels to London at least three or four times a year on business, said the extra RM40 would make him look for other options.

“Yes, the RM40 may not sound a lot, however, for a frequent traveller like me, it is an extra cost.

“I will fly as usual, but will look for a cheaper option when the departure levy comes into effect in June.”

Besides travelling on business, Syukri travels regularly for holidays and he did not agree with the increase in the passenger service charge, mainly for klia2.

“I understand the frustration that is brought up by the management of AirAsia. klia2 is a low-cost carrier terminal and it does not have the same facilities as KLIA. So, how can they expect the passengers to pay the same amount?”

The effectiveness of the departure levy, introduced to improve domestic tourism, was debatable, said Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) economist Adli Amirullah.

“Some might say they prefer to travel domestically using land transport, hence a higher departure levy will not affect such consumers.”

He said the departure levy might affect international tourists and deter them from choosing Malaysia as their Southeast Asian destination, compared with neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Indonesia.

“IDEAS’ study has shown that Malaysians are already paying one to three per cent more tax on full-service flight tickets to nearby destinations, compared with other Asean nations.

“This pressures the Malaysian aviation market and possibly limits the growth of tourism, as other nearby countries are cheaper to visit.”

He said although Malaysian tourism growth looked prosperous with the travel sector contributing 13.4 per cent to total gross domestic product and 11.8 per cent to the total employment in 2017, statistics had stated that there had been a three per cent reduction in tourism arrivals in Malaysia.

“It shows that Malaysia tourism is growing but at a much slower rate.

“With the number of arrivals turning negative and expected to be adjusted downwards, the losses of the tourism industry may be magnified by the departure levy.”

~New Straits Times~

Visa exemption for China tourists extended to Dec 2019

Visa exemption for China tourists extended to Dec 2019

The 15-day visa exemption for tourists from China has been extended from Jan 1 to Dec 31 this year, a piece of good news for local tourism industry players.

With many Chinese nationals going on holiday during the Chinese New Year next month and China’s National Day Golden Week break in October, Malaysia’s tourism association is hopeful that the exemption will boost arrivals.

Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Jan 2 made three separate orders to grant visa exemptions for Chinese and Indian tourists.

The orders granting the exemption under the Passports Act 1966 were published on Jan 3 in the Federal Government Gazette.

The three are: Passports (Exemption of Visa to Tourist Who is Citizen of The People’s Republic Of China) Order 2019; Passports (Exemption of Visa to Tourist Who is Citizen of India) Order 2019; and Passports (Exemption of Visa to Expatriate Who is Citizen of India) Order 2019.

Chinese tourists were first granted the 15-day visa exemptions on Oct 1, 2015, while Indian citizens including expatriates who visit Malaysia as tourists were first given exemptions on April 1, 2017.

The exemptions for both countries were extended every year since.

The exemption for tourists who are citizens of China comes with a number of conditions.

According to the orders, applicants must register with an electronic travel registration and information system provided by the Immigration Department.

They must have a return ticket and must produce on arrival, proof of sufficient pocket money, credit card or bank card with the UnionPay, AliPay or eWallet logo.

They must also produce their itinerary in Malaysia upon arrival.

The orders stated that the 15-day exemption could not be extended, and upon leaving Malaysia, the tourist was only allowed to re-register for exemption again after three months. 

The exemption for tourists who are citizens of India has almost similar conditions while the exemption of Indian expatriates applies to all citizens of India working as expatriates outside India in all countries except Singapore.

They are granted the exemption when travelling to Malaysia as tourists.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Departure levy at 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~

吉隆坡-泰国合艾 KL-Hatyai Thailand(KKKL Express)

Departs daily from KL(TBS)
由吉隆坡南湖镇终站每日发车

9am, 10.30pm 

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~