Saturday, 25 January 2020
Thursday, 23 January 2020
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
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
Penang on high alert for possible spread of virus
Penang on high alert for possible spread of virus
State health committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin
GEORGE TOWN: The state government has instructed the Penang Health Department to be on high alert for the possibility of the spread of the novel coronavirus.
State health committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said although the virus had not spread to the country, it was important to be prepared to prevent it from coming to our shores.
“In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020 and Experience Penang 2020, I will ensure all units from the health department will be extra vigilant in exercising caution to prevent the virus from spreading.
“Thermal screening will be compulsory at all gates for international flights at the Penang International Airport.
“This proactive measure is to ensure the spread of the contagious virus can be contained, ” he added.
Dr Afif also advised Penangites who returned from China in the last 14 days and with symptoms such as a cough and fever to immediately get checked at any public or private hospital.
State tourism, arts, culture and heritage committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin urged tourism stakeholders to also be vigilant following the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Yeoh said tourism players needed to take precautionary measures, with China’s authorities confirming that the virus could potentially pass from person to person.
“We have many attractions which are popular among domestic and international tourists who come from many countries.
“I hope tourism players, especially the frontliners, have the awareness to take preventive measures, ” he said in a statement yesterday.
“If anyone displayed symptoms including high fever, cough and breathing difficulty, they should visit the nearest clinic for an examination, ” he said.
Penang is a popular destination for Chinese nationals.
~The Star~
State health committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin
GEORGE TOWN: The state government has instructed the Penang Health Department to be on high alert for the possibility of the spread of the novel coronavirus.
State health committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said although the virus had not spread to the country, it was important to be prepared to prevent it from coming to our shores.
“In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020 and Experience Penang 2020, I will ensure all units from the health department will be extra vigilant in exercising caution to prevent the virus from spreading.
“Thermal screening will be compulsory at all gates for international flights at the Penang International Airport.
“This proactive measure is to ensure the spread of the contagious virus can be contained, ” he added.
Dr Afif also advised Penangites who returned from China in the last 14 days and with symptoms such as a cough and fever to immediately get checked at any public or private hospital.
State tourism, arts, culture and heritage committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin urged tourism stakeholders to also be vigilant following the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Yeoh said tourism players needed to take precautionary measures, with China’s authorities confirming that the virus could potentially pass from person to person.
“We have many attractions which are popular among domestic and international tourists who come from many countries.
“I hope tourism players, especially the frontliners, have the awareness to take preventive measures, ” he said in a statement yesterday.
“If anyone displayed symptoms including high fever, cough and breathing difficulty, they should visit the nearest clinic for an examination, ” he said.
Penang is a popular destination for Chinese nationals.
~The Star~
Monday, 20 January 2020
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~
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~
129-year-old Kek Lok Si Temple lights up for CNY 2020
129-year-old Kek Lok Si Temple lights up for CNY 2020
The lighting up of the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, started in a grand manner tonight. - NSTP/Mikail Ong Mohamed Basyir
The lighting up of the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, started in a grand manner tonight.
Traditional Chinese lanterns and colourful LED (light emitting diode) lights will illuminate the temple for several days in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.
The 129-year-old temple has been a hive of activity for photographers looking for angles to capture the massive temple lights including the 33.6m high Kuan Yin statue.
A spellbinding display of fireworks lit the skies, seen as a symbol of peace, good luck and prosperity.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng together with temple officials jointly performed the lighting ceremony.
They announced to give contributions of RM100,000 each.
Lim lauded the temple committee's effort for continuing the tradition since 1983.
"I must congratulate Kek Lok Si for continuing this tradition,” he said.
The Kek Lok Si temple hosted a dinner in conjunction with its lighting ceremony, together with special prayers held along with a chanting session for the devotees.
Temple trustee Datuk Steven Ooi said that a lot of work had been put for the annual lighting display which has became a must visit spot for avid photographers.
"The experience is something one cannot simply say in words, it is magical and should not be missed," he said.
The colourful lights will be turned on from Jan 24 to Feb 8 from 7.30pm to midnight, and from 7.30pm to 10pm from Feb 9 to Feb 21.
~New Straits Times~
The lighting up of the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, started in a grand manner tonight. - NSTP/Mikail Ong Mohamed Basyir
The lighting up of the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, started in a grand manner tonight.
Traditional Chinese lanterns and colourful LED (light emitting diode) lights will illuminate the temple for several days in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.
The 129-year-old temple has been a hive of activity for photographers looking for angles to capture the massive temple lights including the 33.6m high Kuan Yin statue.
A spellbinding display of fireworks lit the skies, seen as a symbol of peace, good luck and prosperity.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng together with temple officials jointly performed the lighting ceremony.
They announced to give contributions of RM100,000 each.
Lim lauded the temple committee's effort for continuing the tradition since 1983.
"I must congratulate Kek Lok Si for continuing this tradition,” he said.
The Kek Lok Si temple hosted a dinner in conjunction with its lighting ceremony, together with special prayers held along with a chanting session for the devotees.
Temple trustee Datuk Steven Ooi said that a lot of work had been put for the annual lighting display which has became a must visit spot for avid photographers.
"The experience is something one cannot simply say in words, it is magical and should not be missed," he said.
The colourful lights will be turned on from Jan 24 to Feb 8 from 7.30pm to midnight, and from 7.30pm to 10pm from Feb 9 to Feb 21.
~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~
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
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
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