Penang Wayfinding System to visit Heritage sites

Having good signage is a must for tourism Malaysia. So the new Wayfinding System in Penang should help travelers find their way around the various historical and heritage sites around Georgetown.

Pointing the way to heritage gems
By Han Kar Kay
Friday April 13, 2012
Photos by Lim Beng Tatt

THE newly-launched Wayfinding system in Penang should provide an innovative approach for tourists during their visit to historical sites along the island’s famous Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.

The pilot project, an initiative by Think City Sdn Bhd (TCSB) together with George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) and the Penang Municipal Council, is designed to provide information on the 10 heritage sites.

GTWHI acting general manager Lim Chooi Ping said the project that cost RM167,000 kicked off end 2010.

"The first phase saw installations of seven directional signs, four maps, and 12 site panels with descriptive information.

"The 10 sites include Kapitan Keling Mosque, Han Jiang Ancestral Temple, Khoo Kongsi, Yap Kongsi, Logan Memorial, St George’s Church, Goddess of Mercy Temple, High Court, Sri Maha Mariamman and Acheen Street Malay Mosque.

"So far, we have identified other sites such as Weld Quay, Little India and Beach Street for the second phase," she said at GTWHI office in Acheh Street, Penang, on Monday.

TCSB chairman Prof Datuk Dr Anwar Fazal said the signs installed at various historical sites would give directions to tourists in Penang.

American tourist, Carolyn Fowle and Melissa Perham
looking at the newly installed maps found along
Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.

"We welcome more ideas for improvement in the next phase," he said.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who officiated the event, visited several sites such as Kapitan Keling Mosque, Khoo Kongsi and Yap Kongsi.

He said this was the first initiative based on the "public-private partnership" concept between the state government and other stakeholders.

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Terry Fox Run KL 2011

Terry Fox Run KL 2011 will be held on 13th November 2011.

This is 31st Anniversary of The Terry Fox Run. It is a milestone unimaginable without the support of so many people. There is so much to be done yet we must always celebrate our victories - of which there have been many.

Date: 13 Nov 2011, 09:00AM
Location: Padang Merbok, Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur
Distance: 3.6 km

This is a non-competitive family run event.

Information

Terry Fox knew personally, the importance of the need for cancer research. At the age of 18, he was told that his right leg had to be amputated above the knee as a result of bone cancer.

During this crucial period, Terry saw the intese pain and despair of other cancer victims and was deeply moved. In order to raise funds for cancer research, he decided to run across Canada asking for donations. This became "The Marathon of Hope".

Terry Fox died before he could complete his crusade, but his legacy is carried in the hearts of all wo participate or donated to the Terry Fox Run each year around the world.

How the Marathon of Hope began:

Since it began in 1983, the Terry Fox Run has become the largest, single-day, fund-raising event for cancer research. Here in KL, the organizers aim to continue the quest to keep Terry's dream alive.

This year with the support of sponsors and participants, we hope to raise both funds and awareness for cancer research here in Kuala Lumpur. The beneficiary in previous years and this year as well is the Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF).

You too, can take up the quest so that Terry's dream of finding a cure for cancer can become a reality.

For further inquiries and volunteers, contact:
Mr. Yoon / Ms. Katrina Low / Mr. Peter Kang / Mr. Wong Siak Chung
Carif, 2nd Floor OPC,
Sime Darby Medical Centre.
Tel: 03-56391874
Email: organizer@terryfoxrunkl.org

Registration Details

Registration starts : 01 Oct 2011 to 04 Nov 2011

Entry info & cost:

Registration fee:
Normal T-Shirt : RM30
T-Shirt with embroidery - RM35

Purchase of T-shirt can also be done at:
1 Utama Shopping Complex
Community Corner @Oval
29th & 30th October
10am to 10pm

Bangsar Village 1
Nearby Information Counter
29th & 30th October
5th & 6th November
10am to 10pm

To register, contact:
Mr. Yoon / Ms. Katrina Low / Mr. Peter Kang / Mr. Wong Siak Chung
Carif, 2nd Floor OPC,
Sime Darby Medical Centre.
Tel: 03-56391874
Email: organizer@terryfoxrunkl.org

Rules and Regulations:
All participants must run on the designated route.
For wheelchair bound, and physically challenged participants, please note that there are slopes along the run route.

Parking:
Limited parking is available on site, and public transport is recommended.

Notice:
The organisers, their agents, representatives, successors and assigns, are not liable for any injuries suffered, damage and loss of properties by participants at this events.

Terry Fox Run KL 2011, 13th November 2011
Padang Merbok, Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur

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Logos Hope Ship - Floating Book Fair

Logos Hope Ship - The Biggest floating book fair in town
By A. Ruban
Friday September 30, 2011

PORT KLANG: The world's biggest floating book fair the MV Logos Hope has arrived at the cruise centre here.

The vessel, with almost half a million books from over 5,000 titles, will be here until Oct 23, Logos Hope managing director Gian Walser said.

"The ship is making its maiden voyage around the world and Malaysia is the first eastern country we are berthing at," Walser said yesterday during the book fair's opening ceremony.

The vessel had previously docked at Penang and will be making its next stop at Kuching before proceeding to Kota Kinabalu.

Some 130,000 people are said to have visited the ship in Penang.

Book lovers: Visitors browsing for books on board the
MV Logos Hope at the Port Klang Cruise Centre Thursday.

"Logos Hope is not just a ship with many books or a travelling international community. It is, in fact, a vision to make a difference in this world.

"Our sole purpose is to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people around the world," Walser said.

The book supply is from donors in United Kingdom and United States, while several publishers had also donated their books, he said.

"Our store has never run out of supply as we have good Samaritans filling them up," he added.

Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Senator Heng Seai Kie said the book fair was a good way to learn the diversified culture around the world.

Impressed with the non-salaried volunteers and crew on board, Heng also expressed hope that more Malaysians would take part in the journey.

There are now five Malaysians on board the Logos Hope, including a doctor, while another 25 are expected to be recruited soon.

The fair will be open to the public from 10am to 10pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays, and 3pm to 10pm on Sundays. It will be closed on Monday.

Tickets only cost RM1 and admission is free for children under 12 who are accompanied by an adult.

The books cover a range of subjects including science, sports, hobbies, cookery, arts, medicine, languages and philosophy.

MV Logos Hope is operated by GBA Ships e.V. an international charitable organisation registered in Germany. -- The Star News

Living their dreams on board the 'Logos Hope'
By A. Ruban
Tuesday October 4, 2011

PORT KLANG: Sailing around the world and doing volunteer work without a monthly salary is not everyone's cup of tea.

Five Malaysians, however, feel that they are living their dreams by volunteering on MV Logos Hope. In fact, they don't even mind paying for the accommodation and food.

"This has to be one the best choices I have ever made," said private practitioner Dr Moses Lee, 69, of his decision to be a part of the world's largest floating book fair on the ship.

Dr Lee and his 69-year-old wife Leow Hian Yook, a retired nurse, have two more months to go before completing their 13-month stint.

They have been enjoying their time on the vessel, despite several bouts of seasickness.

"We believe life has just begun for us as we still feel young and vibrant," said Leow, who worked at Hospital Kuala Lumpur for 27 years before leaving on humanitarian missions with her husband.

Leow said their three grown-up children were initially against the idea of them sailing around the world.

"They were worried about our safety. But they relented when we told them of our dreams," she added.

MV Logos Hope, which is run by a charitable organisation in Germany, will be here until Oct 23.

With about 400 volunteers, the book fair offers about 5,000 titles at affordable prices.

The book fair is opened to the public from 10am to 10pm (Tuesdays to Saturdays) and 3pm to 10pm on Sundays.

Another volunteer, Cheah Suet Yee, 27, a media and communication graduate, said: "I had always wanted to be a part of it. Luckily, I managed to join them this time by signing up for a 52-day programme," she said.

Cheah has about 20 days to complete her service.

As for Lim Zhun Ming, 19, he has just completed his A-Level examinations.

"I believe some day I will earn a modest income. For now, I feel it is better that I venture into humanitarian work and learn about the world," Lim said.

Meanwhile, Plusliner Travel & Tours will be providing bus services to visit the floating library. There will be two departures points Terminal Bersepadu Selatan-Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS-BTS) and Port Klang KTM commuter station.

The service will cost between RM8 and RM21. For more information, please call 1-300-888-KTB (528). -- Star

More info about Logos Hope, world's largest floating book fair!

Over 500,000 book titles on Logos Hope
Posted on 26 August 2011 - 05:30am
Aaron Ngui

GEORGE TOWN (Aug 25, 2011): The Logos Hope which docked at Penang port last week has been attracting a array of tourist and visitors from all over the country.

There are so many choices of books on the 132-metre long Logos Hope that visitors are sure to find one that they like, its managing director Gian Walser said.

There are half a million titles on what is slated as the ‘world’s largest floating bookstore’, he said adding that 5,000 titles were available at affordable prices so everyone can purchase their favourite title.

“Our aim is to make it (books) available and affordable to everyone,” he said at a press conference when the ship officially opened its gangway to the public at the Swettenham Pier today.

Also present was the ship’s captain James Dyer and state Wanita MCA chief Tan Cheng Liang who officiated the opening ceremony.

The ship will be in Penang until Sept 26 before leaving for Port Klang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

The ship is open to visitors from 10am to 10pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays, 1pm to 10pm on Sundays and will be closed on Mondays.

Visitors have to pay a RM1 entry fee while entry is free for children under 12.

Tan said she hoped that all Malaysians can learn from the 400 volunteer crew members of the Logos Hope which come from 45 different countries.

“We can and should learn how so many people from different cultures can live together peacefully, and I hope that they (Logos Hope) will come more often to Malaysia,” she said.

One of the volunteer crew, Malaysian Melissa Krishnan, 34, said she joined the crew two years ago and has no regrets.

“It has been a fun and unforgettable experience all this time,” the electrical and electronic engineering graduate said.

Another Malaysian volunteer, 23-year-old Matthew Lee said it was a very good experience to be able to stay and work together with people from various backgrounds.

“I experienced a bit of culture shock when I first joined the crew in June but got used to it eventually and now everyone is like a family,” the engineering graduate said. -- The Sun Daily

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Lenggong Valley, Perak

Lenggong Valley in the limelight
By Sylvia Looi
Thursday September 22, 2011

PERAK'S bid to have the 50,000-year-old archaeological site of Lenggong Valley listed as an Unesco World Heritage Site looks promising with the recent visit by the organisation's valuer.

State senior executive councillor Datuk Hamidah Osman said the state government was confident of getting the site in Upper Perak into the organisation's list of cultural and natural heritage.

Vast area: A view of the Lenggong Valley where many undisturbed sites await archaeologists.

"A valuer from Unesco visited the site last Tuesday and it went very well. It will be a great boost to the state's tourism sector should Lenggong Valley be given the recognition as a World Heritage Site by Unesco," Hamidah told reporters at a press conference in Ipoh on Tuesday.

If successful, Lenggong Valley will become the fifth site in Malaysia to be listed as a world heritage site after Gunung Mulu National Park, Kinabalu Park and the cities of George Town and Malacca, which are listed as historic cities of the Straits of Malacca.

Hamidah, who is also state tourism committee chairman, said Lenggong Valley was the only paper submitted by Malaysia currently.

"The World Heritage Committee, which is made up of 21 members, will be vetting proposals submitted to it in June next year.

"Our Commissioner of Heritage, Prof Emeritus Datuk Zuraina Majid, will represent Malaysia in presenting our proposal then," she added.

Awesome site: A filepic of participants of the Perak Heritage Society's
Lenggong Valley Trail admiring the cave where the skeleton of the
famous Perak Man was found in Gua Gunung Runtoh.

Lenggong Valley is reportedly a jewel in Malaysia's archaeological crown.

Dubbed an "archaeologist's dream valley", the undisturbed site is said to have many more discoveries to be unearthed in years to come.

Excavations between 1987 and 1990 had revealed that Kota Tampan was a stone age workshop dating as early as 50,000 years ago.

It had also been discovered that there was a stone age community living around Lake Cenderoh.

Several other findings also had considerable impact on regional and world archaeology.

Old treasure: The Perak Man skeleton is
being preserved with special care.

Among them are the Perak Man, the only prehistoric skeleton in the world born with the congenital deformity Brachymesophalangia Type 2 in Gua Gunong Runtuh, Palaeolithic stone tool-making techniques in Kota Tampan, the migratory route of Homo sapiens from Asia to Australia, and the revelation that Southeast Asia was not the backwaters of civilisation as claimed by earlier archaeologists. -- The Star

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Pahang aims for 7.8 million tourists

Pahang aims for 7.8 million tourists
By Roslina Mohamad

Thursday November 16, 2006

KUANTAN: Tourism Malaysia Pahang targets tourist arrival for next year to be around 7.8 million with an estimated spending of RM3.2bil while holidaying in the state.

Its director Jefri Munir said the increase in visitors would be expected as the country would launch Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

“There will be a lot of spectacular events and festivals at state level and we hope these colourful and interesting activities will be attractive enough to draw in more tourists.

“Locals and foreigners will be able to experience what the state has to offer throughout the year,” he said during a Hari Raya open house in Cherating recently.

Jefri said there were five major events listed in the state namely International Monsoon Madness Windsurfing Challenge, Sungai Pahang International Rafting Expedition, International Bird Race, Food and Fruit Festival and Dirt Bike Challenge.

These events had been scheduled between January and September.

On the number of tourists arrival targeted for this year, Jefri said it was at five million people.

“However, we have already recorded 4.9 million up to June and are expecting the number to reach seven million by year end.

“The amount spent up to June was RM1.5bil and we expect the figure to hit RM3bil,” he added.

Jefri said the length of stay during the same period was an average of 1.9 days, almost meeting the target of an average of two days.

With all the promotions already in place to usher in Visit Malaysia 2007, the average length of stay was expected to be 2.5 days, he added.

Jefri said some RM300,000 had been spent on courses and promotional activities to publicise Pahang.

“The courses include those catering to hoteliers, operators of chalets, restaurants, hostels, supermarkets and homestay programmes, members of taxi, car rental, tourist bus and trishaw associations, teachers and coordinators of tourism clubs in schools, village headmen and chairmen of village security and development committees.

“These are the frontliners and the courses are tailored on how to deal with them and ways to promote the products available locally,” Jefri said.

It was important to portray an image of Malaysians as “helpful and friendly people” as word of mouth was the best form of advertisement, he added. - The Star

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Tourism boom seen in 2007

Tourism boom seen in 2007
Tuesday November 7, 2006
By Goh Ee Koon

PETALING JAYA: Millions of tourists are expected to visit Malaysia next year and tourism revenue, estimated to total RM35bil this year, is expected to increase at an even faster pace.

There would be a “grand launch” of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) on Jan 1, which would be followed by a host of events in every month next year.



Tourist arrivals had steadily risen from 3 million back in 1983 to about 16 million last year. Tourist spending has also risen, from just RM5bil back in 1990.

In VMY, tourist arrivals and spending are expected to rise to reach targets of 20 million and RM45bil respectively. This could produce significantly higher revenue for a wide range of companies from hotels and airlines to consumer goods.

Next year also happens to be the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's independence and to ensure that this landmark VMY is a success, there would be 50 major activities spread out throughout the year. The events, varied in scope, have been lined up from February's Malaysia Open Golf Championship to the KL International Buskers Festival held in November.

The Government is expected to expend RM600mil in promotional activities, which are expected to peak in August (coinciding with the National Day), according to a note by a local bank-backed research house.

There are added incentives for tourists from overseas. A recent survey by Swiss banking group UBS AG ranked Kuala Lumpur as the top budget-friendly city in the world.

A UBS economist credited Malaysia's well-controlled inflation as a factor for its success in offering tourists looking for most bang for their buck.

VMY received added publicity in a centrespread in the weekend Wall Street Journal that had sent a journalist to find out how affordable Malaysia is. He found he had to pay just US$107 for a room in Shangri-La Hotel, for which price he would have gotten no more than the Salisbury YMCA in Hong Kong.

The bulk of the tourism dollars last year was spent on accommodation (33%), shopping (21%), and food and beverage, or F&B, (20%). The remaining 26% was taken up by organised tours, local ground transportation, entertainment, domestic airfares and miscellaneous spending.

Hence, the stocks targeted by analysts for growth in VMY are spread across a few sectors.

The tourism and hotel sectors stand to win big. Hotels can expect higher occupancy rates and F&B turnover, and there would be room to raise rates. Hotel workers would also benefit from their share of service taxes.

One of the stocks that interest analysts and fund managers is property player KLCC Property Holdings Bhd which owns the popular Suria KLCC shopping mall and the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

There would also be indirect beneficiaries as the influx of tourists will spill into retail complexes and transport facilities.

These gainers would include IGB Corp Bhd and KrisAssets Holdings Bhd (which owns Mid Valley Megamall) and Sunway City Bhd (which owns Sunway Pyramid).

Consumer companies that stand to gain from a higher consumption of F&B include Nestle (M) Bhd and Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd. Transport companies like AirAsia Bhd will gain from an anticipated increase in load factors. - The Star.

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Fuel prices up 30 sen (Not Again!)

Fuel prices up 30 sen
27-Feb-2006

The retail prices of petrol and diesel will be increased by 30 sen per litre while the retail price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) by 30 sen per kg effective Feb 28.

Bernama quoted a statement from the Prime Minister's Department on Feb 27 as saying the move to increase the prices was to counter the effects of the rising price of crude oil in the world market and the rising cost of subsidising petrol.

The government, however, gave an assurance that it will not be raising the prices of petroleum retail products anymore this year following this latest hike.

With the latest increase, the price of RON 97 petrol is 192 sen, RON 92 petrol is 188 sen, diesel is 158.1 sen and LPG is 175 sen per litre in peninsular Malaysia.

The new price of RON 97 petrol in Sabah is 190 sen and that in Sarawak is 191 sen.

The last time the prices were increased was on July 31, 2005 when petrol price was pushed up by 10 sen per litre, diesel price 20 sen per litre and LPG 5 sen per kg.

A total of RM7.41 billion in cost was borne by the government for subsidising while the tax exempted amounted to RM7.85 billion, it said.

The cost of subsidising and tax borne by the government for the January to February 2006 period amounted to RM1.19 billion and RM1.44 billion respectively.

However, the statement said the prices of petrol and diesel in Malaysia were still low compared with those in other Asean countries except Brunei.

Meanwhile, the government has also introduced the provision of subsidised diesel to 84% of vehicles that use diesel in the land transportation sector comprising operators of public transportation and consumer products services through the Fleetcard.

Through the Fleetcard, they can purchase subsidised diesel at petrol stations where the cost of fuel is 15 sen less than the stipulated price.

Source: http://www.theedgedaily.com

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Flash Floods in February

The weather is getting crazier nowadays. Just recently the TTDI Shah Alam was hit with flash flood. February month should not be raining so much but somehow the weather pattern has changed. It looks like the signs of the times. Beginning with the Andaman Tsunami of Dec 2004, Hurricane Katrina of mid 2005, to the various typhoon around the Asian region. Could it be the signs of end times?

Just looking at the photos taken from the news already gives ones the shudder of 'what will happen next?'

A warning of overdevelopment due to greed, bad environmental stewardship? The incessant pace of development which we call progress may very well lead to our downfall. Perhaps we enjoy too much of the good life and couldn't care less what happen to the environment. Then we shall reap what we sow, the cycle of bad environmental karma will surely come back to haunt us.

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