Public transport and motorbikes can travel, too

Public transport and motorbikes can travel, too

Bukit Aman has decided to allow public transport and motorcycles to make journeys across state lines.

Federal CID director Comm Datuk Huzir Mohamed said the decision was made after assessing the current situation on the roads.

He said police observed and studied the movement on highways and federal roads yesterday and found traffic to be smooth.

Comm Huzir, however, said only public transportation and motorcyclists with approval from the authorities would be allowed to make the interstate trips.

~The Star~

MAS: All passengers must wear face masks, starting Thursday (April 23)

MAS: All passengers must wear face masks, starting Thursday (April 23)

All Malaysia Airlines passengers are now required to bring and wear their own protective masks effective April 23, 2020, at touch-points such as check-in, boarding, in the aircraft cabin, disembarkation and collection of baggage on arrival to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

This requirement applies to all passengers (excluding infant) travelling on all Malaysia Airlines’ domestic, international and charter flights, to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of each passenger and airline employee, it said in a statement here Wednesday (April 22).

Malaysia Airlines will not accept passengers that do not have/wear a face mask at the time of check-in and boarding, it stressed.

"For passengers’ own comfort, especially on long haul flights, you are advised to bring additional masks and hand sanitisers for your own use.”

Passengers are also reminded to respect the personal space of others and observe social distancing where required and to comply with other safety measures in our pre-departure and arrival processes to ensure you have a safe journey.

The safety of its passengers and staff is of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines. - Bernama

Taxis and e-hailing vehicles to operate from 6am to 10pm

Taxis and e-hailing vehicles to operate from 6am to 10pm 

Taxi, e-hailing and delivery services will only be allowed to be on the road for specific hours daily from today during the extended movement control order (MCO), says the Transport Ministry.

“From April 1 onwards, during the MCO, taxis and e-hailing vehicles are allowed to operate from 6am to 10pm.

“Delivery services are allowed to operate between 8am and 8pm, ” the ministry said in a statement yesterday.

The ministry is encouraging logistics and transportation companies involved with delivering essential goods to do so between 7pm and 7am, the most unhindered movement during the extended MCO.

It said operational hours under the MCO for stage buses, express buses, trains and their terminals continue to be limited to 6am to 10am and 5pm to 10pm as announced previously.

The statement said the restriction, covering the two-week extended MCO period, was necessary in line with the government’s efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19 infections and put the country on the path to full recovery.

“Several difficult decisions had to be made under the second phase of the MCO from April 1-14.

“For measures related to public transportation, they are aimed to further reduce person-to-person contact on buses, rail services, taxis and in e-hailing services, and break potential chains of infection on these modes of transportation, ” the statement added.

The ministry reminded passengers to adhere to regulations and social distancing practices, including reducing crowding while using public transportation during the extended MCO period.

~The Star~

Covid 19 Update

KTMB to suspend interstate, intercity train services from Wed

KTMB to suspend interstate, intercity train services from Wednesday (March 25)

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will be suspending its interstate and intercity train services beginning Wednesday (March 25), and not on Tuesday (March 24) as stated earlier.

According to a statement issued on Monday (March 24), the suspension of the services is until the end of the movement control order (MCO) and the effective date was deferred to Wednesday as many commuters have bought the tickets for tomorrow's train services.

Earlier, its chief executive officer Datuk Kamarulzaman Zainal said with the suspension of the services, only two services - Electric Train Services (ETS) and KTM Intercity - would operate daily, compared to eight in the normal situation.

He said KTM Komuter operation would be reduced to 49 services a day for the Klang Valley and north sector while services of several other trains would be continued to serve certain needs.

"This includes the transporting of medical and food supplies as well as the movement of staff of various critical services involved in the enforcement of the MCO," he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Kamarulzaman said Skypark Link train services between Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang would be reduced to four services daily, against eight before.

However, he said KTMB would fully suspend Ekspres Rakyat Timuran, Ekspres Selatan and Shuttle Tebrau services until the MCO enforcement ended.

"Passengers can make amendments or cancel their tickets via the website www.ktmb.com.my, ” he said.

Meanwhile, Express Rail Link (ERL) in a separate statement, said it would limit its services, effective Tuesday (March 24) until further notice.

ERL said the KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) Ekspres and KLIA Transit will run as a combined service at 30-minute intervals from 6am to 10am, and 5pm to 10pm daily.

"Please note that there will be no train services at other times,” the statement said.

Also, the journey time between KL Sentral and KLIA will take 35 minutes, while all departures at the KL Sentral Station will be from KLIA Ekspres Departure platform. - Bernama

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~

MATTA: Malaysia is safe for travellers

MATTA: Malaysia is safe for travellers



Fair bargains: (From left) Only World Group Holdings Bhd founder Tan Sri Richard C.K. Koh, Kho and Phua at the media conference to announce the Cuti-Cuti Malaysia programme.

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), which is seeking to shore up domestic tourism, is assuring travellers that Malaysia is safe for holidaymakers.

“Malaysia is safe to travel. And for Malaysians, if the price is right there will be action,” said Rocky Kho, chairman of the oversight committee on MATTA Fair’s Cuti-Cuti Malaysia.

He cited the Finance Ministry’s personal income tax relief of up to RM1,000 on expenses for domestic tourism, which was part of Stimulus Package 2020 announced last month.“That is an incentive for Malaysians to travel domestically,” he told a press conference yesterday that was focused on Cuti-Cuti Malaysia events by MATTA Fair, which will be held on April 4 and 5 at the KL Convention Centre.

MATTA said the event would be the first-ever fully local tourism-centric event under its banner.

While there are no plans to have temperature checks during the event, medical personnel will be on standby.

Amid the drop in the tourism industry globally in view of the Covid-19 outbreak, Kho said the domestic tourism market was there to tap into.

“We really don’t know when this outbreak will be over. We’re praying hard that things will pick up again by May. We are hearing news from China that the numbers would be coming back by the end of April, hopefully,” he said.

MATTA chief executive officer Phua Tai Neng said they would follow guidelines set by the Health Ministry in combating the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

“We are always guided by their advice,” he said.

On another matter, MATTA congratulated Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri for her appointment as Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister.

“We have met with YB before and I think she is a very good minister. She’s very open,” said Phua.

~The Star~

New Tourism Minister pledges effective solutions to boost industry

New Tourism Minister pledges effective solutions to boost industry



New Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri is committed to coming up with effective solutions and long-term measures for the tourism sector.

The Batang Sadong MP said she was aware that many industry players, including airlines, were facing trying times from Covid-19 and falling oil prices.

"With the apparent impact of Covid-19 on the world economy, businesses and routines are adversely affected. Coupled with the downward trend of crude oil prices, it is clear that we have to work harder to overcome the challenges ahead.

"I believe our economy is resilient enough to face these challenges.

"With this new Cabinet line-up, we shall take advantage of all opportunities available to persevere through this crisis," she said in a statement on Tuesday (March 10).

Nancy thanked Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for their trust in appointing her to the Cabinet.

She pledged to put the needs of the country and people first in her ministerial duties and to uphold the principles of fairness and equity.

"I shall endeavour to continue serving the people of Malaysia regardless of race, religion and political alliances.

"My focus will be on delivery with the notion of accountability to the rakyat," she said.

She also assured Sarawakians that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) would remain focused on preserving and safeguarding the state's constitutional rights and the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
v "To my constituents in Batang Sadong, I am still the same Nancy Shukri you know and will continue to serve you in my capacity as the Member of Parliament of Batang Sadong," she added.

~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

Tourist events to go on unless WHO advises otherwise

Tourist events to go on unless WHO advises otherwise, says DPM

The Deputy Prime Minister said events on a big scale can proceed as usual despite the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.

“We will see how the situation is. If WHO says we are not allowed to have big gatherings then we will issue statements or directives, ” she told a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 29) after visiting the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre here.

She said this when asked if the government intends to restrict Thaipusam celebrations next weekend in Batu Caves, which will be visited by both local and international visitors.

Dr Wan Azizah said the 2019-nCoV virus outbreak is under control and reminded people not to spread false or fake news that can cause uneasiness.

She said 57 hospitals are available for screenings, out of which, 26 have been identified to handle the suspected cases that need further examination and treatment.

Earlier, Dr Wan Azizah held a meeting with several ministries and agencies to discuss the virus situation in the country.

She said among the things agreed in the meeting include enhancing the screening of travellers from China by having a special lane for them.

She also said those with 2019-nCoV symptoms are advised to get themselves checked, especially if they had just returned from China.

Earlier Wednesday, the Health Ministry confirmed three more cases, bringing the total number of such cases to seven.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said two out of the three new cases were from the Patient-Under-Investigation (PUI) group.

Meanwhile, one case was from close contact with infected patients.

All the seven who tested positive are Chinese nationals.

~The Star~

VM2020: 3.2 mln museum visitors expected, 131 events planned

VM2020: 3.2 mln museum visitors expected, 131 events planned



The Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) is targeting 3.2 million visitors to 22 museums across the country in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020).

Secretary-General of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat said he was confident that the target could be achieved through the various programmes and activities planned by JMM.

He said the number of visitors to the museums last year increased by 18.2 per cent to 2.7 million from 2.3 million in 2018.

He added that through the exhibitions held, sale of entrance tickets, book sales and space rental throughout 2019, JMM collected RM3.7 million in revenue compared to RM2.6 million in 2018.

“I see museums as a very big product which we can use to attract people of other countries to visit Malaysia. Therefore, with regard to museums, innovations and creativity are very important,” he said after opening ‘The Lost Kingdoms’ and ‘Enchanting Malaysia’ exhibitions, as well as JMM’s Calendar of Events 2020 at Muzium Negara, here, today.

Meanwhile, JMM director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim, in his speech, said the department had planned 131 programmes as tourism products in line with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.

He said among the programmes were the Paranormal, Snake and Gold exhibitions, besides JMM’s signature programmes, such as ‘Nostalgia Anak Kampung and ‘Denai Malam’.

“All these will give a new life to the era of museums in the country as outlined in the National Policy on Museums 2020.

The ‘Lost Kingdoms’ exhibition runs from last Dec 4 until this April 30 and the ‘Enchanting Malaysia’ exhibition from last Dec 25 to May 23, 2020.

For more information on JMM’s events and programmes, the public can visit www.jmm.gov.my

-- BERNAMA

No plans to bar China tourists

No plans to bar China tourists

Malaysia has no plans just yet to bar the entry of Chinese tourists, including those from Wuhan, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said many countries were grappling with the novel coronavirus outbreak, but it had yet to reach a critical level here.

“We can’t predict at the moment. Many countries are facing the problem.

“But for now, it is not yet critical to the point where we have to stop tourism, ” he said after attending a Chinese New Year event organised by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and Klang Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the Hokkien Association Hall here yesterday.

He was responding to journalists on whether Malaysia would follow the Philippines, which is sending back Chinese tourists from Wuhan, where the outbreak started.

Dr Mahathir said it was not easy to detect or stop those infected from entering the country, “so we have to accept that complete control is not possible”.

He added that sending Chinese tourists back may not be feasible as they would come into contact with other people during the process.

“It is better to quarantine them first until they show no signs (of infection) and then send them back, ” he said.

He said Malaysia was currently ensuring that those infected with the virus were quarantined.

“We are isolating them and not allowing them to mix with other people. That is the first step but of course, other people must take preventative action as well, ” he said.

“This includes wearing masks in crowded places.”

He also said it was not viable to immediately quarantine all Chinese nationals who arrive in Malaysia.

“Visitors from China sometimes amount to two million people. Where to keep them? In cowsheds?

“Of course, it cannot be like that, ” said Dr Mahathir.

He added that Malaysian authorities would monitor tourists if they showed any sign of infection.

He said Malaysia was not familiar with novel coronavirus infections and prevention rather than treatment was a priority, as of now.

China’s move to quarantine the 11 million people from Wuhan, although drastic, showed the determination of their government to control the disease, he added.

As for Malaysians who are in China, Dr Mahathir said they would be examined to ensure that they are not infected with the virus before they are allowed to return.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who was also at the event, said necessary measures were being put in place to counter the infection, which made its way through Singapore recently.

“We are increasing the number of thermal detection scanners (at the entry points), ” he said, adding that Malaysia had to comply with World Health Organisation guidelines when making and implementing decisions.

But it was a challenge as people may generally come in without symptoms that develop much later, he noted.

“Anyhow, we will increase the number of all equipment and our paraphernalia to detect them.

“We are also having a meeting with the Home Ministry to see how we can intensify it further, ” said Dzulkefly.

He said there were now 51 thermal detection scanners at all entry points into Malaysia and that the Finance Ministry has given its commitment to provide the necessary funds to step up surveillance.

~The Star~

Bus terminals to implement cashless ticket purchase

Bus terminals to implement cashless ticket purchase

The Transport Ministry is working to get all public bus terminals in the country to implement cashless ticket purchases by using the e-wallet system.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, said it would be carried out in stages since there are terminals which have yet to implement the centralised ticketing system (CTS).

“If possible, we want all terminals to go cashless, but we also need to look at the facilities available and condition at the terminal, so those without CTS facility will take more time,” he told a press conference at the Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS) today.

He was at a TBS to monitor the “balik kampung” exodus among city folks returning to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year celebration. Also present was Deputy Transport Minister Kamarudin Jaffar.

Loke said for bus companies, especially stage bus operators who received subsidies from the government, they are required to implement a cashless ticket purchase system and it will be implemented in stages.

As for express bus companies, Loke said he believed they would be able to implement the ‘cashless’ ticket purchase system as some major bus terminals had already adopted the system.

Currently, among the bus terminals with facilities for cashless ticket purchases are the Terminal Amanjaya in Ipoh, and TBS, which also began accepting ticket purchase through e-wallet today.

In welcoming the move by TBS, Loke said it was in line with the ministry’s focus on the digitalisation of transport services.

In another development, he said the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) had approved temporary licence for 316 additional buses for the Chinese New Year celebration. - Bernama

VMY2020:Tourists drawn to Malaysia's diversity

VMY2020:Tourists drawn to Malaysia's diversity

A study by Tourism Malaysia found that foreign visitors are drawn to the country’s rich cultural tapestry through historical walking tours, traditional arts performances and cultural events, including batik-drawing workshops.

Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said with this in mind, 198 exciting cultural activities had been lined up in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020).

‘With global trends pointing towards experiential tourism as a preferred way to travel, tourists want to experience a destination that offers rich cultural heritage and great creative expressions from the local community.’

Bakhtiar said the recent launch of Tourism Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur (KL) Heritage Food Trails package, among other exciting new initiatives, would continue to bring visitors to places like Kampung Baru, Petaling Street and Brickfields in pursuit of authentic local experiences.

‘In Brickfields itself, there are many houses of worship, such as the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple (built in 1894), the Three Teachings Chinese Temple, Sri Kandaswamy Hindu Temple and the Holy Rosary Church with its well-preserved Neo-Gothic style,’ he said after launching the VMY2020 Happenings@KL Sentral.

Among the events lined up are the East Coast Craft Textile Festival (Jan 23-Feb 2) showcasing batik-painting and songket-weaving, International Aborigines and Indigenous Arts Festival (Aug 5-Aug 9) and Malaysian Games Festival (Sept 25-Sept 27).

Bakhtiar said a reliable transport system was crucial to ensure that tourists get the most out of their stay.

He said the Express Rail Link (ERL) service, connecting KLIA and klia2 to KL Sentral, was currently working on a travel pass for tourists with RapidKL called the KL Travel Pass.

‘The pass would cover airport transfer and two-day unlimited rides on LRT, MRT and KL Monorail lines to cater to tourists’ travel needs.’

Bakhtiar said the high number of transit passengers at KLIA would have a positive impact on the tourism industry.

The VMY2020 Happenings@KL Sentral, held in collaboration with the National Department for Culture and Arts, is a twice-monthly cultural performance that showcases Malaysia’s heritage to visitors at KL Sentral.

‘I would like to urge more industry players and operators in the travel and tourism ecosystem to come forward and join us in ensuring a successful VMY2020 campaign,’ Bakhtiar added.

He welcomed the initiative to introduce Transit Without Visa (TWOV) to citizens from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

‘They can take advantage of the TWOV and we can offer them a package to tour around Kuala Lumpur or Selangor within the 120 hours (five days).’

Meanwhile, ERL chief executive officer Noormah Noor said the company would be organising a monthly KLIA Express Ride & Win Campaign starting from Feb 1, in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry.

For the complete list of events that covers all states and various traditions and cultures, visit www.malaysia.travel.

Malaysia has set a target of 30 million international tourist arrivals this year, with an expected revenue of RM100 billion from the industry.

~New Straits Times~

Malaysia, China toast 2020 Year of Culture and Tourism

Malaysia, China toast 2020 Year of Culture and Tourism

The ‘Malaysia-China Year of Culture and Tourism 2020’ will further boost ties and strengthen friendship between the two Asian nations, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

In his congratulatory remarks read out by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi at the Malaysia-China Year of Culture and Tourism 2020 event here tonight, Dr Mahathir said that the relationship between the two countries can be traced back to the 15th century.

"In 2018, Premier Li Keqiang and I were of the opinion that it is a good time to celebrate the close relations enjoyed by the two nations, and to focus on a people-to-people exchange, via culture and tourism.

"It is a relationship that is rooted in the 15th century, during the golden era of the Melaka Sultanate and the Ming dynasty, and it has flourished since.

"Fast forward to the modern day, and Malaysia and China were the first nations in the region to establish diplomatic ties which bloomed into a relationship that is based on respect and trust.

"May the year of the Metal Rat symbolise the re-affirmation of Malaysia and China’s friendship and cooperation, as well as the beginning of new and firm strides ahead," the Prime Minister said.

Dr Mahathir pointed out that Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, and that Malaysians of Chinese descent play a significant role in the nation, in all aspects.

"I am also sure that our guests from China will be able to relate (to our diverse) practices, food, customs and cultures, and will probably be able to trace them to specific provinces in China.

"Of course, other cultures, from India and the indigenous groups from Sabah and Sarawak, have a significant influence on (Malaysia). We are proud of our diversity and we believe that what we have is a significant display of multi-culturalism, which has worked and helped us flourish," he said.

Dr Mahathir added that as Malaysia and China’s cultures are tied, so too are their economies.

"For the record, in 1974, Malaysia-China trade was recorded at US$159 million. This rose by almost 700 times to US$108 billion in 2018.

"Malaysia and China will continue to work together for the benefit of both its peoples. With a vision of shared prosperity, we aim to create an economy that is balanced and sustainable, (and ensure) fair and equitable wealth distribution," he said.

Meanwhile, in his speech, Mohamaddin said that Chinese tourists can now enjoy a free visa for up to 15 days in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020.

"This year will be a very special year for Malaysia in the travel and tourism industry. It is Visit Malaysia Year 2020.

"In this regard, we have taken the initiative to extend a free visa of up to 15 days to Chinese tourists (who will) enjoy the many exciting events planned in the country for tourists from all over the world.

Present at the event were China’s Culture and Tourism vice-minister Zhang Xu and China’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Bai Tian.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

PLUS issues travel advisory for Chinese New Year journey

PLUS issues travel advisory for Chinese New Year journey

PLUS Malaysia (PLUS) has issued its Travel Time Advisory (TTA) for North-South Expressway (NSE) users ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration starting from Jan 20 to Feb 2, to reduce traffic congestion with volume expected to increase to two million vehicles daily.

In a statement, it urged motorists from the Klang Valley heading towards Perlis, Kedah, Penang, North Perak and Johor to enter the highway before 9am.

Meanwhile, motorists heading to other destinations such as Ipoh, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka are advised to get into the highway after noon.

For the return trip to Kuala Lumpur, PLUS advised its customers to enter the expressway before 9am to ensure the traffic flows in stages from all locations to the Klang Valley.

At the same time, the company said it would temporarily halt highway maintenance and repair works between Jan 22 and Feb 2 and would provide crane and tow truck services at strategic locations on the highway to help travellers enjoy a safe, smooth and comfortable journey.

PLUS will also enhance cooperation with the authorities such as Royal Malaysian Police, Fire and Rescue Department, ambulance, Civil Defence Force, and People's Volunteer Corps (RELA), as well as increasing the number of its personnel in preparation for emergency assistance.

On top of that, it is providing additional public toilets and mobile water tanks at several locations, as well 70 self-service reload kiosks (SSK) to accommodate the increase in traffic.– Bernama

Four more ETS services for CNY

Four more ETS services for CNY

KTMB will add four more ETS services for the Chinese New Year holidays, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said the Cabinet has approved the use of new ETS train sets to run additional services from Jan 20 to 24 for north-bound destinations from KL Sentral to Butterworth, as well as from KL Sentral to Padang Besar.

Likewise, additional services will also run from Jan 27 to 31.

These additional services offer 12,480 seats, which includes 1,440 business class seats.

Tickets for these additional services for CNY will be sold beginning today.

For more information, visit www.ktmb.com.my.

Loke made the announcement after visiting the railway yard here owned by Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd (DMIA).

He was there along with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who made his maiden visit to this facility that supports the rehabilitation of KTMB’s Klang Valley Double Track undertaken jointly by DMIA and Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera.

Dr Mahathir expressed satisfaction with what he saw and said that Malaysians must learn to undertake more complex engineering and construction challenges, even if it seems more costly at the beginning.

“I don’t care so much about the savings, but we can’t keep on importing from others.

“We must learn and we have to pay the costs. Initially, it won’t be so good, but ultimately we will reach the standard of other countries.

“If we keep on buying, we will never develop this country,” said Dr Mahathir.

In the Asean region, only Malaysia is operating electrified inter-city train services.

~The Star~

The dos and don’ts for VM2020

The dos and don’ts for VM2020


Beautiful attraction: Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor is gaining popularity among tourists.

PETALING JAYA: It’s Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020), so here’s a dummy guide to exploring the country.

Observe cleanliness, respect flora and fauna and do not over-bargain during your shopping jaunt.

“When visiting the rural areas, obey the local culture and traditions. Also, don’t bargain so much until the prices become so cheap. How can they (rural sellers) make money if you over-bargain?” said Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang.

He said that both domestic and foreign tourists should be mindful of their behaviour.

Observe the simple “no litter rule”, he said.

“Tourists should also reduce the use of plastic, ” he said yesterday.

Although places such as Penang and Langkawi remain top destinations with their food and island charm, Tan said lesser-known spots, such as Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor, were rising in popularity.

Tourists were looking to experience rural tourism and experiential travel with each market having its own preferred activities and destinations, he said.

Tan said Chinese tourists were into shopping and photo stops while Europeans preferred nature and frequented ecotourism spots in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

Tourism Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi had also said that places such as Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor, the majestic Mount Kinabalu and the Danum Valley forest in Sabah would be promoted this year.

Tan said the Danum Valley forest had been a consistent high-yield demand product and “very stable in receiving high demand from Europe”.

And Mount Kinabalu had always been in high demand for climbers, he added.

“Sky Mirror is also getting very popular for the domestic and also China market, ” he said.

Sky Mirror is a sand bank in the middle of the sea only revealed on particular days, typically during low tide.

The exposed sand bank creates an unusual backdrop that reflects the sky, which is good for photo opportunities.

At night, visitors can take a boat ride to the sea to watch “blue tears”, a natural night phenomenon caused by bioluminescent organisms, which glow in a blue hue.

Sky Mirror Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd managing director Dyven Wong said tourists must observe cleanliness and avoid disturbing the habitat when taking the Sky Mirror and “blue tears” tour.

“Tourists are not allowed to take back any ocean marine life such as clams.

“You can see, you can take pictures, but you can’t bring back anything from there, whether dead or alive, ” he said.

Wong said the number of tourists going for the Sky Mirror and “blue tears” tours was on the rise.

“Every month, we have at least 3,000 to 5,000 people going for the tour with our

company. And the number is increasing, ” he said.

~The Star~

In support of inbound tourism - Visa

In support of inbound tourism



Visa has announced its partnership with Mid Valley Megamall. At the event, (from left) Ng, Tourism Malaysia Package Development Division director Syed Yahya Syed Othman, Tourism Malaysia Package Development Division Secretariat Shopping Malaysia head, Norliza Md Zain and Mid Valley City chief executive officer Daniel Yong.

KUALA LUMPUR: In support of Visit Malaysia 2020, and its target of achieving 30 million international tourist arrivals, Visa has unrolled a series of initiatives to promote inbound tourism.

“We have year-long promotions and offers in various parts of Malaysia including Klang Valley, Johor Baru and Penang. Visa cardholders can enjoy discounts and benefits at family attractions such as Legoland, Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, and KidZania, other outlets like BH Petrol and Swarovski, as well as hospitals such as ParkCity Medical Centre and Subang Jaya Medical Centre,” says Visa country manager for Malaysia, Ng Kong Boon.

Aside from establishing partnerships with such attractions, hotels and dining outlets, the company has also established tie-ups with major shopping malls to roll out attractive promotions in an effort to play its part in promoting Visit Malaysia 2020.

To this end, Visa has announced its partnership with Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur recently on Dec 12. Being the world’s leader in digital payments, this partnership seeks to encourage tourists to use digital payment for their purchases during the festive season.

With this campaign Visa cardholders can make payment with their contactless card for purchases made at Mid Valley Megamall here and The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Baru, to be eligible for redemption gifts. To sweeten the deal, when they shop on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and on the eve of public holidays and on public holidays, they will also receive eco-friendly metal straws and pans as giveaways for transactions about RM200 and RM350 respectively.

For the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, Visa and Mid Valley will be introducing another campaign from Jan 5, 2020 to Feb 2, 2020 where Visa cardholders will receive Toys “R” Us vouchers when they spend minimum RM350 with their contactless cards.



Ng notes a tremendous growth in adoption of digital payment.

Visa cardholders in Melaka are also in for a treat as Visa has also partnered with Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, Terminal Pahlawan and Hatten Square. From now till Jan 2, 2020 Visa cardholders will receive a specially designed Barbie canvas shopping bag when they spend minimum RM300 using their contactless cards.

According to Ng, this is part of the effort to propel adoption of digital payment, which has seen a tremendous growth due to the introduction of e-wallets. Furthermore, digital payments are a more convenient and safe way to making payment, as no physical cash is involved and tourists do not need to walk around with a big amount of local currency.

“Many people have the impression that the exchange rate applied when using their cards to make payment in a foreign currency is not as good as what they can get at a money changer. However, this is not necessarily true, as the exchange rate offered by the banks are just as competitive.

“We are extremely excited to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination, especially to our neighbours in Asia Pacific. Based on our data, Singaporeans, Indonesians and the Chinese are the top spenders when they travel to Malaysia. During this festive period, we are partnering with malls frequented by tourists to encourage them to use their payment cards, particularly contactless payments, when they make their purchases here. These promotions are designed to help boost tourism spend as part of the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign, “ Ng said.

~The Star~

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~