Malaysia Information Blog - news, travel info, history, beauty, maps, where to eat

Immunisation schedule

2011-10-23T23:30:00.003+08:00

Every Malaysian child needs to be vaccinated according to this immunisation schedule
BCG, Hepatitis B, DPT + Hib, MMR, Polio, DT, Tetanus

Foreign shareholding in banks (Malaysia)

2011-10-23T18:22:00.002+08:00

Some examples of foreign shareholding in banks

Shareholder, local bank

Bank of East Asia (BEA) acquired 15% of affin Holdings and later increased its stake of 24%, with total acquisition cost at RM 760mil.

Forest Plantations within Permanent Reserved Forests (Peninsular Malaysia)

2011-10-23T18:03:00.001+08:00

Statistic Report (Hectares per year)

Malaysia Forests ( million hectares) statistic report

2011-10-23T17:53:00.006+08:00

Statistic Report
Land Area, Inland Forest, Swamp Forest, Mangrove Forest, Plantion Forest, Total Forested Land, Total Forested Land.

Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, Malaysia

Online Contact System

2011-09-24T14:29:00.002+08:00

The new website www.contactme.com.my content all the malaysian' contact number, address website address.

If you looking for someone this website www.contactme.com.my is the right place for you to search.

Malaysia GPS Car Tracker

2011-06-05T12:18:00.002+08:00

T22 Car Tracking Device

Accessories in the box:
- 1 unit Tramigo portable device
- Battery
- IO-Cable
- Power Cable
- Cigar Lighter Adapter
- Remote Activator
- External GPS Antenna
- Installation Case
- USB Cable
- Automobive Microphone
- 2 year warranty by Tramigo manufacturer

“The Trusted Friend for any Car or Fleet Owner”

T22 Car Tracking Device enables you to know always where your vehicles are and is easy to install to any car, truck or heavy vehicle. It can be installed fully hidden and powered from vehicle’s battery.

T22 Car Tracking Device has special version for each country using local language and local TLD landmarks.

There are no monthly or annual fees; the user only pays the normal price of the SMS messages sent.

T22 Car Key Features Include:

Check location of your vehicle anytime, anywhere with text messages (SMS)
Shut Down Engine via SMS, Ignition Sensing and Other IO features
Receive useful reports such as speed, trip or zone crossings
Use local language commands on any mobile phone or PC
No monthly fees, location information with local GPS powered TLD landmarks*
Microphone for in-vehicle Listening
In-built back-up battery and motion sensor
Free M1 Move Smart Phone software
M1 Fleet PC software for Fleet Owners

“Your vehicles are important to us and Tramigo is committed to quality. All Tramigo T22 Series Products have 24 months International Warranty.”

* Excluded Installation work
* Installation fee: RM 150

Selling Price: RM 1298

http://www.gpstracker.com.my/gpstracker_cartracker.html

Zunar's comic & Cartoon Kini

2010-06-30T12:49:00.004+08:00

View More click here

1 Funny Malaysia by Zunar Comic Cartoon

http://cartoonkafe.com/Zunar-Cartoon/q?cid=14&doit=showclass

Road Transport Department amendment to tighten rules for incoming foreign cars in Malaysia

2010-04-05T21:50:00.000+08:00

RANTAU PANJANG: The regulations for foreign cars entering Malaysia will be tightened when the government amends the Road Transport Department Act 1987 soon.

Road Transport Department (JPJ) Director-General Datuk Solah Mat Hassan said Monday, that with the amendment, foreign cars entering the country for the first time would be compelled to register with JPJ's computerised database system.

He said the move was to enable the Malaysian authorities to detect any foreign car that violated the traffic laws in the country.

"The government is in the midst of drafting the amendment to enable tighter regulations be imposed to control the number of incoming foreign cars at the borders," he told reporters here after leading an operation to detect cars from Thailand which were abusing their travel permits.

He said the permit was issued to the enable villagers at the border to travel within two kilometres of Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok here and JPJ would continue monitoring indefinitely to combat the abuse of the permits. - Bernama

Najib: Managing a diverse nation is a major challenge in Malaysia

2010-04-05T21:48:00.001+08:00

On top of the challenge of managing the Malaysian economy today, managing a diverse society that is growing sophisticated and mature by the day is an added challenge, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said. "Before this, the challenge may have been small but today, people are paying attention to matters such as conversion (of religion), marriage, deaths, divorce and issues arising from the use of the word Allah," he added on Monday.

He said for the country to move forward and for programmes and policies to succeed, there should be creativity and innovativeness in finding solutions, speedy execution of decisions, placing importance on outcome and ensuring value for money in government expenditure.

“These are our goals and the coming years will be about execution, implementation and delivery. In conjunction with the first anniversary of this government’s administration, I urge civil servants to remember the agenda, approaches and challenges that I have outlined today.

“It is our common responsibility to ensure the country prosper through the successful implementation of agendas, policies and programmes. Let us hope that Allah will give us blessing and guidance for us to carry out our responsibilities,” he said.

Kite fest returning to Bintulu

2009-05-26T22:23:00.002+08:00

Kite fest returning to Bintulu
More local participants expected to sign up for event in August

By PHILIP Him

INTRODUCED in 2005, the successful Borneo International Kite Festival has put Sarawak on the world map.

Organised by the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), the event is held annually at the town's old airport.

Hundreds of participants, locals and foreigners alike, have been showing their skills and talent by flying beautiful kites with the Bintulu
skyline as its backdrop.

Apart from the local and international competitions, visitors were also treated to traditional kite making workshops hosted by experts.

Last year, a remarkable feat was achieved by the participants when a total of 1,655 ki~es were flown simul- taneously for 20 minutes.

This spectacular aerial display was an attempt to enter the Malaysia Book Of Records with an initial target set at 1,500 kites.

Held for its fifth consecutive year, the Borneo International Kite Festival will be held from Aug 2-9.

More local participants are expected to sign up this year as the organisers has started laying ground work and kicking off the event's publicity campaign.

Last year, some 105 participants from 13 countries took part.

The BDA is hoping to receive a higher number of part!cipants this year despite the current economic slowdown.

Indonesia had the largest contingent of 35 participants last year. Other international participants were from China, Japan, Singapore, India, Australia, France, New Zealand, Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, Philippines and Thailand.

The kite festival also serves as a meeting point for enthusiasts and competitors from all over the world where knowledge on the hobby is shared.

On the local front, the event is also to promote and preserve Malaysia's traditional kite, the wau.

the lush greenery of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM)

2009-05-26T12:28:00.001+08:00

Up close with nature
THE Green Fest, The star's annual event to mark world Environment Day, returns to the lush greenery of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) this year.
And like in previous years' events, visitors can get the chance to revel in nature plus learn about ways to conserve the environment.

These are some of the activities lined for the event on June 7 2009.
* Philips Malaysia will offer tips on energy conservation and give you an energy-saving light bulb in exchange for your old one.
* Get to know the conservation work of the Worldwide Fund for Nature and the Malaysian Nature Society. You can support their efforts by signing up as members or giving a donation. WWWF will also be collecting signatures for its turtle conservation campaign.
* Learn about the research work of FRIM scientists on forests as well as wild flora and fauna.
* Kids can sign up for the Kuntum colouring competition, join the T-shirt painting event or have their faces painted.
* Try making music from all kinds of everyday implements, with help from members of the Drum Circle.
* Join the guided walk along one of the many jungle trails found in FRIM, to get a real close look at the many wonders found in the forest.
* For a bird's eye view of the forest, go on the canopy walk. This 20Ore-long suspension bridge brings you up to the tree tops for a superb view of tree canopies and the city skyline.
* Permanis will give away a bottle of Revive to the first 200 people who bring in recyclables.
* Sampling and redemption of Marigold drinks.
* Entertainment will be provided by TV3 and Suria FM.

* The Green gest is sponsored by Bonuslink and Philips Malaysia.

Korea's Break Out troupe wow Kuala Lumpur audiences and leave them in stitches.

2009-05-26T12:22:00.000+08:00

Korea's Break Out troupe wow Kuala Lumpur audiences and leave them in stitches.

AFTER WEEKS of anticipation, Break Out finally stormed into Malaysia for a hugely successful debut. The Korean extreme dance comedy theatre staged four shows over the weekend to enormously appreciative audiences at Dewan San Choon, Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur.

Created by Yegam and Sevensense, Break Out is directed by Jeon Jun-Beom and tells of five jail- breakers who yearn for a taste of freedom when an ancient sacred text falls from the sky into their midst. The magical book has mysterious powers that cause everyone in its vicinity to break into dance or launch into inspired beatboxing.

The 75-minute action-adventure, which boasts Korea's leading B-boys from international award-winning crews, impressed with top-notch B-boy skills.

I had the good fortune of watching Break Out in Seoul three weeks ago, courtesy of the Korean Tourism Organisation. And what can I say?
My first taste of the high-energy performance had me completely hooked. After the show ended, I wished I could hit a replay button somewhere so I could watch it all over again.

Although the show in Kuala Lumpur had a slightly modified set of props and a completely different set of performers, l'm glad to report I enjoyed the show just as much.

The Kuala Lumpur stage was barely able to contain the quirky characters as they went about trying to break out of prison. The fun factor was raised further as the action often spilled off-stage and involved some hilarious audience participation.

The set design is truly ingenious for the production has but a single prop, which is innovatively designed to be a life-size pop-up book. With the turn of every gigantic page, the audience is taken through the different stages of the jailbreakers' madcap escapade starting with their rip-roaring break out from prison through cut-away tunnels to a boisterous hospital and then a comical convent.

Highlights of the show include the side-splitting tunnelling episode, where the performers had tiny puppet versions of themselves strapped to their heads as they made their way through the narrow mute.

In hot pursuit of the five jailbreakers - old man Gray, brawny Lump, silly Joker, perverted Tricky, ladies' man Dandy- were prison warden Gundog and special agent SWAT.

The B-boys who performed in Kuala Lumpur were Kim Yong-Nam (Lump), Son Hyuk (Gray), Cho Min- Chul (Dandy), Han Chul-Hee (-Tricky), An Yong-Chan (Joker), Park Jae-Hong (Gundog) and No Seung-Min (SWAT). Three beautiful women played by B-girls Kim Jin-Hee, JangJi-Hee and Son Sun-A, portrayed a trio of wardens, cops, nurses and nuns.

Young children were heard giggling non-stop during the dance troupe's amusing antics, throughout the family-friendly show while B- boy fans were constantly cheering to their every spin, flip, roll, glide, pike, flare, halo and freeze.

Break Out struck a delightful balance between extreme dance and slapstick comedy wowing the audience with superb comic timing as well as lively acrobatics. Add to that some very infectious beat-boxing and a heart-thumping score, and the troupe had the audience completely won over.

Along with Nanta (kitchen percussion comedy) and Jump (extreme martial arts comedy), Break Out (extreme dance comedy) is the latest must watch for fans of Korea's non-verbal performances.

A roar of approval erupted as the 10 performers took their curtain call, but the show was yet to end as the exuberant audience immediately launched into chants for an encore. Lump (Kim) and SWAT (No) emerged with a round of brilliant beat-boxing before the rest of the troupe joined them on stage with another frenzied round of breaking. * Organised by Korea Tourism Organisation, the Break Out charity performances are managed by events management company GF~, presented by Korea Sparkling and sponsored by LG. The show has the support of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture Malaysia, the Venang government, the Malaysian Association of Hotels and the South Korean Embassy. Media partners include Star Publications (M) Bhd, 8TV and One FM. Following the four shows in Kuala Lumpur last weekend, Break Out will stage another two charity perform- ances in Penang at Dewan Sri Vinang tomorrow (May 27) and Thursday (May 28) at 8.30pro. Net proceeds of the Kuala Lumpur shows were donated to the LG Cleft Lip Project and those of the Penang shows will be channelled to D'Home Mental Health Association. Tickets are priced at RM63 and RM93 and available at authorised Axcess outlets or via their hotline (03- 7711 500) as well as G Hotel (Gurney Drive, Penang) and Dewan Sri Pinang (before showtime) or via Asthy Tan (017-606 6788). Four 42" LG television sets were given away to lucky ticket-holders at the Kuala Lumpur shows, with another two sets up for grabs at the remaining charity performances.

No more fireflies in six months?

2009-05-24T11:28:00.004+08:00

Firefly

loss of sanctuaries and tourist spots By CHRISTINA TAN

SHAH ALAM: The entire firefly population in Kampung Kuantan and Kampung Bukit Belimbing in Kuala Selangor is facing wipe-out in six months.

"All the fireflies there will be gone for good by the end of this year if no measures are taken to protect them," said Selangor Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment Committee chairman Elizabeth Wong.

The Selangor Government had issued a stop-work order for all activities in firefly sanctuaries along Sungai Selangor yesterday, she said.

She said the decline of the firefly colonies in the two popular tourist spots was at a very serious stage, with half of them already disappeared.

"We have identified seven critical areas in the two villages where the firefly colonies in four spots are already gone," she said after the weekly exco meeting here yesterday.

Last month, The Star reported that the days of firefly watching would be over because of land clearing which has damaged the habitat.

Wong said that massive cutting of trees and improper development along the river were the main reasons the fireflies were dying.

Furthermore, some areas along the river bank had been turned into oil palm plantations, she said, adding that there were also factories and restaurants operating too close to the river.

"A total of 38ha of land along the river has also been cleared," she added.

Wong said the fireflies, whose lifespan is only three months, could not survive in such an environment where there was only polluted water.

She also said that there was no river reserve along the river and part of the land had been sold to individuals.

The state government, she said, would gazette the land along the 20km river into a buffer zone.
It had also identified 52 landowners along the river and would take over the land from them as soon as possible, she said.

Wong said that the state government would also start to replant trees such as sagu, berem- bang, nipah and rembau immediately to rebuild the habitat of the fireflies at the critical areas.

The state government was establishing a fund to get the private and public sectors involved in preserving the firefly sanctuaries.

Related Link : Save Our Environment, save the world

Dying Sungai Golok(kolok) wooing Malaysian tourists again

2009-05-09T10:20:00.003+08:00

Sungai Golok: The problems in southern Thailand has taken a toll on this border town which has now become a ghost town awaiting an even painful end.

Once known for its vibrant nightlife, the sporadic bombings in Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala have made Sungai Kolok the last place Malaysians would want to visit.

However, district police chief Col Tangusat Wangsupa insisted that the town is safe for tourists.

"If you feel unsafe, I can arrange for one of my men to accompany you around the town any time of the day," he said during a goodwill visit by Malaysian journalists and Kelantan tourism representatives.

"I have my men at every corner of the street on a 24-hour basis.

"It is perfectly safe," he said, adding that visitors should not be intimidated by their presence.

Tangusat added that local tourism had almost come to a standstill because of the unrest.

The trip was organised by the Kelantan Tourism Action Council, led by its chairman Datuk Abdul Aziz Derashid.

It aimed at boosting both the Kelantan and Thai tourism sectors.

Sungai Golok was once popular with Malaysians who made up almost 9070 of the visitors.

A mere 45-minute drive from Kota Baru, this cowboy town was also a shopping haven which drew more Malaysians on weekends.

For shoe seller Siti Ratcheni Soma, 28, business has been so bad that she is thinking of doing something else.

"I see fewer and fewer people coming over here.

"The presence of the police and soldiers does not help at all." she added.

Noraini Hassan, a local resident, shared the sentiment. She hoped that Sungai Golok would return to its glory days of being the second Haadyai.

"Nowadays, you only see locals here. They are not big spenders like Malaysians," she said.

"If this goes on, I believe that this town will die before the year ends and all of us will suffer."

Narathiwat deputy governor Nipon Narapitakul said government agencies were making efforts to pull in the tourists to the provinces through a promotional blitz.

"We will woo our friends in Kelantan to come here.

"I assure them that it is safe to come here as the violence has gone down."

Padang Chetty part of Klang's history

2009-04-12T18:42:00.002+08:00

He says name change doesnot reflect well on the state govt
Story and photos by ELAN PERUMAL
elan@thestar.com.my

FORMER national coach C. Paramalingam has rapped the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) for its plan to change the name of Padang Chetty to Laman Sukan Majlis Perbandaran Klang,

The 74-year-old hard-talking man said the field had been the training ground for numerous national hockey players who had made it to the Olympics and the World Cup.

Param said the idea of giving it a'new name did not reflect well on the state government.

"Historical treasures especially those from the pre-independence era must be retained as
a gift for the younger generation.

"Padang Chetty is part of the history of Klang and its name should not be changed," he said.

Recollecting the old days, Paramalingam, who is popularly known as Param, said he had personally trained, played and coached at the field.

Padang Chetty, he said, had hosted various hockey tournaments and leagues in the past.

"This field has a rich tradition for creating great players who represented the council, state and nation.

"Some of them have become coaches while others are still with the council," he said

He said Padang Chetty used to be the centre of activities for the town's youngsters who played hockey, football and cricket.

"The name Padang Chetty came about from the huge population of Chetties who stayed in the area.

"The Chetties who came from South Inclia used to carry out businesses not far from here," he said

According to him, Padang Chetty existed long before the Stadium Kota Raja (Padang Sultan Sulaiman) was built.

"I know teams and clubs are still holding their training sessions at the field," he said.

Klang Consumers Association president. A. Devadass also criticised the council for attempting to change the name of the field.

He said the council should be worrying about providing the best standard of service to the ratepayers instead of going about changing names of the streets and places.

"They are wasting their time doing crazy things like this," he said.

Toast of the town in Kluang

2009-03-17T00:12:00.003+08:00

When in Kluang, you don't have to go all the way to the Railway Station for a taste of its famous kopi, kaya toast and other signature items

“Do beh chia mea?” i was puzzled by this question on the litlte menu. After asking for a translation, I learned that it's Hokkien dialect for “What would you like to eat?"

My eager but silent reply was "everyihing". But I politely settled for a little of everything instead. It's hard to resist the classic kopi, kaya toast and every other specialty at Kluaog Rail Cafe, a new branch of the famous Kluang's Railway Station Coffee Shop that has been whipping up the goodies for 68 years!

Just Like The Rail Thing

It's obvious that "racial segregation" is unheard of here. Coffee shops such as this are still places where friends of every race swap stories or seal business deals over cups of coffee.

Chinese, Malay and Indian youths, office workers and families and even Europeans employed by multinational companies in Kluang and gatu Rahat are frequent patrons who appreciate the cafe's ambience and array of food. Some are such regulars that they order without looking at the menu.

Jack Lim, a fourth generation tim of Kluang's Railway Station Coffee Shop, has taken over a corner shop in Kluang new town, turning it into the "Toast Of the Town".

Its nostalgic railway theme and decor is keeping in line with the "rail tradition" of the original coffeeshop that operates at the Kluang Railway Station.

There are wooden tables, stools and plank waits with wire-net windows and lots of natural light, but in air-conditioned comfort. Pointing upwards, Jack proudly drew my attention to double railway tracks suspended from the ceiling!

As i lingered over my cup of aromatic Kluang Rail coffee, I watched Jack exchange greetings with familiar customers Two obviously good friends studying the menu and discussing choices, made a pretty picture of what it meant to be truly Malaysian. Heads close together, the Chinese lady's cudy head nodded in agreement with the Malay lady whose head was covered by a modest pink tudung!

The affable jack said: "People are just comfortable here, sitting and eating together." The right mix of trendy ambience, mouthwateriog menu and fair prices is clearly bringing people back for more.

What's Special

From toast and sandwiches to noodles and rice, there are choices of Eastern and Western favourites to suit every taste.

For me, roti khowJn (with kaffwin spelt the old way) was simply irresistible. Melting butter and kaya oozed out from charcoal-toasted slices of bread and buns, served in white and wholemeal choices. It's the perfect "marriage" of butter and kaya in a combination that titillates, bite alter bite.

Served on greaseproof paper, nasi lemak and mee siam were fond favourites while spity mee rebus and curry noodles looked equally yummy. I savoured Rail Sandwiches made of mantou (plain pau) filled with sardine, tuna or sambal ikan bilis with crispy cucumber and pungent ordon slices.

I was glad I saved some space for a superb sweet ending, a rich blend of creamy coffee with Milo and vanilla flavours in the cool Railway Float and a wedge of Rail Chocolam Brownie topped with vanilla ice-cream.

How To Get There

Kluaog Rail Cafe is located at No. 33, Jalan Mangeggis and open daily from 7am to 10pm. Closed on Mondays, You can reach Kluang either by rail or by road on the scenic route from Johor Baru or via the North-South Highway and exit at Air Hitam toll to Kluang town.

Volunteers take time off to spruce up Bukit Gasing

2009-02-25T22:45:00.001+08:00

Weekend clean-up
Volunteers take time off to spruce up Bukit Gasing
THE heavy use of Bukit Gasing by hikers and visitors has caused deterioration of the forest.
"There are hundreds of people here, especially on weekends, and some people leave rubbish in the forest," Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) councillor Derek Fernandez said.
In an effort to clean up the forest, the MBPJ teamed up with groups like Friends of Bukit Gasing, the Hash House Harriers and students from the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Health Sciences Department to pick up the rubbish from the forest.
About 100 people turned up for the gotong-royong session on Saturday afternoon and the UiTM students even took the opportunity to collect data for their waste management research based on the rubbish collected.
Also present were Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee and several MBPJ councillors.
Entrance to the forest is free and Fernandez appealed to people who use the park to take care of it and to get together to clean it regularly.
"We may have to close the park for a few weeks to rehabilitate the forest if the situation gets worse.
"We're also hoping that the newly-appointed KL mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail would also retain the KL side of Bukit Gasing as a green space for the people,,' he said.

Shah Alam's man-made lake and other facilities draw the crowd

2009-02-25T22:41:00.001+08:00

A park in the city

Shah Alam's man-made lake and other facilities draw the crowd

WHEN it comes to parks and recreatlonal faclhtles, Shah Alam residents should consider themselves lucky as they have many of thesel

One such place is located in Alam Megah, Section 28. The park which was opened in 2003 is one of the largest recreational area in the capital city.

The RM4mil park is the second largest built by the Shah Alam City Council, after the Shah Alam Lake in Section 4.

Taman Alam Megah, which covers section 26 to 29 used to be an industrial area but now, the landscape has gone through a transformation with more terrace houses and higher end property being built in addition to the flats and apartments.

The recreational facility was created to meet the needs of the residents.
The land, previously vacant, has been turned into a man-made wetlands complete with a special underground water filter system to recycle the water.

The system was designed not only to clean the water but also to prevent the foul odour usually associated with man-made lakes.

The site is especially popular with families who like to take a stroll in the park.
"It is nice to come here, especially early in the morning or in the evening and the best part is that it is only a stone's throw away from my apartment," said Nuraini Ahmad.

The mother of three said she usually went to the park to unwind and have some quiet time in the morning after sending her three children off to school.
She admitted that she liked the water feature of the park most.
"Usually I would just sit on the rocks under the trees to read the newspaper or just relax.
"Sometimes I have my breakfast here on the gazebo," she said.
The place is usually crowded in the evening, especially after 5pm.
Some come to use the jogging track surrounding the park or play football.
Others come to enjoy the evening breeze at the gazebos.
There is also a restaurant operating at the premises and this keeps the place alive at night.
There are also plenty of activities for children and adults alike.
Besides the ordinary playground equipment, visitors can use the monkey bar or try the hanging bridge or balancing beam.
But keeping the park clean is indeed a mega task. The cleaners do not find it amusing when they have to clean up the litter left behind, especially on Mondays
after the big number of visitors during the weekend.
At times, the rubbish includes pebbles and even pieces of wood. This could damage the system designed for the wetlands.
Vandalism is also rampant.
"We conduct regular cleaning work at the park but visitors must help ensure that they do not litter and dispose of their garbage properly," said MBSA public relations officer Shahrin Ahmad.

the Toh Lee Chinese Restaurant at Nikko Hotel Kuala Lumpur is offering a romantic wine

2009-02-25T22:38:00.002+08:00

Getting into the right mood

Indulge in a romantic Valentine dinner with your loved one

COME this Valentine's Day, the Toh Lee Chinese Restaurant at Nikko Hotel Kuala Lumpur is offering a romantic wine and dine experience especially for the love birds.

The five-course Valentine's Sparkling Wine Set Dinner has two menus, priced at RM138++ and RM188++ per person.

Menu 1 features the Cold Imperial Noodles with 'Bang Bang' Chicken and Green Vegetables, Double Boiled Chicken Soup in Whole Crystal Pear, Braised Whole Abalone with Winter Melon and Foie Gras or Stewed Duck Drumstick with Orange Glaze on Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Chilled Lemongrass Pudding with Banana.

Menu 2 features Chilled Baby Lobster with Tobiko Mayonnaise with Steamed Scallop Dumplings, Braised Superior Shark's Fin with Foie Gras and Truffles, Baked Cod with Oranges Glaze and Sesame Seeds or Wok Fried Beef Medallions with Supreme Chili Sauce and Vegetables and Chilled Passion Fruit Sorbet accompanied by Mini Bird's Nest Tart.

The set menus comes with a bottle of sparkling wine and a stalk of rose.
A box of chocolate pralines is onlyavailable with the RM188++ set menu.
Chinese chef Chan Chong Yan said the menu featured a fusion of the Chinese, Japanese and western elements.

"What I mean by fusion is the Double Boiled Chicken Soup in Whole Crystal Pear that is Chinese while the Braised Whole Abalone with Winter Melon and Foie Gras is mixed with a bit of western.

"The original sauce should be oyster, instead we used foie gras.

"The menus offer meat, fish and seafood to suit the need of everyone.

"When you go to certain places, they would only offer one type of meat but we are giving a variety.

"Our menus not only offer Asian flavour but it comes with a bit of the western touch.

"Even the Chilled Lemongrass Pudding with Banana dessert is prepared with special attention, where-by you have the fragrance of the lemongrass but it is not too strong," he said.
Chan said the menus were prepared to suit the taste and mood of the Valentine's Day.

Nikko is also offering the 'Love in Motion' package that includes an overnight accommodation at the Royal Suite for RM23,000++.

The package comes with a speciallyorchestrated candlelight dinner for two on the balcony on Level 26 with a solo violinist, a bouquet of 100 stalks of red roses, a bottle of sparklingchampagne and a pampering session for two at The Sompoton Spa.
It is only valid on Feb 14 and subject to availability. For reservation call 03-2782 6330 or email reservation@hotel-nikko.corn my.

On Feb 13 and 14, the Benkay Japanese Restaurant is also offering 'Anata ga suki' Valentine's Day Set Dinner.

The offer features Soft-boiled Egg Jelly topped with Sea Urchin, Assorted Sashimi, Deep-fried Eel Fist, Simmered Angelfish Liver with Radish and Grilled Wagyu Beef 'Toban' Style and Sweet Green Tea Ice-cream priced at RM150++ per person.
For reservation, call 03-2782 6118.

the perfect opportunity to indulge your loved one with an intimate dining experience

2009-02-25T22:36:00.001+08:00

MEMORABLE VALENTINE

AVANTI Italian-American Ristorante at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa unravels the perfect opportunity to indulge your loved one with an intimate dining experience epitomising love and culinary pleasure this Valentine's Day February 14 2009.

Presenting a sumptuous five-course dinner menu with wine pairings, Chef Shan, the restaurant's chef at the helm, whets appetites with an exquisite line-up of contemporary Italian cuisine.
Chef Shan draws on his culinary finesse and imaginative skills in working with ingredients that supposedly invoke passion for the occasion. As a start, tuck into

Lobster Panna Cotta and Green Asparagus drizzled with Macadamia Nougatine Dressing. This is followed by deliciously flavoursome Goat Cheese Barolo Risotto served with Slow Oven-Baked Bosc Pear. Preceding the main course thereafter, is Balsamic, Berry and Vanilla Bean Ripple Granite with Hazelnut

Dukkah. Balsamic Vinegar cleverly brings out the flavour of berry fruit, further enhanced by the taste of vanilla bean.

Main course is a mouth-watering choice of either Broiled Blue-Eyed Cod with Chanterelle Crust, Creamy Leek and Champagne Sauce or Beef Tenderloin gratinated with Castelluccio Lentils, Rosemary-Scented Pumpkin Polenta and Merlot Sauce.

Both selections of main course are equally scrumptious and ensure a thoroughly satisfying meal.
To culminate the meal, creamy, custard-like white chocolate and yoghurt soup with caramel is served with a dollop of sesame ice cream for interesting contrasts that end on a sweet note. The ravishing meal is rounded off with coffee or tea and chocolares to warm the heart.
Be charmed this Valentine's at Avanti on Feb 14 from 6,30 pm to 10.30 pro. The dinner menu is priced at RM 400++ per couple, inclusive of a box of chocolates for him and a stalk of rose for her.

Then whisk your Valentine away to The Villas at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa for a celebration of romance and inspiration. Minutes from the city, this sanctuary of privacy and indulgence is accentuated by a synthesis of romantic diversions to cap off the occasion.

Applicable for stays on Feb 13 or 14 at only RM 1,288++ per couple per night, The Villas' Valentine's package encompasses a 2D!N stay at a private villa, inclusive of chilled welcome drinks, cold towels and an enticing assorted fruit platter on arrival.

Exotic evening cocktails at The Pavillion - a private enclave exclusively for guests of The Villas - and a dreamy three-course.candlelight dinner by the prwate villa plunge pool along with a complimentary bottle of champagne, follow suit.

Wake up to a veritable breakfast buffet at The Pavillion the next morning.
Cap off the romantic escape with a 50-minute Balinese Massage or Pure Nature Facial spa treatment for two at the Resort's award-winning

Mandara Spa.
Be charmed at The Villas for it conjures up the kind of romantic interlude that anyone would dream of in a world of laid-back tropical luxury.

The Villas is reserved for adults and welcomes guests 12 years and above.
For reservations at Avanti Italian-American Ristorante, contact 03-7492 8000 extn.3176. To book your romantic hideaway at The Villas, call

03-7495 1646 or email thevillas@sunwayhotels.com. Alternatively, visit www.sunwayhotels.com.

Grilled to perfection

2009-02-11T22:00:00.000+08:00

GRILLED TO PERFECTION

NOTHING compares to the taste of grass-fed beef that can transport you to the Argentinian Pampas With just one bite. The Gaucho Grill, located along Jalan Raja Chulan, is hard to miss. Just look out for its big black and red lifesize cow dummy at the entrance.

At Gaucho Grill, steaks are cooked open fire style. This style of cooking ensures that the meat is crispy on the outside while cooked to perfection according to your degree of preference on the inside.

Grass-fed Argentinian beef known for its flavour and tenderness, popular ingredients and sauces coupled with a distinctive style of cooking are among the ingredients that make up the outlet's success.

For non-steak lovers, there are other options, such as lamb rack or seafood pasta, among others. All main courses come with a salda and soup.

For sweet endings, the restaurant offers a variety of desserts such as Choc Madeleine, a warm, moist chocolate and fudge with macademia nut ice-cream.

Look out for the Set Lunch set at RM28**, which include Ice Lemon Tea, soup and salad.

If you happen to be around the Golden Triangle, please do drop by the chain's other Argentinian steak house- the Maredo's located at Jalan P Ramlee.

*Gaucho Grill is located at Lot B5, Chulan Square, 92 Jalan Raja Chulan, KL. Tel no: 03-2145 4268 or 012-337 3935. Business hours are from 12 noon to 3pm for lunch and 6:30pm to Ilpm for dinner. Gaucho Grill is a pork-free restaurant.

How did some kampung get their cheeky, distinctive names

2008-11-18T22:01:00.003+08:00

What's behind a name?
The stories behind their names are as intriguing as the villages themselves.
Fairies in the Clouds, Hungry Tok Imam, Killing Village, Meet your Match Village...how did some kampung get their cheeky, distinctive names? Well, grab yourself a map and drop in for tea.

Kampung Awek
Jerteh, Terengganu
Seven kilometres from Jerteh town is Kampung Awek, a small village that sounds like a reason for guys to flex their biceps.

"Awek is the local lingo for girlfriend, and yes, I do get asked a lot whether there are many pretty girls here," says Mohd Faisha Razali, 36. the headman of Pasir Akar district.

Travellers are quick to embrace the village's eyebrow-raising name, snapping pictures of the sign as they pass. As it turns out, the name has a perfectly innocent origin.

"It was so-called after the tok batin of an Orang Asli community who were the original settlers of the land in the 1920s," explains Mohd Faisha. Not after the hordes of gorgeous women, then?
"No. but then again wait till you see my wife."

Kampung Mambang Di
S.wan, Kampar, Perak
if not for its name, Kampung Mambang Di Awan (meaning "fairies in the clouds") would have simply gone unnoticed except for the occasional lost tourist on his way to Gua Tempurung.

The residents are accustomed to the ratty comments associated with their village's name.
"Oh, we've heard it all," says Zainat Azri Saad, a secretary at the penghulu' s office.

"The legend goes, while gazing at the clouds after a tiring day of labouring at the mine, a group of men began seeing fairies in the clouds.

The miners befriended the sylphs whom they quickly learned could shift the clouds around to shelter them from the sweltering heat."

Kampung Tok Imam Lapar
Hulu Terengganu, Terengganu
Imagine the odd reaction when you tell people you come from Kampung Tok Imam Lapar (Hungry Tok Imam Village), a village of 400 who are mostly farmers.

"The name attracts a lot of attention, there's no doubt about that," says Mohd Hisham Talib, 29, the penghulu of Mukim Kuala Telemong.

"Back in the 12th-14 centuries, traders beating gold and silver used to flock to Kuala Berang to buy elephant tusks, gaharu wood and to replenish their food and water supply," Hisham relates.
"One day, a group of traders, stopped at nearby Sungai Telemong. They ventured into a village near the fiver and came across a surau, where a religious man was teaching.

"The man invited them over to his house for a meal, before continuing their journey. At dusk, the traders stopped again by the Sungai Telemong and walked around in search of food.
'`They were going round and mund for hours until they wound up tight in front of the religious man's house again. That's when they called out, 'Tok Imam! Lapar! (Tok Imam! We're hungry! ).
"So you see, it wasn't the imam who was famished, it was the traders !"

Kampung Menyorok
Batang Kali, Selangor
Blink and you'll miss Kampuug Menyorok in Bandar Pekan Lama, Batang Kali.
"Kampung Menyorok (Hiding Village) is off the beaten path and slightly hidden," says Muhaini Muhaiyadi, 26, the assistant at the headman's office, who has by now learnt to ignore the wisecracks about the village's name.

"During the Japanese Occupation, you had to follow the railways tracks and walk underneath a tunnel to get to the village. Now with new roads and signboards, the village is not difficult to find," she adds.

According to Muhaini, there have been a few times when the signboards went missing.
"Perhaps we should have the name of the kampung engraved on a boulder. Then the thieves wouldn't be able to steal the sign," she suggests.

Kampung Bunohan
Tumpat, Kelantan
There's a saying that goes: Never start a fight with someone from Kampung Bunoban (Killing Village), or you stand to fight a whole village.

This village is famous for Main Puteri, traditionally a heaIing method involving songs and dance.
"During World War 11, there were many Thai soldiers here who stirred a lot of chaos in the village. The skirmishes between the villages and the Thais led to a lot of fatalities. That's how

Kampung Buuohan got its depressing name," explains resident Muhammad Tajul, 21.
"I have no idea why no one saw fit to change it to to a less hostilesounding name."
But there are people in this town who seem to have a wry sense of humour about their village's name.

"Kampung Bunohan has always had a lean mean reputation. People do not come to this village as they're afraid they might get beaten to a pulp by the thugs here.
"I myself was spared by the bullies in boarding school because of my kompun's name," says Mohd Raslan,19.

Kampung Gudang Garam
Segamat, Johor
Mention Gudang Garam and images of the kretek cigarette springs to mind. The origins of the village's name, however, began 100 years ago, when a group of people from Kampung Tenang, in Labis, Segamat, entered the dense Tanjung Sengkawang forest in search of new territory - and got lost.

"They wandered until night fell and got caught in a heavy storm," says Muda Mohd Langsing, 63, the penghulu of Mukim Jemerih.

"They finally stumbled upon a salt lick, a water source for animals.
When they finally managed to find their way out of the forest, they decided to name the newly found territory after the salt lick," says Muda, a descendant of the people who discovered the village.

"They cleared the land and built a kampung which has about 100 houses today."

Kampung Desa Temu Jodoh
Segamat, Johor
The name is definitely Kampong Desa Temu Jodoh's (Meet Your Match Village) main attraction.
"It's just so precious, isn't it?" says the headman Paiman Anuar, 82 who displays an almost mmantic fervour for the name.

Just 20 kilometres away from Yong Peng, this village situated in Chaah was opened almost 30 years ago.

The land was cleared by the participants of the Kampung Sungai Lenek Youth Land Scheme - young bachelors aged 18 to 24.

I was one of the 60 participants. We were given a monthly allowance of RM60, It was just enough for food and we barely had any left over to woo a girl. So for three to four years, all of us remained single and dateless," says Paiman.

When a similar land scheme was introduced for females, the men began to pair up with the women, "This inspired the late Datuk Osman Saad, the former Johor chief minister, to voice the idea of having a mass wedding ceremony on Feb 27, 1977 during the state meeting,

Twenty-four couples commited their wedding vows at the Segamat mosque, and had their mass reception ceremony the same evening. A huge dais was built on a football pitch to accommodate the couples, including my wife and i," Paiman says fondly.

"During his closing speech, Osman spontaneously referred to the village as Desa Temu Jodoh.
"There were a few people who weren't too happy with the name but eventually it began to grow on everyone," says Paiman.

"All 112 of the men and women from the land scheme are now married and most run oil palm plantations. Many remain friends until this very day, and the bond
among the residents is close.

"There is a school here named Sekolah Kebangsaan Desa Temu Jodoh. Maybe the children one day will marry their school sweethearts and we can organise an even bigger mass wedding!"

Kampung Dada Kering
Kuala Lipis, Pahang
"I am always queried about it when I give my address on the phone," says Kampung Dada Kering headman Mohd Noor Abd Rahman, 48. (Data Kering means "dry chest".)

The most famous feature here is a sign with its name. People tend to steal the sign. Significant amounts of public funds have been spent on replacing it," he adds.

The village, according to Mohd Noor, was once a gold mine, literally. The gold deposits attracted rockhounds but reserves were soon exhausted and the mines were shut down.
"The village was named dada kering, which refers to the land that had been mined and abandoned.

The mine sites had since been filled with water and turned into fresh water farms," says Mohd Noor.

There are still remnants of gold in the river. But you will need clearance from the land district office to get to it.

Bamboo towel - Thalgo

2008-10-29T21:32:00.000+08:00

Bamboo towel
THALGO is not just about enhancing and preserving your health and beauty, the brand is also about making Mother Nature happy.

And for that reason, Thalgo is proud to present its customers with a luxurious set of
towels made from I00% natural, pesticidefree bamboo!

These fashionable, super-soft towels have an extraordinary thirst for water and are four
times more absorbent than classic cotton.

Bamboo towels stay fresh all the time because they dry up quickly and hence discourage the growth of fungus and bacteria.

Thee towels are ideal for hygienic daily use. Bamboo towels are also kind to newborns' young and tender skit

Besides that. they are also guaranteed colsur wash-proof up to 60C.

Experience an eco-friendly bath and enjoy the comforts of pure nature, day after day
with bamboo towels, brought to you proudly by Thalge Cosmetic S.E.A. Sdn Bhd. This
offer starts from April Ist till 30th at all Thalgo outlets nationwide.

Quick facts about tourist spot at Pulau Ketam

2008-10-27T18:03:00.003+08:00

a) The floating fish farm - Most popular tourist post at Pulau Ketam. Special briefing conducted by Greenway tour guide enable tourists to enchance their knowlegde about fishes reared in the fish farm. Chalets are also available for a night's stay of fishing.

b) Chinese temples - Most of the residents of Pulau Ketam are Chinese; therefore, you can find many temples here. For exmaple, Nang Thiam Keng Temple and Hock Leng Keng Temple.

c) Boat Builder - One of traditional industry in Pulau Ketam, the whole process is done by manually without any help of computer or high - tech. It cost > $100,000 < and take 1-2 months to setting up.

d) The First Bridge - There are 11 bridge in Pulau Ketam. This bridge is a most important bridge at Pulau Ketam becuase it link up 2 area, Town centre and Bagan Teochew.

e) The Native's Village - Population around 30 people, all of them are fisherman.

Be Careful when you in Malaysia Highway - Someones watching you

2008-10-01T11:34:00.003+08:00

Be happy when you drive your car "Balik Kampung" , but becareful someones always watching you along the way. Guess who is it?

Whole Malaysia Digi User can not received call & make call - Digi Service Interruption

2008-07-11T13:58:00.004+08:00

If you are digi mobile user and did not received any call today or you notice that event can not make a call out.

Big News

Today most of the digi user can not make a call out because the digi service interruption

The bellow notices from digi website Know More

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad Quit Umno

2008-05-19T23:44:00.001+08:00

Full News about Tun Dr Mahathir quit umno click here

Need to Purchase Persona ? - My Advise !!

2008-05-14T23:48:00.009+08:00

I love malaysia, I am very support Malaysia. Especially those products make in Malaysia.

So I decide to buy Malaysia Car "Persona".

I buy this car about two month ago.

A lot of adversity happen on my car. like car Crash

One day i am drive my car on the highway. suddenly one Small stones hit on my car front mirror.

My Car front mirror crack immediately.

One Month later, I drive my car on the road.

Unfortunately, another small stone hit on my car again, this time another crack hole on my car front mirror.

Now I get Two Star On My Mirror Screen

I used to drive the Proton Wira, but every time hit by the small stone, the mirror would not easy to crack.

How come The Proton Persona's mirror easy to crack?

For My advise, If you decide to purchase a new proton persona car, remember buy the car mirror insurance.

P/S: Persona is apt to rust

About The Bandar Sungai Long and Bandar Mahkota Cheras Toll

2008-05-10T23:56:00.004+08:00

Here is some of the History News about the Bandar Mahkota Cheras and Bandar Sungai Long.

Toll company reject to open the road for the resident in Bandar Mahkota Cheras.

Sg Long’s Album

The Life of Bandar Sg Long

Why Grand Saga has the power to block the road?

BandarSungaiLong

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven

Driver of WPK 6393

2008-04-28T00:24:00.001+08:00

No offence, but really nice set of wheels in the wrong set of hands?

My question is, what did the Sunway Pyramid Car Park Management do about it?

Maybe TVCM (Toyota Vios Club of Malaysia ) can help us to locate the owner?

Can Pork sell in Market at Kelantan?

2008-04-28T00:09:00.002+08:00

Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah in Kelantan

This is place selling the Pork in Kelantan

TV ads tell us that Kelantan is the poorest state

2008-04-27T23:58:00.004+08:00

Big Clock Tower Roundabout

KB mall in Kelantan

Kelantan Air Port

Mini clock tower

The Imposing KB Giant Gate

Pelangi Mall

Renaissance-Kota-Bharu-Hotel

How do think about Kelantan?

Hidden buddha in State of Kelantan (Level-U), do Malaysian know that?

2008-04-27T23:18:00.004+08:00

You will unreliable the most large joss in Asia was locate in Kelantan

There are Southeast Asia's largest sleeping Buddha » -- Not in Penang, is in Kelantan

There are Southeast Asia's largest "Zuofo" is in Kelantan

Malaysia has the highest Buddha in Kelantan

Malaysia, which have the most Buddha hall in Kelantan

Do not be deceived our media, reported this go. . .

Very Funny Motor rider

2008-04-27T21:55:00.004+08:00

One day i drive my car at cheras perdana, I saw a rider wearing safety shirt.
Very Funny

I quickly ask my wife take the photo as soon as possible.

Look at his shirt, what he write on "Selamat Jalan", "jangang Laju", "... Mati" whith malay and chinese wording.

The first signboard in Tamil and Chinese in Malaysia

2008-04-24T01:23:00.002+08:00

After Govt changed, this is one of the latest improvement to our nation,it has nothing to do with racial issue.

For 50 years, we have been split up and manipulated to have controversial against each other, but now we are finally really coming together as ONE.
Tear roll down my eye when I see these pictures .

Tri Lingual sign board indeed reflects the actual multi-racial society of Malaysia.

Bravo to those who dare to make a change! We did it !!

Biker brudders in Kluang

2007-09-03T01:55:00.000+08:00

With a thunderous roar, 20 superbikers cruised through Kluang, turning heads along the way.

These macho men on their mean machines attracted a crowd at the Kluang Railway Station on May 6. The riders had stopped to enjoy a cup of kopi with kaya toast and the company of fellow Kluang superbike enthusiasts, including District police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamed Fawzi Arshad.

The public often had the wrong impression of superbikers because of the way they looked, said Fawzi who explained that on the contrary, they often helped the police combat crime. As a brotherhood of disciplined riders, Harley Davidson superbikers can work with the police to maintain law and order as Rakan Cop members. To register as a member of Rakan Cop, just send a mobile-phone text message to 32728 or DAPAT.

The superbikers were guests of Gunung Lambak Eco Resort executive director Roslee Yassin.

"We have regular weekend rides to various destinations to savour local specialties," says Azlan Alias, founding member of Jokers Motorcycle Club. Their passion often takes them to Tanjung Malim, Raub and Temerloh.

And now, Kluang is firmly on their list of favourite weekend destinations!

Penang International Floral Festival

2007-09-03T01:52:00.000+08:00

Botanical Garden, Penang. Watch the blooming of colour, fragrance and vibrancy at the annual Penang International Floral Festival as the Botanical Garden is transformed into a floral wonderland. There are exhibitions, workshops, contest and classes on related topics while the main attraction is the breathtaking larger-than-life floral floats. Details, visit
http://www.tourismpenang.gov.my

Sandakan Festival

2007-09-03T01:22:00.000+08:00

Sandakan, Sabah. Known as the "Gateway to Borneo's Wildlife", Sabah's second largest town will hold a week-long festival with a host of activities to showcase Sandakan's rich culture and tradition. Once dubbed "Little Hong Kong", the town is the entry point to the world-renowned Sepilok Orang Utah Rehabilitation Centre, Turtle Islands Park and the Kinabatangan River. Join the festivities and extend your stay to visit the renowned tourist attractions. Details, call 089-229 751.

Gawai Dayak

2007-09-03T01:17:00.000+08:00

Throughout Sarawak. Gawai Dayak is celebrated by the Ibans, Orang Ulu and Bidayuh of Sarawak in early June to mark the rice-harvesting season. There will be traditional ceremonies and dances in the various long-houses. Relatives and visitors are served rice wine or tuak and chicken cooked in bamboo as well as other traditional delicacies.

Tadau Kaamatan

2007-09-03T01:10:00.000+08:00

Throughout Sabah. Tadau Kaamatan or the Harvest Festival is a thanksgiving celebration for a bountiful harvest and the selection of the Harvest Queen or Unduk Ngadau. The festival, celebrated by Kadazandusun community, is observed at district level before concluding at State Level in Penampang. There will be activities held at various districts on the weekends and a mini tamu at Hongkod Koisaan in Kota Kinabalu.

E &O Property Development Bhd (E&OPD)

2007-03-22T01:26:00.000+08:00

E&OPD has been carving a reputation for itself in the Pearl of the Orient since embarking on the freehold Seri Tanjung Pinang (STP) seafront development in October 2005.

The 980-acre township being undertaken on reclaimed land was master-planned by the internation-ally-renowned architectural firm of Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo.

While the scale of the development alone is enough to make the island's population and real estate fraternity sit up, it is the new urbanism concept of providing walkable residential neighbourhoods set amidst landscaped parks, boulevards and seafront esplanades that is setting the company apart from the rest.

In the 240-acre first phase, terrace, semi-detached and detached houses will be developed alongside condominiums and serviced apartments in gated and guarded precincts.

Of these, 90 per cent of the 166 terraces called Ariza have been sold despite prices starting from RM775,000 for intermediate units and RM980,00 for the corners, while the 38 plots of bungalow land have found buyers willing to pay between RM170psf and RM250psf.

Judging from the over-whelming response, STP is envisaged to set the pace for the island's upmarket residential prices as well as design and quality standards for years to come.

SP Setia Bhd (SPS)
Another developer carving a name for itself on Penang island is SPS with its 112.6-acre Setia Pearl island gated residential development.

Situated in the southern segment of the island and about 2km from the Penang international Airport, this RM800 million venture has also been designed for the upper income market segment, with three-storey, five-bedroom terrace houses tagged from RM600,000.

To support the pricing, SPS is infusing the development with lifestyle amenities such as a clubhouse (complete with swimming pool, sauna, squash court and ballroom) and residential precinct names such as the isle of life, the isle of Aroma and the isle of Palm.

Although new to Penang, SPS has a track record of introducing innovative concepts to its developments in the Klang Valley and Johor Baru.

In the south, the company is riding on the resounding response to its 1,054-acre Bukit indah and 452-acre Bukit indah 2 in Gelang Patah; 889-acre Setia indah in the Tebrau Corridor; the 740-acre Setia Tropika located off the Kempas interchange; and the recently unveiled RM2 billion Setia Eco Gardens township in Pulai.

The latter is a 949-acre venture that is expected to raise the bar for residential developments in the state and showcase concepts johoreans have never seen before. Among them:Eco-themes where lush garden oases, water parks, boardwalks and resort-like facilities for fishing and canoeing will prevail.

Cyberjaya here we come

2007-03-22T00:43:00.000+08:00

A top indian property developer has made tracks into the country and made Cyberjaya in Selangor its first stop.

The Embassy Group of Bangalore purchased a 10-acre site near the up-and-coming KL-Putrajaya Dedicated Highway at the end of last year for RM20 million (or RM46psf) via a joint venture company MKN Embassy Development Sdn Bhd.

Upon it, work is underway to complete two office blocks, each with 250,000sq ft of space, by the end of this year.

it is understood that the premised will be occupied largely by the IT-related businesses currently renting premises the Embassy Group has built in Bangalore and who now want to blaze an expansion trail into Southeast Asia.

Over the past two decades, Embassy has built for lease over 11 million square feet of residential and commercial space in one of india's most popular IT cities.

According to Cyberjaya developer, Setia Haruman Sdn Bhd, "if the project is successful, Embassy will purchase an additional 20 acres to build more space".

"The construction of the two office blocks in the first 10 acres will involve some RM100 million," said its chief operating officer Lao Chok Keang.

Setia Haruman is controlled by the Emkay group, which also controls MKE group Sdn Bhd. The latter owns 60 per cent of the MKN-Embassy joint venture.

Last week, MKN subsidiary Laketown Sdn Bhd engaged property consultancy Henry Butcher Malaysia Sdn Bhd to lease and manage another of its ventures in Cyberjaya, the RM300 million NeoCyber project comprising shop-offices and serviced apartments on a 20-acre site.

When completed, this project will also provide student accommodation for the Cyberjaya University College of Medical Science.

Health at large

2007-03-10T20:08:00.000+08:00

health at large 6Saving hearts Have a change of heart and live a quality life is the resounding message that three organisations are communicating to Malaysians.

Concerned with the growing number of Malaysians suffering from heart diseases, the National Heart Association of Malaysia(NHAM), National Heart Foundation of Malaysia (NHF) and Pfizer has joined forces to create greater national awareness of heart health among the public. One of the group's first initiatives from the public-private partnership was the production of an education video compact disc (CD) on Heart Health which was jointly unveiled by the three organisations at a media briefing recently.

Produced in three languages, the 30-minute video CD aims to provide over 5,000 doctors nationwide a visual aid to raise awareness of heart diseases among their patients and empower them with information to care for their hearts.

"We are happy with this collaboration between the public and private sector to support public education on heart disease. As doctors, our concern is primarily for the well being of our patients, not only in treatment, but also in educating them on prevention of heart disease risk factors such as hypertension, high clolesterol and obesity among others.

"We hope that our patients will benefit from the video to further understand the implications of heart disease and start taking preventive measures to change their lifestyles now", said Dr Ahmad Nizar Jamaludin, President of the National Heart Association of Malaysia.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Malaysia. The number of heart disease related cases in local hospitals have shown significant increase. In 2005, hypertensionrelated disease cases in hospitals rose to 38,445 compared to 32,886 in the year 2000. Other heart disease related cases amounted to 25,362 last year vs. 17,598 in 2000.

Today, 30% of Malaysians suffer from obesity, hypertension and high cholesterol while 8.5% suffer from diabetes, according to the Health Ministry. In calculating those percentages against the country's population of 25 million, approximately 7.5 million people suffer from heart disease risk factors while 2.1 million are diabetic.

The increasing rate of cardiovascular diseases among the people continue to consume a large portion of the country's healthcare budget and the Health Ministry has further allocated funds uner the Ninth Malaysia Plan in a mission to bring down the incidences of heart disease risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity through health education and promotional activities.

According to Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin, Director of the National Heart Foundation of Malaysia and also President-elect of the Malaysian Medical Association," Our investment in heart disease awareness programmes have been increasing annually as we believe that empowering the community with information and other resources wil help them attain healthier lifestyles.
"We want the public to feel responsible sor their health and we are confident that this education video on Heart Health will yet be another resource to learn about heart disease prevention."
Despite mounting research and advances in treatment, Malaysians are not getting the message that heart diseases is claiming more lives and has become the leading cause of morbidity, if not mortality in the country.

"Our common goal is to save lives", said John Latham, Managing Director of Pfizer Malaysia. "With a collaborative effort, we hope to make the society aware of the risk factors for heart disease and to motivate them-with the help of their health care professionals to take an active role in their heart health," he added.

The education video CD on Heart Health produced by the three organisations with the contribution of cardiovascular experts is distributed through doctors who are registered with NHAM and participating clinics nationwide. To attain a copy of the video, individuals are encouraged to visit their nearest healthcare professionals or contact NHF at 03-26934709 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Cyberjaya here we come

2007-03-10T20:03:00.000+08:00

A top indian property developer has made tracks into the country and made Cyberjaya in Selangor its first stop.

The Embassy Group of Bangalore purchased a 10-acre site near the up-and-coming KL-Putrajaya Dedicated Highway at the end of last year for RM20 million (or RM46psf) via a joint venture company MKN Embassy Development Sdn Bhd.

Upon it, work is underway to complete two office blocks, each with 250,000sq ft of space, by the end of this year.

it is understood that the premised will be occupied largely by the IT-related businesses currently renting premises the Embassy Group has built in Bangalore and who now want to blaze an expansion trail into Southeast Asia.

Over the past two decades, Embassy has built for lease over 11 million square feet of residential and commercial space in one of india's most popular IT cities.

According to Cyberjaya developer, Setia Haruman Sdn Bhd, "if the project is successful, Embassy will purchase an additional 20 acres to build more space".
"The construction of the two office blocks in the first 10 acres will involve some RM100 million," said its chief operating officer Lao Chok Keang.

Setia Haruman is controlled by the Emkay group, which also controls MKE group Sdn Bhd. The latter owns 60 per cent of the MKN-Embassy joint venture.

Last week, MKN subsidiary Laketown Sdn Bhd engaged property consultancy Henry Butcher Malaysia Sdn Bhd to lease and manage another of its ventures in Cyberjaya, the RM300 million NeoCyber project comprising shop-offices and serviced apartments on a 20-acre site.
When completed, this project will also provide student accommodation for the Cyberjaya University College of Medical Science.

Building on a flying startRelaxed laws

2007-03-10T20:01:00.000+08:00

Building on a flying startRelaxed laws and advent of low-cost long-haul carrier spark hope of more foreign ownership

The foreigners are coming, and at least two prominent township builders are suiting up to welcome them as purchasers.

Recent relaxations of foreign ownership laws, the expected increase in tourist arrivals this year due to efforts by the Tourism Ministry and the evolution of AirAsia into the first lowcost long haul carrier in the region are the fodder TH Properties Sdn Bhd and Setia Haruman Sdn Bhd are feeding on to drive sales in their townships.

"The expansion of the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal(LCCT) in Sepang together with AirAsia's move into the long-haul sector should increase tourist arrivals to our shores," said TH Properties chief executive officer Syed Mohamed ibrahim.

"With the more liberalised package to attract foreigners to own a second home here (under the Malaysia My Second Home plan), I'm confident this increase will translate into better sale of properties."

Syed Mohamed pointed out that his township, the 5,116-acre Bandar Enstek, is "only eight minutes from the LCCT and 15 minutes from KLIA" and besides having lifestyle residential units, also contains educational, medical and commercial properties that would suit foreign requirements.

For Setia Haruman, developer of Cyberjaya, its chief operating officer Lao Chok Keang said the development is "poised to enjoy a spillover of foreign IT firms currently operating in india".
"Indian developers are now coming here to build ITcentres for their (foreign) clients who are expanding into Asia," he said (see sidebar).

"Their top choice is of course Cyberjaya as we have the most modern technological infrastructure in the country."

Lao said with the move, he expects the townships's foreign working population of 3,600-making up 20 per cent of the area's total IT workforce-to grow by another 1,200 by the end of this year.
To tap into their wallets, Lao said he is modifying some up-and-coming launches so that the products are "in tune with foreign tastes and expectations".

"We have converted some condo projects into upmarket villas to cater to middle-management individuals, priced between the RM300,000 and RM400,000mark," he said.
"For the top-management, they can choose from bungalow plots priced between RM75psf and RM80psf."

Lao said in india's IT hotspots such as Hyderabad and Bangalore, foreigners have had to put up with paying exhorbitant rents for old buildings that are often in poor state of repair.
"In Cyberjaya, however, they can look forward to occupying and even owning state-of-the-art property at a fraction of the price."

To educate both locals and foreigners on the offerings and incentives available in the township, he said Setia Haruman will be conducting an investment seminar in April.
"Locals should also consider investing in Cyberjaya as they will be able to rent their properties to foreigners who may not want to buy," Lao said, adding that returns of seven per cent is achievable for shop and condominium units and up to eight per cent for the villas.
Meanwhile, in Bandar Enstek, Syed Mohamed said the spreading of AirAsia's wings means "even middleclass Europeans who want to escape their country's cold winters can now own a home in a warm sunny country".

"We are extremely excited AirAsia has gone long haul, and we're already working with them for mutual benefit," he said.

Syed revealed that the first tie-up will take the form of a Tune Hotel in Bandar Enstek.
Tune Hotel was founded by AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes.
"I can say that we are in an advanced stage of discussion and are close to finalising the deal," said Syed Mohamed.

"Hopefully this will be the first of many joint endeavours between our two companies."

Property Talk - Out of the zone

2007-02-26T22:40:00.000+08:00

For a moment, i thought i was in the twilight zone. Or at the very least, like Rip Van Winkle, had woken up 15 years in the future.

What brought me to this conclusion was a real estate transaction reported just before Chinese New Year that blue-chip builder SP Setia had sold 38 acres of commercial land in Bukit Indah within johor's emerging iskandar Development Region for RM65psf.

A currently Greenfield site in johor for RM65psf. or over RM2.8 million an acre? What was even more eye opening was the fact that accompanying the report was a quote by Citigroup that it had previously tagged land in the area at RM20psf.

These values have all the oomph of forward thinking. i was tempted to say "wishful thinking", but that would have implied they were plumped up, and that can't be right since the deal has been inked-with one of the country's most respected corporate citizens no less.

Still, i couldn't get my head around the benchmark price. Benchmark? it's more like one of those flags you plant on a mountain after conquering it.

Good on SP Setia....good on the fact that it managed to find Raion Capital, a special purpose vehicle, to pick up the site for RM106.97 million cash. And good for Raion for being able to lease to Aeon Co, operator of the jusco brand, a three storey shopping mall it will build there. The arrangement struck by these players must be at the core of the RM65psf value. Because real estate valuation comparative methods aren't.

One of the most recent deals of a similar nature i could find was back in March 2004, when another public-listed developer, Plenitude, sold also to Aeon 30.03 acres in its Desa Tebrau township fronting the JB-Kota Tinggi Highway for RM39.241 million, ot RM30psf.

That plenitude's site is closer to JB city and surrounded by a more established catchment population-presumably an essential retail requirement-makes the 200 per cent contrast seem that much more glaring. It's even more so when Raion's deal is put next to the humble price of RM4.60psf SP Setia paid to Prolink Development for the whole Bukit indah site back in 1999. And to think, Citigroup said it's now worth RM20psf.

How times have changed.
More than show that wealth can grow in just a few short years when you buy into the right location, the latesttransaction reveals the power of vision. in this case, the iskandar Development Region plan by the federal government which is being implemented by Khazanah Nasional seems to have fuelled such positive optimism that mountains have been conquered.

Wondering how the sums could work out for Raion, i punched out the reported numbers: On top of the land cost, it will build the shopping mall with 600,000sqft of nett area for RM180 million, bringing the whole caboodle to RM287 million, or a shade under RM480psf based on the nett built-up size.

To make investment sense, i figured a special purpose vehicle such as Raion would want an average of 10 per cent returns from Aeon over its 15-year lease tenure. Which means its RM480psf investment would need to generate around RM4psf in rent every month. Certainly, that's no small change for Aeon, especially since it said it is prepared to sink in another RM35 to RM40 million of its own money into the project.

Although records point out that Raion is a RM2 public limited company incorporated just a week before the transaction with SP Setia was done, assuming the deals it entered into were done at armslength, it would be among the first to ride on the wave of investments that is the product of a parallel dimension rather than of real-time transactions.

Whether that dimension is vision linked or financially created will soon be revealed when Raion's financial advisor announces more details on the acquisition in the near future.

Until then, i can imagine fund managers and investors alike are keeping their eyes on the companies with prime tracts of land in land in south johor, in the hope they too will see their asset values blossom.

Like what Rod Serling, creator of the Twilight Zone said, "You're travelling through another dimension-a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's a signpost up ahead: Your next stop-the Twilight Zone!"

Some like it broad - Wanta Mee

2007-02-24T17:00:00.000+08:00

You've heard much about the wantan mee. But there is a variant of this popular noodle dish which oringinated from Shouthern China, made famous by Hong Kong chefs called chou-meen (broad noodles).

While most noodle connosisseurs may be divided on which is the better version, I strongly recommend wantan mee lovers to try chou-meen for a really filling meal at a stall, coffeeshop or hawker centre.

Although the yow-meen (fine noodles) outsells the chou-meen at any given day, savouring the broad noodles is truly a unique experience.

This particular variant of the wantan noodle is also prepared as a kwon-lou (with dry dark soya sauce gravy) or chee-suay (soup) dish. And like the ordinary wantan noodles, the serving is always generous.

A meal costs between RM3.50 and RM5050 depending on the amount of noodles called tan-chor (single serving) or mar-meen (double helping).

The standard garnishing is char siew (caramelised roast pork), chopped spring onions and choy sum. If you order the dry variant, you'll get a small bowl of wantan in soup. I recommend chee-suay chou-meen or broad noodles in soup.

Like the fine wantan noodles, customers do have the choice to customise their orders with siew yuk (roast pork), siew ngap (roast duck) and siew phai kuat (roast spare ribs).
Broad noodles are also used in curry laksa dishes which can be found in small towns and kampung coffeeshops throughout Peninsular Malaysia.

Top five recommendations for chow wantan meen

Petaling jaya
1 corner coffeeshop opposite UOB Bank near Menara MPPJ, New Town. This place needs no recommendation for dishing out the most electrifying wantan noodles ever! Check out the pork ribs broad noodles which came highly recommended.

Kuala Lumpur
2 Meng Shiang coffeeshop at Taman Cheras. It'll be tricky finding this stall run by a husband and wife team. Customers queue up from as early as 11am for takeaway. Highly recommended, is the kwon lou wantan charsiew chou-meen.

Malacca
3 Coffeeshop next to Bunga Raya food court at Jalan Bunga Raya. Down south, people like their wantan noodles hot and spicy and this place lives up to its name for serving a good tasting and generous portion of wantan noodles.

Johor
4 Comer stall at Taman Ser Tebrau, johor Baru. This place is located at the last block adjacent to the shell petrol station. You can see the owner doing his noodle acrobatics but city dwellers here prefer fine noodles.

Perak
5 Pun Chun coffeeshop in Bidor town. Broad noodles a la wantan and a concoction of killer pickled green chilli pepers makes this place a must if you decide to head North. Noteworthy is the awesome prawn wantan and if you love ngap thui meen or duck thigh noodles, this is the place to be.

Road Tax Reduce & Toll Rise in Malaysia.

2007-02-13T20:42:00.000+08:00

Road Tax Reduce
Some Malaysian is very happy with the Road Tax Reduce.
Let's look at the simple calculation below.
E.g.
Road Tax Reduce = RM50 for 1 year
For per day = RM50/365
= RM0.1370/day (WAU!!!! What a big saving for Malaysian)
Syabas !!! To our Government!!!

Toll Rise
Imagine a person who is using Kesas Highway from Klang To K.L. (To & From)
(That means - using a full package on this Highway)
Past Toll Rate = RM1.50 per toll x 6 tolls = RM9.00 per day
Present Toll Rate = RM2.20 per toll x 6 tolls = RM13.20 per day
Different = RM0.70 per toll
For 1 day = RM0.70 x 6 tolls (To & From)
= RM4.20 / day

Normal Working Days for Normal Person = 240days / year
For One Year = 240days x RM4.20
= RM1,008.00 (Different - Old & Present)

As such, present Toll Rate = RM13.20/day x 240 days
= RM3,168 per year

But Some Crazy Guyz Work for 365 days / year
For One Year = 365days x RM4.20
= RM1,533.00 (Different - Old & Present)
Full Toll Rate Calculation = RM13.20/day x 365 days
= RM4,818 per year

For others toll ; you can calculate on your own... using the same method.
If Average Malaysian Salary is RM2000.00/mth. (For easy calculation purpose)
That's means he/she will be spending his/her 2 months salary / year just to pay on his toll.
Syabas !!! To all Malaysian…. For Being Deaf & Dumb….

IOI Mall - 7 Ferbruary 2007 - about LDP highway toll

2007-02-13T20:17:00.000+08:00

The Eye on Malaysia at Titiwangsa

2007-01-31T00:31:00.000+08:00

Click the picture

The Eye on Malaysia ferris wheel at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa ( Kuala Lumpur )will be open to the public until Dec 31.

Set up in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2007, anyone taking a ride in its 42 gondolas will be able to view major landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers and Menara Kuala Lumpur during the 12-minute ride.

Among those who enjoyed the ride yesterday was broadcast journalist Khairulanuar Yahaya who said it was a new and enjoyable experience that should not be missed.

“For those living in the Pandan area, they can catch Rapid KL local shuttle buses to Pandan Indan light rail transit station and take the LRT to Titiwangsa where they can switch to City Shuttle No.116 to Jalan Duta or Pusat Bandar Damansara,” said the spokeman.

Those living in Ampang can make their way to KLCC using local shuttle and trunk buses to catch City Shuttle No. 116.

Otherwise, they can use local shuttle buses to Ampang LRT station, take the LRT to Titiwangsa where they can catch the City Shuttle No.116.

Malaysia 's 50 th Independence Day Anniversary

2006-08-27T14:25:00.000+08:00

Come 2007, Malaysia will celebrate 50 years of independence. The month of August will be filled with a myriad of parades, cultural performances, street shows and carnivals to commemorate the country's Independence or Merdeka Day on 31 August.

It was on 31 August 1957 that history was made as the Union Jack was lowered and the Malaysian flag hoisted, with the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj leading the people in the famous shouts of Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

For more than 30 years, Merdeka Day celebrations have been marked by parades involving uniformed personnel, corporate players, school children, cultural dancers, athletes and Malaysians from all walks of life. However, in recent years, the event has grown into a much anticipated and exciting month-long length celebration nationwide.

This forthcoming Golden Jubilee celebration marks a significant milestone in the history of the nation. Join the enthusiastic crowd at the Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur on the eve of Merdeka Day for the countdown to the momentous event. Another highlight of the year will be the Citrawarna or Colours and Flavours of Malaysia parade, an annual event showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country. The event will be held on its grandest scale yet.

Malaysia invites all visitors to share in the joy and excitement of this momentous occasion. Come and be mesmerized by a unique multicultural populace celebrating 50 years of nationhood in harmony and peaceful co-existance. You will truly be fascinated.

Downlaod Video Malaysia

Connect With The MOST Important Person In The World.... YOU!

2006-07-26T18:06:00.000+08:00

Dearest friends from all over the world,

Join Us on a Journey of Connections…

to Yourself & the World

at the Life Mastery Retreat 2006

@Taman Negara, Premiere National Park, Pahang, Malaysia

15^th – 18^th September, 2006

Life Mastery Retreat 2006 is set in the heart of an ancient natural habitat, surrounded by waterfalls,

jungle trails with lush flora and fauna, wildlife and raging rivers. Older than the Congo AND the Amazon, the tropical rainforest of Taman Negara is more than 130 millions years of age, making it the oldest in the world today.

COME NOW... Begin YOUR Journey with us.

Imagine having fellowship with friends

from all over the world.

JOIN US! CONNECT as ONE World.

Become part of an International Master Minding Circle

where IDEAS and BRILLIANCE flourish.

COME! Let us HOLD ON TOGETHER!

Indulge in FUN & RELAXATION,

leaving behind the daily hustle & bustle of life.

JOIN US to REVIVE, REJUVENATE & REVITILIZE your

spirit, mind, body and soul!

EXPERIENCE balance in your life;

Spiritually, Intellectually, Emotionally & Physically.

JOURNEY Into a CLOSE ENCOUNTER with yourself.

Begin Your Journey Now…..

www.lifemasteryretreat.com

Hotel in Bandar Sunway

2006-07-22T18:05:00.000+08:00

Malaxi.com - Hotel in bandar Sunway

Putra Jaya Picture photo - Night time

2006-07-17T22:49:00.000+08:00

Putrajaya is very impressive at night. Here're some of the best photos taken during my current visit to Putrajaya.

A Blog of putra jaya

One Stop Center - Maid Services - Abadbaru.com

2006-07-17T11:31:00.000+08:00

Looking For A Domestic Helper ??

A.P. Abadbaru Sdn Bhd was incorporated in June 2000 and we are a company LICENSED by Jabatan Tenaga Kerja, Ministry of Human Resousrce and registered with Department of Immigration Malaysia as a Lisence Foreign Maids Agency and deploys legal foreign maids to work in Malaysia.

The principle activity of the company is supplying domestic maids from Indonesia, Cambodia, Philippines and we are reputed for delivering high quality maids at competitive prices. Besides domestic maids, we also provide consultancy services on foreign workers for other sectors namely manufacturing, services, construction, plantations and restaurants.

We are professional managed licensed recuitment agency and our training centres overseas , developed and exposed the caneidates to acquire the skill of becoming a quality workers. Over the years, we have served hundreds of satisfied customers from Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Putrajaya, Subang Jaya and other parts of the Klang Valley.

No. 17A, Jalan SS 5B/4, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.Tel: 03-7876 0066 / 7875 6066 Fax: 03-7875 3889 Website: www.abadbaru.com Email: info@abadbaru.com ( location map)

Relaxing On the Lake

2006-04-30T12:49:00.000+08:00

For the best views of Putrajaya, get on board a boat and take a cruise around the lake, writes ZALINA MOHD SOM

If you have ever been on the Cruise Tasik Putrajaya, you'd agree that its "The Best Way to See and Experience Putrajaya" tagline is no mere empty advertisement.

The vast man‑made lake is the city's centrepiece that spreads over 400 hectares, across the different precincts and is beautifully‑lined with architectural wonders.

A lake cruise gives a 360‑degree view of the city's stunning landmarks without having to crisscross over the many bridges.

Not only that but the wind in your hair and the light spray of water turns the cruise into a romantic experience no one should miss.

The Route

There are two routes used alternately, depending on seasons or water level.

One heads towards the wetiands from the jetty at Putra Bridge, offering sights of Putra Mosque, Perdananan Putra, Kelab Tasik Putrajaya, Istana Melawati and Seri Perdana Complex.

The second moves south along the Boulevard pass buildings. like PjH Tower, Ministry of Finance, Perbadanan Putrajaya Complex and Perdana Leadership Foundation. The south‑bound cruise also makes a stop at the towering Millennium Monument.

The Vessel

Passengers have the choice of a passenger cruise boat or a gondola like vessel. The Belimbing Passenger Cruise Boat is a fully air‑conditioned cruise boat that seats 76 passengers. But for a romantic ambience, nothing beats the Dondang Saying Perahu. Designed in the style of a traditional Malay perahu, the boat offers a more intimate ride for a capacity of only six passengers.

Another cruise experience 1 s the Daun Dining Cruise Boat which offers fine dining whilst afloat on the lake. A Cocktail Cruise is available on Friday and Saturday nights for a booking of two persons and above.

"Second Home" under tourism

2006-03-27T19:51:00.000+08:00

PUTRAJAYA: the Tourism Ministry will take charge of the 'Malaysia, My Second Home" Programme from April. It is cunently under the Home Ministry.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said the Cabinet made the decision recently.

However, he added, his ministry would still be involved in the programme, through visa applications as well as other immigration procedures and enforcement.

The Tourism Ministry will carry out the promotions for the Programme as well as vet applications.

"This is a Successful programme and we look forward to having more foreigners choosing Malaysia is their second home," he told reporters yesterday after a meeting with his ministry staff and senior officials. his fisrt since becoming the minister on Feb 14.

Radzi said about 8,000 foreigners had signed up for the programme since its inception in 2002.

On his new appointment, Radzi said he needed some time to look into matters under his ministry, adding that his focus ,would be on immigration and immigrant matters.

“I will meet my officers to discuss what can be done by the ministry under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. I want the ministry, staff to know how important the plan is and their role in ensuring its success," he added

Addressing the gathering earlier, Radzi said 'When we make decisions, think of our parents, especially our mother. Make decisions that reflect the good advice given by your mother. Then, I am sure you will make good and sound decisions."

He reminded them on the importance of being honest and having integrity, as well as of their pledge to fight corruption and to work as a team to serve th, public and the country better.

How To Apply For Wargagaemas Card for Rapid KL bus

2006-03-27T19:46:00.000+08:00

Seniors, 60years and bove, must apply for the pass if they want to use the service at a discounted rate

A processing fee of RM3 will be levied.

Bring along two passport size Photographs

Fill up personal details in form provided.

With the pass seniors are eligible to purchase a Concession Monthly Travel Card (MTC) at only RM40, which is valid for unlimited travel on Rapid KL bus and feeder bus system.

Application can be made at:
Stesen Bas Pasarama Kota Lower Floor,
Klang Bus Station
(Tel: 2072 4237)

Malaysia Trasit (KL)
Railway link map
KL shuttle link map

the leaning clock tower of Teluk Intan

2006-02-12T14:18:00.000+08:00

the leaning clock tower of Teluk Intan,
originally uploaded by passionateflowerer.

the leaning clock tower of Teluk Intan at Perak Ipoh

somebody used to live here..

2006-02-12T14:17:00.001+08:00

somebody used to live here..,
originally uploaded by Im.H.

this is the ruined of William Kellies first house. it was build on 1909/1910 and it was modellled from the Sultan Abdul Samad Building the 'castle' was build as an extension to this house.

This Building located at Perak

old ruins

2006-02-12T14:17:00.000+08:00

old ruins,
originally uploaded by Im.H.

Kellie's Castle
Batu Gajah, Perak, Malaysia

Kellie's Castle

2006-02-12T14:16:00.000+08:00

Kellie's Castle,
originally uploaded by Im.H.

Kellie's Castle

the old stairs lead to the garden...

Located at perak

Kellie's Castle

2006-02-12T14:15:00.000+08:00

Kellie's Castle,
originally uploaded by Im.H.

Kellie's Castle
Batu Gajah, Perak, Malaysia

Kellie's Castle

2006-02-12T14:12:00.000+08:00

Kellie's Castle,
originally uploaded by Im.H.

Kellie's Castle Located in Perak

According to the story, William Kellie Smith, the owner, wanted to build the tower high enough until he can see the town of Ipoh. if this tower was ever completed, it would probably be 7 storeys high.

Thaipusam Celebrations in Malaysia

2006-02-11T00:03:00.000+08:00

They feel absolutely no pain

One of the world's biggest Thaipusam celebrations

2006-02-10T23:42:00.000+08:00

One of the world's biggest Thaipusam celebrations, amazingly, isn't in india, but in Malaysia. Come to the Batu Caves Temple during Thaipusam, and you'll withness 1.2 million people rejoicing. The celebrations start in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown where the magnificent chariot of Lord Muruga emerges from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple and travels in a colourful procession 13 kilometres to the Batu Caves Temple. Throught the procession, you will see entranced devotees carrying kavadis with hooks and skewers impaling their bodies, tongues and cheeks in thanksgiving to Lord Muruga. There will also be thousands of drummers, chanting pilgrims, even volunteers who will offer you free vegetarian food and drinks. Uniformed officers and first aid personnel will be there to ensure your safety. Upon reaching the towering limestone cliffs and the world's tallest statue of Lord Muruga, devotees go up a 272-step staircase into massive caves. The most extraordinary thing? They feel absolutely no pain.

Malaysia is touted as "one of the most respectful countries in Asia which practises sustainable forest management"

2006-02-05T18:37:00.000+08:00

Malaysia is touted as "one of the most respectful countries in Asia which practises sustainable forest management" when it comes to the international timber trade.
Among the many timber exporters found on the Internet is Simpoh Wood Industries based in Terengganu.
Species such as Balau, Merbau, Kapur and Keruing Apitong are the most popular ones.
"In addition, Simpoh also introduces other species of tropical hard wood, such as Kekatong, Keranji, Acasia, and other Malaysian hard woods.
Chengal is listed among the 10 types of "Heavy Hardwoods" in their website,

General Description: Sapwood is well defined. When freshly sawn;
colour, weathering ultimately to a dark tan brown.
Wood is moderately lustrous and has prominent ripple marks. The grain is interlocked giving rise to stripe figure: texture is moderately fine and even. Resin canals with white contents occur characteristically in concentric lines on end surface but the wood is not resinous.

Principal Uses: Chengal used to be the standard timber for heavy construction, bridges, railway sleepers, sawn power line posts, boat building, heavy flooring, motor lorryand truck body work, rubber coagulating tanks and many other uses where great strength and durability
are required.

It should make good beer vats, dyeing vats, wine casks, tubs, butter churns, etc.
However, the timber is in short supply and is uneconomical for many uses. Balau, Giam and Resak are good substitutes for Chengal.

Veneering : Has not been tried.

10 Bald Man in Cheras Kajang

2006-02-05T17:32:00.000+08:00

There has been widespread public indination over the action by kajang police to shave bald 10 senoir citizens caught playing mahjong on the second day of the Chinese New Year

Kepong Viaduct MRR2 Now Close

2006-02-04T11:16:00.000+08:00

The Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) viaduct in Kepong, which was found to have cracks, will be closed for repair works from 10.30am today. It will be closed for about three to four months.

It will be closed for repair, waterproofing and reinforced steel strengthening works

The repair work would begin on Tuesday. The MRR2 viaduct at Kepong, stretching 1.7 km, was previously closed from Aug 8 until November last year.

The repair works include steel bracing as recommended by the engineering consultants
to the ministry.

We will also install rectangular steel braces to support the pillars for the viaduct

At present, only four of the six lanes are open to traffic as the other two lanes are closed for repairs.

Special touch adds appeal to the ao dai

2006-01-29T21:32:00.000+08:00

A model in a modern ao dai in beautiful blue.

The Traditional costume of Vietnamese women, the ao dai, is an elegant costume.

The Traditional ao dai is a long - sleeved, tight fitting blouse that flares at the waist line, with slits running down on both sides.

Worn with long comfortable pants, the ao dai has been modernised by fashion designers seeking ton introduce fresh features into the dress

The Sumatran Rhinos are an important part of Malaysian Heritage

2006-01-29T20:11:00.000+08:00

Less than 300 Sumatran Rhinos left in the world.
Due to poaching and excessive logging, the Sumatran Rhino population has rapidly has rapidly declined over the past 15 years. There are now less than 300 Sumatran Rhinos left in the world with Malaysia and Indonesia being the only significant range states. Efforts to breed them in captivity have so far been unsuccessful.

The Sumtran Rhinos are an important part of Malaysian Heritage.
Majority of the Sumatran Rhino population is located in Malaysia. Being the world's most endangered Rhino species and also the world's smallest rhino species, the Sumatran Rhinos are only part of Malaysian heritage but is also part of the global wildlife community.

Help us save the Sumatran Rhino by saying NO to Rhino by-products.

'Save Our Sumatran Rhinos' is a nationwide community project initiated by Honda Malaysia and WWWF-Malaysia with the support from Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Parks, Sabah Foundation and Perhilitan.

Related Link
1. Save the world Save the Environment - http://savetheworld2u.blogspot.com/
2.Koi Fish - http://koi.malaxi.com/
3.Animals Blog in malaysia - http://www.primatenoise.blogspot.com

Shah Alam City Centre - Growing bigger by the day

2006-01-08T00:54:00.000+08:00

KOMPLEKS -PKNS, Plaza Perangsang, Alam Sentral, Wisma MBSA, SACC these areamong the names that make up the landmarks in Section 14, Shah Alam.

Located just a stone's throw away from the State Secretariat Building(SUK), the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque and state police headquarters, Section 14 is a popular
place, even after dusk.

When Shah Alam came to be about three decades ago, its developer, the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) had made Section 14 the capital city's main business centre. The other popular place is Section 12.

Section 14 has gone through numerous changes over the years.
"Not too long ago, Kompleks PKNS was the only landmark in Shah Alam," said Norian Adnan, who operates a hair salon in Kompleks PKNS.

"Most of the people simply go straight home after office hours," she said, adding that the area was rather quiet when she first set up her salon in the building 20 years ago.

The only access road to the city, she said, was through FederalHighway, which connected Shah Alam to Klang and Kuala Lumpur.

The rest of Shah Alam was still a jungle," said Shaiful Anuar Mohd Taib, a retiree and resident of Section 2 that borders Section 14

"People just didn't buy houses in Shah Alam then," he said.
The scenario has changed.

With more high-rise buildings came more people and businesses.

Eateries open late into the night and some go on for 24 hours a day.

Housing estates have mushroomed in surrounding sections such as 6, 7, 9
and 11. And so did institutes of higher learning and colleges such as
Universiti Teknology Mara (UiTM).

The students are the reason why Shah Alam is booming even further.

Though there are no cinemas or karaoke lounges in the city centre, the young sters find other means of entertainment.

For instance, on weekends, they gather at Dataran Shah Alam to show off what latest gadgets and sound systems they have in their cars.

"I don't have a car, but I like to watch those who have bring theirs to show to others," said
college student ^hmad Fareez lsmail.

"They spent so much on their cars that sometimes the accessories cost more than the vehicle itself."

Ahmad Fareez said sometimes he and his college mates would gather at the square for cultural shows and concerts by local artistes.

"We go to Klang or Subang Jaya when we want to see a movie," he said.

Unlike other earlier towns in Selangor, Shah Alam is a planned city. Development is carried out in stages and is kept according to the original blueprint.

There are no cluster of buildings concen trated in just one part of the city, nor are the traffic congestions during peak hours bad like in other roads in Selangor.

"It is a homely city," said Necia AbduUah who works in the city centre.
"It's a nice place to raise a family," she said, adding that she hoped that Shah Alam would
remain the way it was and not go the way many townships and cities had in recent times.

Developed in the early 1970s, Section 2 and Section 1 (the latter where UiTM is located) are inseparable with Section 14. The three sections complement each other and has helped spur Shah Alam's progress.

It is no wonder then that shopping malls have become common sights in the capital city. Among them are the PKNS complex, Alam Sentral and SACC.

About Shah Alam
History of Shah Alam
Shah Alam Location
Shah Alam Industry
Tour at Shah Alam
Shah Alam Map

Kuala Lumpur Maps collection

2006-01-02T23:41:00.000+08:00

Click The image for bigger view.

Jalan Bukit Bintang Street map
Jalan Alor Street map, Tingkat Tong Shin map
Jalan Tong Shin map, Jala pudu map
Cangkat Bukit Bintang map, Jalan Berangan map
Jalan Sultan Ismail map, Jalan Raja Chulan map
Jalan Nagasari map, Changkat Raja Chulan map
Jalan Ceylon map, Persiaran Raja Chulan
Jalan Tun Perak

Interesting Place to Visit
Weld , KL tower, China Town, KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre)

Hotel to Stay a nigh
Istana Hotel, Radius International Hotel

Look for more Kuala Lumpur Map please log on at http://www.malaxi.com

Pantai Merdeka - RM20m facelift in the works

2005-12-22T00:30:00.000+08:00

PANTAI Merdeka is set for a major facelift from a mere idyllic seaside with swaying casuarinas to a bustling seaside resort complete with facilities and amenities to cater to
a new niche tourist market under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Sungai Petani Municipal Council Planning Department chief Mohd Amin Ali said, currently, the resort drew mainly locals and domestic tourists from the northern states and not many foreign visitors.

He said the resort was a favourite venue of government departments from the northern
states for holding conventions and meetings.

Mohd Amin also said the federal government had approved an allocation of more than RM2Omil for the project which would be carded out in two phases.

He said the first phase, costing RM8mil, would involve turning the place into a premier tourist attraction in Kedah.

The second phase, he said, would involve the construction of a jetty with four landing spots.
Currently, he added, there was no jetty for visitors to hop on and off the boats at the beach.

The waiting area at the jetty would have covered roofing, comfortable seats and guardrails for the safety of the people, he said.

"We will also demolish the 21 existing food stalls, upgrade the pedestrian walk and landscape the area." He said. adding that 30 new food stalls would be constructed.

A surau, public toilets, a playground, an information centre and souvenir shops would also be provided.

"We will retain the existing casuarinas trees and coconut trees. We will also put up attractive new signboards all the way to Pantai Merdeka." he added.

He said tourists could go "island-hopping" from Pantai Merdeka to nearby Pulan Bidan,
Pulau Bunting and Pulau Song Song.

"Pulan Bidan and Pulau Bunting have sandy beaches all around the islands. The clear water is suitable for swimming, fishing and snorkelling.

"Pulan Bidan, which is surrounded i0 corals, is a favourite among Japanese tourists," he added.

He also said once it was completed and the infrastructure was in place, Pantai Merdeka could be the northern region water-sports centre.

"Why should we allow all the water activities to be centred in states like Penang, for instance, when we have the islands, jell and water-sports activities here," he said.

www.Malaxi.com

How to get There ( Pantai Merdeka )

2005-12-22T00:23:00.001+08:00

Tourists can take a bus from Alor Setar ot Butterworth to Sungai petani. From them one can catch a bus to Tikam Batu to transfer to another bus to Pantai Merdeka.

For those driving there, head towards Tikam Batu town and follow the signboards all the way in for the approximately 15km drive to Pantai Merdeka.

www.Malaxi.com

The beguiling secrets of Pantai Merdeka

2005-12-21T23:38:00.000+08:00

By TUNKU SHAHARIAH
Photos editing by Malaxi.com

MANY people are aware of the splendour of Langkawi and its azure blue sea but few know the beguiling secrets of the white sandy beach at Pantai Merdeka on mainland Kedah.

The kilometre-long stretch of sandy beach is the only seaside in mainland Kedah.

This charming and scenic beach is shaded by tall swaying casuarinas and coconut trees and is an ideal spot for visitors to stop by for a picnic, or just to relax and gaze at the sea to unwind from the day's stresses.

About 25kin from Sungai Petani, it is also a popular seaside holiday destination for locals and domestic tourists from the northern states.

Facilities include chalets, a rest house, camping site, swimming pool, restaurant, hawker site, beach bazaar and public restrooms.

For those with a taste for some island marooning and island-hopping, there is a cluster of three islands off Yan district near Kota Kuala Muda. They are Pulau Bunting, Pulau Song Song and Pulau Bidan.

The waters off these, uninhabited offshore islands are ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing. Or, visitors can take a dip in the sea to check out the lovely corals. They can also check out the jungle tracks on the untapped islands.

The local boatmen with their sampan docked at the beach area are readily available to ferry visitors to the islands.

For water-sports enthusiasts, water-skiing, kayaking and sailing are also popular along the stretch of coastal water.

The beach at Pantai Merdeka is also surrounded by verdant green hills from which flows cool mountain air, making it ideal for picnicking and relaxing.

For those who like to savour the delights of fresh seafood, take a boat-ride across Pantai Merdeka to the fishing village of Tanjung Dawai.

There, the enterprising villagers are famed for their ikan bakar and air assam. Also available at reasonable prices are fresh crabs, prawns, stingray, ikan kembong, pomfret
and cuttlefish.

Tanjung Dawai is also famed for homemade belacan (prawn paste), processed anchovies of various sizes and quality, and dried cuttlefish and prawns.

For an insight into the fishing village lifestyle, visitors can take a 10-minute boatride to Telok Nipah and Kampung Pulau Sayak.

Edit by www.Malaxi.com

Map to Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC)

2005-12-18T09:11:00.000+08:00

1.The map of parking at open-air car parks along Jalan Ampang ( near Zouk & Saloma)
2.The map of parking at Suria KLCC
3.The map of parking at Mandarin Oriental Hotel
4.The map of parking at open-air car park in between Madarin Oriental Hotel & KL Convention Centre
5.The map of parking inside KL Convention Centre

Map contribute by Sharon Ee

Get Tour at Malaysia

2005-11-05T00:38:00.000+08:00

Malaysia travelling case - Island, China Town Petaling Street, Shopping Tips, Malaysia Foods
Pulau Payar Marine Park The Pulau Payar Marine Park is stuated in the northern part of the Straits of Melaka, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi and encompasses the islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca which are surrounded by coral reefs. The marine park teems with a fascinating diversity of marine life and vegetation....
More information please visit at www.maleisure.com

Malaysia State maps, city map, street map

2005-11-05T00:03:00.000+08:00

How you get a maps from ? When you travel at Malaysia . I have a good website for you to have some guide line it is a www.malaxi.com This website include a lot of Malaysia's city, road, street, highway, hotel, shopping mall maps. include Selangor maps, Kuala Lumpur map, Damansara map, Puchong map, Cheras map, Kajang map, Kepong maps, Johor Maps, Bangsar Map, Jalan Bukit Bintang map, The Website also have a powerfull Maps search engine inside. Get a copy of malaysia maps , KL maps , Pj map from www.malaxi.com now.