As Sabah and Sarawak are very large states, it would help to have more flights connecting the major towns to make travel more comfortable

Sabah and Sarawak have incredibly dense forests hosting a wealth of wildlife. This unique environment is a major attraction with eco-tourism becoming more and more popular. These two states are also very large, so it would help to have more flights connecting the major towns and cities to make travel more convenient and comfortable.

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Sabah has proposed that a new regional airline be established to serve the needs of Sabah and Sarawak.

In making the call, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the new airline was vital and could concentrate on meeting the increasing demand of passengers flying from Sabah and Sarawak to various domestic and international destinations.

He was speaking at the Sabah Tourism Awards 2011 presentation, here, Saturday night.

According to Masidi, the number of arrivals in Sabah saw positive growth, which meant that there was a need to increase flight frequencies between Sabah and other destinations.

“I am pleased to announce that the (state) ministry’s target of 2.63 million arrivals for this year is in sight.

“For the first time ever, we have achieved double digit growth of 15 per cent from January to September this year,” he said.

Meanwhile, three Minister’s Special Awards were given to Mount Kinabalu porters comprising locals of Kundasang, Sabah’s veteran athlete who played a significant role as Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon director Datuk Balwant Singh Kler, and TVB Hong Kong for playing a major role in promoting Sabah abroad.

Malaysia’s low-cost carrier AirAsia was best in the airline category, while Malaysia Airlines Hong Kong and Royal Brunei Airlines won the best airline station and best foreign airline awards respectively .

Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort, Tuaran won the Excellence in Hotel Award in the five-star category, while Abai Jungle Lodge, Kinabatangan and Misompuru Homestay, Kudat won in the Best Nature Lodge and Best Homestay categories respectively.

Source: Bernama

Diverse cultures are a strength, but only if they’re in harmony. Like a rope that’s spliced from many threads, the diverse cultures can come together to form a strong identity and one of the things that hold a culture together is music. In a recent report, Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg believes that the inaugural Sarawak Gong Festival 2011 held at the Redeems Centre, Kampung Apar, here can create a cultural society who loves the art of national heritage.

Diverse cultures can come together to form a strong identity

This festival would enable visitors to watch performances by invited groups as well as marvel at the diversity of the gong and the making of the instrument by the gong experts.

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The inaugural Sarawak Gong Festival 2011 being held at the Redeems Centre, Kampung Apar, here can create a cultural society who loves the art of national heritage, said Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said with the participation of cultural groups comprising the younger generation from various countries including the Peninsula, Sabah and Brunei, the festival could be a platform to showcase the uniqueness of gong-based dance and music.

“Tourists and the local culture should be in tandem as Sarawak has a lot of tribes and ethnic groups who provide the main tourism products in the state and country,” he said when opening the festival, organised by the Sarawak National Department for Culture and Arts and Tourism Ministry.

His speech text was read by Tourism Assistant Minister (Local Event and Product) Datuk Gramong Juna.

Abang Johari said the festival which involved five invited groups from outside the Sarawak state and eight local groups should be continued in the future.

Besides, it could promote the Redeems Centre in Kampung Apar, Singai Bau as the new tourism destination and Kampung Budaya as a local cultural centre.

Meanwhile, Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Joseph Salang in his speech said the festival, with about 200 participants, was capable of preserving the country’s heritage through various activities organised at the three-day festival which began yesterday.

He said apart from watching performances by the invited groups, visitors could also look closely at the diversity of the gong and the making of the instrument by the gong experts.

Source: Bernama

Photo (c) Ben Sutherland

The idea would focus on not only the East Asean Growth Area of Brunei, Indonesian, Malaysia and the Philippines, but also possible routes connnecting Sarawak to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Bali and even Australia. While this suggestion might seem a bit grand, it does show that there is strong belief in the country’s ability to build successful airlines. For a relatively small country, Malaysia’s two major airlines, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, together connects the country to many destinations around the world. AirAsia in particular, has excelled in making air travel affordable for the average Malaysian, albeit at the cost of some luxuries.

A MASWings airplane at Kuching Airport

Do you think that there is enough room left for a third major airline to succeed in Malaysia?

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Sarawak wants the federal government to explore the possibility of turning MASWings into a regional airline not only for the rural air services in Sarawak and Sabah but also within the BIMP-EAGA region and beyond following the collaboration between Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia.

State Tourism and Heritage Minister, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, said an alternative regional connectivity would fill the vacuum left by MAS’ unit, Firefly, which was expected to cancel all its current flights to Sarawak with the proposed air rationalisation exercise.

“The Sarawak government is ready, through my ministry, to try its best to position the tools that can enhance the tourism industry’s growth because we want do not want to be left behind,” he said at the MAS/MASWings Hari Raya open house here Wednesday.

Abang Johari said MASWings, whose rural air operations in Sabah and Sarawak were being subsidised by the government until its contract ceased in 2017, could take up the challenge to become a competitor to other airlines.

“Apart from the East Asean Growth Area of Brunei, Indonesian, Malaysia and the Philippines, it could also look at possible routes connnecting Sarawak to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Bali and even Australia,” he said.

Currently, MASWings operates with a fleet of 10 ATR aircraft and four Twin Otters.

Source: Bernama

Photo (c) calflier001

It is interesting to note that the German government has recently expressed its interest in aiding a number of countries, including Malaysia to help curb illegal logging in tropical countries. Tropical countries, especially Malaysia, are in a unique position as they possess a high concentration of pristine forests that have thus far escaped the ravages of development. Many Malaysians might not be aware that the ‘hutan’ that they are so used to is actually complex ecosystems that are filled with an assortment of plantlife and wildlife. This is especially true in Sabah and Sarawak, which have been blessed with an abundance of rainforests. Many forested areas in Malaysia have been designated as National Parks and forest reserves, and joint efforts like that undertaken by Germany proves that Malaysia’s efforts in preserving its rainforests are not in vain.

Rainforests like this will soon disappear if we do not start taking measures to curb illegal logging in Malaysia.

What are the best ways of helping to preserve Malaysia’s rainforests? Tell us what YOU think.

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The German government is aggressively trying to curb illegal felling of trees in tropical countries, and is apparently willing to join hands with a number of countries, including Malaysia, to stop this practice which, it says, is an environmental hazard.

The German government has already put in place a so-called Timber Trade Safeguard Law after Federal President Christian Wulff signed a bill submitted by Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner against the illegal felling of timber.

“This is the first step towards fighting the worldwide illegal timber felling and the destruction of the tropical forest.

“The second step will follow with the implementation of the timber trade ordinance in 2013. The worldwide destruction of forests can be stopped only if a legal and sustained use of the forests in all the countries is economically viable and, in effect, incentives are given for the sustenance of the forests.

“Then one would be able to say with a good conscience that timber products of all kinds can again be used,” Aigner said recently in Berlin.

Environmental protection, along with climate change, is very close to Germans who are critical of environmental destruction.

According to German sources, some 13 million hectares of forests are destroyed worldwide each year, which is more than the entire size of forests in Germany.

Indeed, German environmental protection organisations claim that illegal felling of timber – the felling of trees in violation of laws in the country of production, has become a worldwide “problem of the highest magnitude”.

The latest law introduced by Germany regulates national controls on imports of timber from countries that have concluded partnership agreements with the European Union against illegal felling of trees.

So far, such agreements have been negotiated with six tropical countries (Ghana, Republic of Congo, Republic of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Indonesia and Liberia).

With further countries such as Malaysia, the EU Commission is presently holding negotiations to finalise an agreement.

Under such agreements, the partner countries will set up a permit and licence system to ensure that only legally felled timber is exported to the European Union.

In return, these countries will also receive, if needed, direct assistance in improving their capabilities in areas such as forest management and law enforcement.

The law will arm the Federal German Agency for Agriculture and Food, as the responsible regulating authority, with all the necessary powers to intervene.

Furthermore, intervention by the Customs authorities in enforcing control measures at the external borders as well as prosecution and imposition of fines will be regulated.

The first controlled timber is expected to start in 2011, the international year of the forest.

Source: Bernama

The island of Labuan

That is quite good advice, as Labuan has the good luck, or bad, depending on how you want to see it, of being flanked by two states brimming with tourist attractions – Sabah and Sarawak. Both of these states have unique attractions that are recognised worldwide. When lined up against the likes of Mulu National Park and Mount Kinabalu, what does Labuan have to offer that matches up?

Do you know of any hidden wonders that Labuan has to offer the world? It might sound far-fetched, but the island might actually hold the potential to become a greater tourist attraction than Langkawi, if you believe what the deputy minister had to say.

Tell us what YOU think.

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The Federal Territory of Labuan needs to create its own identity to compete with other states in the area of tourism, Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit said.

He said existing tourism products must be turned into tourism icons towards attracting both local and foreign tourists.

The island, he said, must not depend on allocations to boost its tourism sector.

“Industry players must work together to assist in boosting the industry,” he told reporters after launching the International Game Fishing Tournament (IGFA) 2011 here Sunday.

He said those involved must be creative enough to identify new tourism products in Labuan to put it on par with other tourist destinations such as Langkawi.

Dawos also said the ministry was also looking at preserving the mangrove area of Kinabenua in a bid to conserve the island’s ecosystem.

He said his ministry was lobbying for direct international flights to Labuan since the airport here had the capacity to handle bigger aircraft.

“We have been in touch with the Ministry of Transport to have direct flights to propel Labuan’s tourism industry further,” he added.

Source: Bernama

Photo (c) xiquinhosilva

The streets of Miri

The recent article about Miri City Fan by Bernama brought to mind what an acquaintance once said about the tourism industry in Malaysia in general. He felt that the country was already exciting enough with the various unique attractions, like Mulu National Park, Batu Caves, as well as cultural festivals like Thaipusam. He was puzzled as to why emphasis seemed to be placed on commercial or rather ‘artificial’ attractions and events that did not really seem representative of the country. In his opinion, it would be much better if focus was placed on existing attractions and also proper maintenance instead of just churing out new attractions year after year.

Is there really a simple solution to this situation? The tourism industry worldwide is littered with tourist attractions that did not really take off, like a giant ball of yarn somewhere in America. Should Malaysia continue to churn out newer attractions that cater to the variety of niche markets or should the country try to refocus its efforts to enhance existing attractions? Whatever the answer may be, it is guaranteed to be a complex one.

Tell us what YOU think.

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Miri City Fan, a unique fan shaped urban civic park, will be put on the world map when the Tourism Ministry’s Parks and Gardens package is launched worldwide soon.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said initially, Miri City Fan was to be included in the second stage of the package’s campaign, but now it had been changed to the first stage due to its astounding combination of Islamic, Chinese and contemporary design.

“It is really a reflection of 1Malaysia. We will invite gardeners and famous writers to familiarise themselves with our Parks and Gardens packages,” she told reporters after a walkabout at the garden, here Thursday.

With ample promotion, Ng said it would benefit Miri and also Malaysia as current high-end long stay tourists were now more keen to visit parks and gardens.

“Tourists go to gardens in Canary Island, South Africa, England and New Zealand. If you ask me about Miri’s main attraction now, I would say Miri City Fan 1Malaysia Garden,” she said.

The 10.4-hectare garden featuring a promenade parkland, amphitheater, musical fountains and Islamic, Health as well as Chinese gardens is located at Jalan Kapas, in the middle of Miri City.

Source: Bernama

The Kota Kinabalu night bazaar at the Waterfront is very popular among locals

Although both bazaars are very popular to locals and tourists alike, part of their appeal is due to the fact that some of the goods on sale are counterfeits or fakes that look almost as good as the original. And let us not forget the rampant availability of bootleg dvds as well.

In recent news, a bazaar in Sarawak has been earmarked to become a heritage site. This is good news as efforts to conserve our local scenes and culture seem to be emphasized over the building of modern malls. These street bazaars add colour and jazz into an otherwise straight-laced Malaysian lifestyle. The question is, if we remove the counterfeit goods and bootleg dvds, are we actually carving out the heart and soul of these bazaars? Will we be taking away the very thing that makes these bazaars such a draw to visitors?

Tell us what YOU think.

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Lutong Bazaar, situated about 12km from the city centre of Miri, will be transformed into a heritage site, Sarawak Tourism and Heritage Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said.

He said the development of the bazaar had been stagnant over the past two years, despite its proximity to the Sarawak Shell Berhad and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd headquarters, two world renowned oil and gas companies.

“The bazaar lags behind other parts of Miri city. We plan to transform it as has a unique historical value since oil was first discovered in Miri,” he told reporters after visiting the bazaar.

Dr Chan, who is also Sarawak deputy chief minister, said his ministry would consider emulating the concept applied in Malacca as a historical town in the plan to transform Lutong.

“We would also request the federal tourism minister (Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen) to assist us in the plan,” he added.

Dr Chan, who spent over an hour to meet shophouse owners at the bazaar, was accompanied by Sarawak Tourism and Heritage Ministry permanent secretary Pahon Joyik and Sarawak Museum curator Ipoi Datan.

Source: Bernama

Sunset at the Sarawak River. Sarawak relies heavily on rivers, especially the Rajang River

“The government has hosted various programmes to spur private growth, like training tourist guides, improving the service industry, but, today, the Rajang River basin still seriously lacks tourist guides.

“Where have we gone wrong and why can’t we create job opportunities in this area,” he said at the opening ceremony of the Job Placement Program 2011 for Sibu Division, organised by the Sarawak Human Resource Department here.

He was happy to note that 22 private companies and four government agencies were taking part in the event, which showed that the government was serious in helping Sibu to grow by ensuring job opportunities for its young people.

The Government would continue to engage both industry and talent to ensure its efforts were aligned in order to achieve the economic goal of a high income society by 2020, he said.

Under the department, he said, there were three training institutes established, namely the High Technology Training Centre (ADTEC) in Bintulu, and two Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) in Samarahan and Miri to provide skills training opportunities to school-leavers.

He said under the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) development 1.5 million skilled and semi-skilled jobs were expected to be generated in 10 industries such as farming, petro-chemicals, petroleum, aluminum, glass, fishing and farming, tourism and services.

The young people of Sarawak must be ready to take advantage of the jobs created, he said.

Source: Bernama

The view of Sarawak River at Kuching

“It is essential for businesses to be competitive by staying connected with their partners and the rest of the world via efficient connectivity. And for this, we are completely dependent on good broadband access,” she told Bernama on Saturday.

“We do encourage members to sell online, but we cannot insist this on them. It is completely the company’s own decision,” she said.

On the state’s tourism outlook for this year, she said, the STF, representing key players from the private sectors, believed it would be much better than last year with the introduction direct flights from two cities in Japan and one in South Korea starting this month.

Tourists from North Asia aboard Malaysia Airlines’ inaugural flight from Tokyo’s Haneda airport and Osaka’s Kansai airpot as well as from Incheon airport, South Korea, touched down at the Kuching International Airport this month.

“We are aware that the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) has set a target of 40,000 tourist arrivals from these two countries,” she said.

Admitting that Sarawak was still lacking in exposure in both traditional as well as new markets, she said, one of the strategies being implemented now was to work closely with the policy makers such as state Tourism and Heritage Ministry and the federal Tourism Ministry as well as “working hard currently to get a consensus among tourism players.”

She said STF members had come up with many fresh tourism products this year such as new five star as well as boutique and budget hotels, new food outlets in Kuching Park and the upgrading of the Mulu National Park accommodation.

“There are new caving, trekking and adventure tours around the Kuching City areas,” she said.

Kuching Waterfront

He said the event was provisionally calendared for Sept 16 to 18 and to be held in conjunction with the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri’s birthday celebration.

“At least 15 countries will compete in the event, including the United States, Canada, China, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Sweden, Holland, South Africa, Russia, Argentina and Korea,” he said.

Talib said the Stop was a major event that can bring the sport to Kuching and capture international headlines.

He said in addition to the main competition, the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage has also decided to bring in world famous “Stars of Florida Waterski Show Team” to entertain holiday makers and water sports enthusiasts from Malaysia and tourists from around the world.

Chairman of the Malaysia Waterski and Wakeboard Federation, Kuno Ritschard, said the federation might propose a water ski school in Kuching so that more people would take part and enjoy the sport, just like those in western countries.

He said the federation could assist in terms of expertise and infrastructure but would need financial support from the state government and a suitable location for the school.

“The Wakeboard World Cup Stop in Kuching will not just be a one time event for the IWWF as they want to leave a legacy behind to ensure development of the sport in future,” he said.

Source: Bernama