China Groups With Optional Tours

This is the month of July. And as usual, the China school holiday started. Initially I was thinking that this month is going to be a very slow season due the earthquake in Sichuan and the Olympic. Luckily that my travel agent is dealing mostly with the Guang Dong group. So, during this period of time, most of the groups come from Guang Dong. So, I was basically tight up with the China groups.

I have been taking 3 China groups consecutively. Two of the groups are the usual routine that is JB in and JB out group, where by the third group is JB in KL out group.

These three groups went on smoothly without any bad incidents.

For the third group, they are from Soon De ( Guang Dong Province ). It is a group with so call super VIP. The reason why I said its so call VIP is because most of the travel agents in China will name their groups the VIP group. So they will need to pay more for better food and hotel. So, usually these type of tourists are more stuck up.

In their itinerary, the Chinese need to pay RMB 350 for optional tours in Malaysia. The optional tour is compulsory because this is in fact to pay to the local travel agent in Malaysia for their lodging and food. The optional tour is actually a special package of tourists spots and special food item. So, for the optional tour in Malaysia, usually it is for the Bak Kut Teh, the Curry Chicken Bread, Putrajaya, KLCC and the traditional Malay house.

It is always very unfortunate for the China tourists because the travel agents there never update what is the latest happening in Malaysia. The biggest problem with the travel agent in China is that they are small travel agents. So, these small travel agents will attract their own customer with all kind of offers. Then because they can't form a group because usually a group has to consist of minimum 16 tourists. So, the small travel agents will past these customers to the bigger travel agent which is also known as the wholesale travel agent.

The small travel agents will usually have all kind or different itineraries with the wholesale travel agent. So, sometimes the tour members itineraries will differ with each other. This is where the problem arise. When we tour guide follow the standard itineraries set by the local travel agent here. So, when we did not go to the tourists spot set by the small travel agent in China, the tourists will definitely make a fuss.

There is a family consists of a couple and a daughter. They pay their tour through the small travel agent. The small travel agent itinerary has the optional tour whereby it has also the historical museum. The problem is that the historical museum which is located near the Dataran Merdeka is close. So, just because of this historical museum, this family is making a lot of fuss.

This family is also one of the so call very miser people. They hardly spend money and have the mentality that we tour guides are there to swindle their money. Throughout the tour, they only buy a little box of chocolate. Sometimes, I really wonder why these China people cant change their mentality of trusting more people.

A 'Palace' For Fourth Wife

KUALA TERENGGANU: Her car broke down one day and he offered his help.

The gesture turned to love and now odd-job worker Mohamed Nor Awang, 51, wants to show his everlasting love to Suzi Sulong, 34, by building her a “palace”.

Mohamed Nor Awang

It would be the fourth marriage for Mohamed Nor, who already has 18 children.
“I have the blessings of my three wives and they even agreed to pay for the wedding,” he told The Star.

“I love her and I want to build a comfortable home for her like what I did for my other wives,” he said, adding that the simple wedding would take place before Ramadan.

Mohamed Nor said he had fallen in love with Suzi, a clerk from Chendering, when he offered his help after her car broke down in Batu Burok early this year.

“We exchanged telephone numbers. We were fated to meet each other and love started to blossom when both of us started talking daily,” he said.

The Syariah High Court gave Mohamed Nor permission to marry Suzi on June 30, after four attempts to get its consent.

The court found it difficult to grant him permission at first as he may not be able to maintain four wives on his RM3,000 monthly income.

His three wives – Wan Rukiah Mat Yusoff, 52, Kalthum Dollah, 39, and Noraini Daud, 40, – had given their blessings.

Mohamed Nor admitted that he would spend more time with his new wife after their marriage.

“That’s the wish of my three wives but I promise to treat all of them the same,” he said.

Suzi declined to be interviewed despite much persuasion from reporters.

Mohamed Nor advised Muslim men who intend to practise polygamy to “do it through the right channel and never attempt to elope with their partners to neighbouring countries.

Source : The Star 3rd July 2008

Our Four Wives

Once upon a time, there was a rich king who had four wives. He loved the fourth wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the third wife very much and was always showing her off to neighbouring kingdoms.

However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.

The king also loved his second wife. She was his confidante and was always kind, considerate and patient with him.

Whenever he had a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The king’s first wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom.

However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!

One day, the king fell ill and knew his time was short.

He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, “I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I’ll be all alone.”

Thus, he asked the fourth wife, “I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered you with great care.

“Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?”

“No way!” replied the fourth wife, and she walked away without another word.

Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad king then asked the third wife, “I have loved you all my life.

“Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?”

“No!” replied the third wife. “Life is too good! When you die, I’m going to remarry!” His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the second wife, “I have always turned to you for help and you’ve always been there for me.

“When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t help you out this time!” replied the second wife.

“At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.”

Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the king was devastated.

Then a voice called out: “I’ll go with you. I’ll follow you no matter where you go.”

The king looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the king said, “I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!”

In truth, we all have four wives in our lives:

Our fourth wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish on it to make it look good, it will leave us when we die.

Our third wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.

Our second wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

And our first wife is our soul, often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.

However, our soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout eternity.

Source : The Star 23rd March 2008

Dad of 18 Can Take Fourth Wife

KUALA TERENGGANU: After three futile attempts, an odd-job worker walked out of the Syariah High Court here beaming after it granted him permission to marry his newfound sweetheart who is 16 years his junior.

In giving Mohamed Nor Awang the nod yesterday to marry Suzi Sulong, 34, judge Sheikh Ahmad Ismail Hakim noted that his three wives had consented to him taking a fourth wife.

Man of the hour: Mohamed with wives Wan Rukiah (left) and Noraini outside the Syariah High Court yesterday.

Sheikh Ahmad also cited Mohamed’s perseverance in appearing three times before the court – on March 16, May 15 and May 18 – to appeal his case, as one of the factors for the court to grant its consent.

“To be frank with you, before this proceeding, I met your future wife and her family and urged them to look for another candidate as you already have three wives, but Suzi told me that no man could replace you in her heart,” the judge told Mohamed.

Sheikh Ahmad admitted that the court found it difficult to grant him permission at first due to that fact that he might not be able to maintain four wives on his monthly RM3,000 income.

“But your three wives told the court they are willing to help each other out (financially), which shows there is cooperation among them,” he said in delivering his judgement.

Sheikh Ahmad said the court also took into consideration Mohamed’s plea that his work performance would be affected should the court denied his application.

The proceeding yesterday recorded statements from two witnesses who vouched for Mohamed’s ability to maintain a fourth wife on the supplementary income that he obtained from recycling abandoned wood.

Mohamed, 51, has 18 children, the youngest three years old, with his three wives, Wan Rukiah Mat Yusoff, 52, Kalthum Dollah, 39, and Noraini Daud, 40.

Source : The Star 1st July 2008

His Target Is 40 Children

KUALA TERENGGANU: The man who was allowed by the Syariah High Court to take a fourth wife, has fathered 25 children. He hopes to make it 40.

Property negotiator Abu Bakar Embong has been hoping to expand his family with another 15 children but did not want to “burden” his three wives.

When the 54-year-old recently expressed his wish to marry his newfound sweetheart, a woman 30 years his junior, his wives Asnah Jusoh, 46, Mazumi Ismail, 45 and 25-year-old Norazlina Ariffin not only agreed to the marriage scheduled for the end of this month, they also agreed to let their husband spend more time with his new bride.

On Monday, the Syariah High Court here approved Abu Bakar's application to take Suhaili Alias, 25, from Batu Enam here, as his fourth wife.

One happy family: Abu Bakar with his three wives and some of their 25 children at their home in Teluk Menara.

Abu Bakar has 11 sons and 14 daughters from his three marriages, the eldest child being 25 years and youngest just four months old.

Asked whether he was still confident of fathering more offspring at his age, the 54-year-old grandfather replied: “I am still strong and foresee no problems”.

He also shared some tips with the media on how to be sexually active even at an advanced age.
Among the techniques he employed was to bathe in the morning by pouring a pail of water on the right leg first before washing other parts of the body.

“This technique is deemed a must for those with several wives,” he said.

Source : The Star 13th June 2008

Man Gets Nod From Wives And Court To Marry No 4

KUALA TERENGGANU: A property negotiator has received the blessings of his three wives to wed his newfound sweetheart who is 30 years younger than him.

The Syariah High Court approved the application of Abu Bakar Embong, 54, after it found that the father of 25 had met all the prerequisites under Islamic law to take a fourth wife.

Judge Shaikh Ahmad Ismail granted Abu Bakar, who also has three grandchildren, permission to take Suhaili Alias, 25, as his wife.

Shaikh Ahmad advised Abu Bakar to be fair to all his wives, tend to the religious needs of his children, and take his three wives on a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Abu Bakar had fathered 11 boys and 14 girls from his three marriages, with the youngest being four months old and the eldest 25 years old.

“The court had considered the affidavit submitted by Abu Bakar, where he stated that he earned RM20,000 a month and had provided houses and cars for each of his wives,” the judge added.

“Therefore, with consent from his wives, the court allows Abu Bakar to marry a fourth wife.”
His three wives – Asnah Jusoh, 46, Mazumi Ismail, 45, and Norazlina Ariffin, 25, – all from Kampung Telok Manir here, also told the court that they had no qualms about their husband marrying another.

The wives later told reporters that their husband was a loving, fair and responsible man and they had arranged for him to marry Suhaili, who is unemployed. When met, Abu Bakar said there was no secret to keeping all his wives happy, but he believed in treating them equally.

“As long as I can afford another wife and am strong, I don’t see why I can’t marry,” added Abu Bakar, who married his first wife at the age of 19.

Recently, the same court had deferred its decision on an application by lorry driver Mohamed Nor Awang, 57, to marry for the fourth time. It was not convinced he could financially support another wife.

Mohamed had already obtained the nod from his three wives to marry clerk Suzi Sulong, 34.

Source : The Star 9th June 2008

Go On And Marry No.4, Say Wives of Odd-job Worker

Most of the tourists love to hear the story of the Malay marrying 4 wives. Recently, there have been reports in the STAR newspaper about it. So, I post these articles hoping that they will help the commentaries for the tour guides.


KUALA TERENGGANU: Odd-job worker Mohamed Nor Awang is not only planning to take a fourth wife 16 years younger than him but has received the blessings of his other wives.



Mohamed Nor, 51, had earlier told Syariah High Court judge Sheikh Ahmad Ismail Hakim that he was capable of supporting a fourth wife and would be fair to all his wives.



The court was not convinced and asked Mohamed Nor to submit an additional affidavit to back his claims.



It was reluctant to grant the father of 18 children permission to take another wife when he earned about RM1,500 a month.

















Happy man: Mohamed Nor leading his wives Kalthum, Wan Rukiah and Noraini out of the Kuala Terengganu Syariah High Court yesterday. The court will decide on Sunday his application to take a fourth wife.

However, Mohamed Nor’s three wives – Wan Rukiah Mat Yusof, 52, Kalthum Dollah, 39 and Noraini Daud, 40 – asked the court to allow their husband to take a fourth wife.

During the court proceeding, Sheik Ahmad jestingly asked Mohamed Nor to reveal his secret.
To this Mohamed Nor replied: “I don’t have any secret but I believe I have been fair to all of them”.

Sheikh Ahmad also asked Mohamed Nor to prove through his bank account that he was financially able to support a fourth wife and to bring his prospective bride, Suzi Sulong, 35, together with a “wali” (man who gives away the bride) and the court would decide on his request this Sunday.

First wife Wan Rukiah said she had conceded to her husband taking two wives and had no qualms allowing him to take another.

“Go ahead, I have no problems,” she said.

Third wife Noraini agrees because she does want to see her husband register his fouth marriage in Thailand.

“We all could live blissfully under one roof,” she added.

Source : The Star 16th May 2008

Snatching Incident At KLCC Photography Spot

On the 11th July 2008 I was receiving a China group from the Second Link. The following is their itinerary:

11th July 2008 2nd Link to Genting Highlands ( First World Hotel )
12th July 2008 Genting Highlands to Kuala Lumpur ( Maluri Hotel )
13th July 2008 Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru ( Pulai Spring )
14th July 2008 Johor Bahru to Singapore.

Due to the weekend, my group is arranged as such that they are staying in Genting Highlands on the first night. So, I arranged as such that I will try to finish my city tour on the second day. However, I could not finish off the city tour and decided to leave the KLCC and Chocolate Beryls on the 3rd day.

On the 3rd day, we checked out from the Maluri Hotel at 8.00am and heading towards KLCC. We reached the photography spot for the KLCC at the traffic light junction at about 8.40am.

So, all the tourists were busy having their photography session. A mother and son who do not like photography were standing near to the traffic light. I was standing about 50m away from them.

Suddenly I heard a loud thudding sound. I turned my back and saw a motorcyclist snatched the handbag of my tourist who was standing near the traffic light. Because of the snatching, my tourist fell down on to the road and she was pulling and clinging on to her handbag. The motorbike was dragging my tourist who is on the road for about 30m. I immediately run towards the incident and shouted. The snatcher turned back and saw the tourist pulling on the handbag. Upon seeing this, he did not give up but speed off. My tourist was still pulling on the handbag and did not want to give up too. But after dragging it for further 50m, finally my tourist gave up.

I immediately run towards her. She is at the middle of the road at the traffic junction. It is very lucky that there is no vehicle at the junction at that time. I helped her to stand up and asked her if she is hurt and lost her passport. Fortunately, she is not badly hurt and left her passport in her luggage.

I took her to the police station at the Malaysia Tourists Information Centre ( MATTIC ) to lodge a report. Then I brought her to a clinic at Jalan Raja Laut for a medical check up.

From this incident, I learnt my lesson well that if we take our group for photography session early in the morning ( especially on Sundays or public holidays ), we should be extra cautious because it is generally very quiet and very few vehicle. So, incident like this can easily happen.

It is very fortunate that its been my habit to advice my tourists to always keep their passport in the luggage or in their pocket and not in the handbag.

From the incident, the guest lost all her money which amounts to about RM3000.00. Here, again I learned my lesson that in the future I must also advice my tourists to divide and place their money in different parts. So, if the incident occurred, the tourists won’t lost all the money.

From time to time, snatchings happened. Malaysians have been very, very angry for the peaceful of the country has deteriorated terribly. When snatching happened, this has tarnished our country’s reputation terribly. It is my personal hope that our government will put in more effort to demolish this menace.

I was told by lots of foreign tourists that in their country, motorcycles are not allowed to go into the city at all and also in the highways. The main reason is to prevent snatching and pollution.

The Way To World Heritage Listing

THE path towards World Heritage Site listing for George Town and Malacca was gruelling and at times controversial.

The perseverance of the state governments of Malacca and Penang as well as the Federal Government paid off after 10 years when the two towns received approval to be listed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (Unesco) World Heritage List in Quebec, Canada, on Monday.

1988 – Malaysia ratifies the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage 1972.
1997 – Then Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry begins World Heritage Site initiative to get Malacca and George Town nominated as World Heritage Sites.
1998 – George Town and Malacca nominated into a waiting list by Unesco’s World Heritage Centre under two separate nomination dossiers.
2000 – Taman Negara Mulu and Taman Negara Kinabalu listed under World Heritage Sites under the natural heritage category.
2004 – Completed dossiers submitted to World Heritage Centre but rejected as they did not fulfil the format and were deemed incomplete.
2005 – The ministry improves on the dossier to suit requirements by agreeing to both applications under “serial nomination”, where both sites would be granted a joint World Heritage Site title.
2007 – Revised nomination dossiers officially submitted to World Heritage Centre in January. Unesco World Heritage Centre certifies submission as complete in March.
2008 – George Town and Malacca listed as World Heritage Sites.

What it means to be on the list
> The resulting prestige often helps raise awareness among citizens and governments for heritage preservation.
> Greater awareness leads to a general increase in protection and conservation.
> A country may receive financial assistance and expert advice from the World Heritage Committee to support activities for the preservation of its sites.

Source: National Unity, Heritage, Culture and Arts Ministry, http://whc.unesco.org/en/faq

Malacca, Penang Cheer Listing On World Heritage Site

Wednesday July 9, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR: The citizens of Malacca and Penang rejoiced as they celebrate the inscription of their state capitals as World Heritage Sites.

Besides an increase awareness and commitment towards heritage conservation, George Town and Malacca should also see a boost in tourism from the new recognition.

MALACCA

Historical site: St Paul’s Church located on top of St Paul’s Hill.

The World Heritage Site covers:
> St Paul’s Hill civic zone with St Paul’s Church, Porta de Santiago (A Famosa) fortress and Stadhuys complex,

Landmarks: Various tourist spots can be found in the City Centre.
> Residential and commercial areas of Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street), Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Walk) and adjacent streets, including Harmony Street, and
> The Malacca River.

GEORGE TOWN

Holy ground: The Kapitan Keling Mosque.

The site here covers:
> Waterfront district including the Esplanade and harbour area, Fort Cornwallis, Weld Quay and Beach Street,
> Historical commercial centre, including the “ethnic streets” like Bishop Street and Church Street (Eurasions), China Street (Chinese, and Market and Chulia Streets (Indians), and Little India,

Meeting place: The brightly lit Town Hall building at the Esplanade.
> The guilds and trades precinct including Chulia, Muntri, Leith and adjacent streets,
> Mosque and wakaf enclave of Acheen Street and Kapitan Keling mosques
> Chinese clans enclave with the Khoo, Cheah, Tan, Lim, Yap and Yeoh clan or kongsi houses.

Source: The Star

Government To Have Foreign Help In Preserving World Heritage Sites

Tuesday July 8, 2008 MYT 3:50:25 PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will have foreign assistance in its efforts to preserve George Town and Malacca as World Heritage Sites.

According to Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, besides foreign help, there are also plans to cooperate with Penang and Malacca chief ministers to work on the preservation efforts.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) accorded the two cities the status Monday when the Paris-based World Heritage Council met in Quebec, Canada.
He said that the international recognition would boost the tourism industry and help the West know Malaysian culture better.

"In our quest to achieve modernity, we are still able to leave historical sites the way they were.

"This recognition can also dispel the notion that we (Malaysians) live on trees, or that our country isn't safe," he said Tuesday in a press conference after officiating the ministry's monthly assembly at Muzium Negara.

To a question, he said that the Government would do everything to ensure that George Town and Malacca would not lose the prestigious title.

George Town and Malacca were among the eight sites chosen by Unesco as the latest World Heritage Sites. The other sites are in Croatia, France, Papua New Guinea, San Marino, Slovakia and Germany.

Source: The Star

Joy As Malacca, George Town Become Cultural World Heritage Sites

Tuesday July 8, 2008 MYT 7:34:30 PM

MALACCA: Elation and relief were the reaction of people in the historic city and in George Town following the cities' joint inscription as Malaysia’s first cultural World Heritage Site.

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, who is in Quebec, Canada for the 32nd World Heritage Committee session, described the success as "global recognition of the country’s ability to protect our unique heritage."

“I wish to thank the people of Malacca and all who have worked hard to achieve this. The inscription today bears the fruit of 8 years of planning and preparations,” he said in his SMS reply when asked to comment on the decision.

Besides being better able to preserve the state’s rich heritage, he said UNESCO recognition would also bring in economic benefit for the people through the tourism and service industries following expected increase in tourist arrivals.

Besides the recognition of Malacca and George Town, the Kinabalu National Park in Sabah and the Mulu National Parkin Sarawak were also inscribed as natural sites in the World Heritage List.

Malacca City Mayor Yusof Jantan, who is also in Quebec, said that the recognition would bring benefit for the state in terms of funding for conservation and preservation work including gaining foreign expert assistance in joint exchange programs.

As the secretariat for the state’s World Heritage Site effort, he said a permanent conservation and preservation unit would be immediately set up by the city council to oversee the implementation of UNESCO’s guidelines.

Malacca Heritage Trusts president Debbie Lee said that the inscription marked the beginning of a new phase in conservation and preservation work.

“The authorities must now ensure that the city’s intrinsic cultural heritage and monuments are protected and preserved through implementation and enforcement of proper policies and guidelines,” she added.

The 17th Century Cheng Hoon Teng Temple trustee member Josephine Chua said the state must now take steps to create greater awareness amongst the public on the importance of preserving the city’s rich cultural heritage.

“The continued recognition as a World Heritage Site is also dependent on the recipients ability to implement and enforce regulations. The tile can also be taken away if we jeopardise our heritage,” she added.

In GEORGE TOWN, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said a state-level heritage committee would be formed to formulate an integrated heritage policy.

Lim, who would head the committee, said it would hold discussions on fulfilling and complying with the parameters of a living heritage and cultural site.

“Penang needs not only an integrated policy, but one that has concrete short, medium and long-term aims.

“The state government will work closely with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the Federal Government and other stakeholders towards creating a plan that include mechanisms to implement the heritage policy and to focus on conservation efforts within the heritage zone,” he said.

He said the world heritage listing was often followed by an increase in heritage and historical tourism.

"Tourism is Penang’s second income earner. Therefore, we will oversee a coordinated effort to upgrade Penang’s heritage tourism products," he said.

Lim said the state government recorded its appreciation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) for listing George Town and Malacca as World Heritage Sites

Lim also expressed his gratitude to the previous Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister, NGOs, the previous state government and government officials from the state agencies who had helped George Town achieve the listing.

George Town, he said, has been recognised for its largest concentration of pre-World War II buildings in South East Asia and multi-ethnic living heritage.

“Malays, Indians, Chinese, Eurasians, Armenians, Japanese, British, Jewish, Filipinos and other small nationalities have contributed to the development of George Town,” he said.

State Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the state government has great responsibility to protect and maintain the World Heritage Site status.

“Failing which, the Unesco will degrade us and strip us off the heritage city status,” he said.

Source : The Star

UNESCO Accepts George Town And Malacca As World Heritage Sites

Tuesday July 8, 2008

GEORGE TOWN: The historical sites of George Town and Malacca have finally been listed as World Heritage Sites – a much sought after listing by nations across the globe.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) accorded the two cities the status yesterday when the Paris-based World Heritage Council met in Quebec, Canada.
The recognition will see historical and cultural properties in both cities to be listed on the Unesco World Heritage List.

Malaysia had been bidding for the prestigious listing since 2004.

The core areas encompass the historical sites of George Town, including the Lebuh Acheh historical enclave and sites such as the Lebuh Acheh Malay Mosque, Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Kling Mosque, the Goddess of Mercy Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Khoo Kongsi, St George’s Church, Assumption Church, St Xavier’s Institution, Convent Light Street, Little India, the museum and court building, the commercial area of Beach Street, Fort Cornwallis, Esplanade, City Hall, the clan jetties and the port areas.

In Malacca, the historical sites near the St Paul’s Hill, the 17th century Dutch Stadhuys buildings, Jonker Street with its Dutch-era buildings, Jalan Tukang Besi, Kampung Morten and Malacca River have been recognised as part of the world heritage sites.

Penang Tourism Development, Cultural, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said a state representative who were following the meeting in Canada informed them of the success bid yesterday evening.

“Listing George Town and Malacca on the World Heritage List would definitely help to boost the tourism in both states in a long run.”

Former Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the success in the bid is a boost to multiculturalism and tourism for Malaysia.

Satisfied And Happy China Teacher Group

On the 6th July 2008, I recieved a China group which consists of 29pax for Taksina. The tour leader is He Xiao Yun. The following is their itinerary:

6th July 2008 In from 2nd Link (Johor Bahru) to Kuala Lumpur
7th July 2008 Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands
8th July 2008 Genting Highlands to Melaka
9th July 2008 Melaka to Singapore.

The whole group of China tourists are teachers from the San Mei School, Nan Ning, Guang Xi.

They reached 2nd link very late at about 4pm because of their delayed flight from Bali to Singapore.

As usual, recieved them and give the best service that I could. The teachers are very happy with my commentaries and very satisfied with my service.

Towards the end of the day, with a very heavy heart sent them off.

Discounts Aplenty At Mega Sale Carnival

KUALA LUMPUR: It’s discounts galore for shoppers now that the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival is back.

The ninth mega sale carnival is organised by the Tourism Ministry and the Shopping Malaysia Secretariat, and will be on until Sept 1.

“The Mega Sale Carnival is timed to coincide with the summer holidays abroad, when we have more tourist arrivals.

“In 2007 alone, shopping contributed RM12.2bil in sales, which is a substantial amount,” said Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng, who launched the carnival at the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur here yesterday.

With the theme Shop, Eat and Rejuvenate, shoppers can expect discounts of up to 70%. There will also be a lot of activities organised during the carnival period.

In conjunction with the launch, Pavilion held a special one-day late night shopping until 11.30pm yesterday.

Source: The Star 6th July 2008

Discounts Aplenty At Mega Sale Carnival

KUALA LUMPUR: It’s discounts galore for shoppers now that the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival is back.


The ninth mega sale carnival is organised by the Tourism Ministry and the Shopping Malaysia Secretariat, and will be on until Sept 1.


“The Mega Sale Carnival is timed to coincide with the summer holidays abroad, when we have more tourist arrivals.


“In 2007 alone, shopping contributed RM12.2bil in sales, which is a substantial amount,” said Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng, who launched the carnival at the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur here yesterday.


With the theme Shop, Eat and Rejuvenate, shoppers can expect discounts of up to 70%. There will also be a lot of activities organised during the carnival period.


In conjunction with the launch, Pavilion held a special one-day late night shopping until 11.30pm yesterday.



Source: The Star 6th July 2008

Complaint

On the 29th June 2008 - 3rd July 2008 I was taking an Indonesian group which consists of 10 pax only. The following is their itinerary :

Hotel : Coronade Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

29th June Arrival at KLIA. Putrajaya and Chinatown.
30th June Genting day trip
1st July Full day meeting
2nd July Full day meeting
3rd July KL - Singapore

On the 1st July at about 11am I recieved a phone call from Mr. Tony (my boss from Spore). He inquired me what is the complaint from the tour member because the tour member phoned to Indonesia to complain. I was very surprised, puzzled and angry because everything goes smoothly. I asked back to Mr Tony what is the complaint all about. It seems that he also do not know what is the complaint all about. I told Mr Tony that I even have a city tour for the tour members which is not include in their itinerary and all the guests are happy so there should not be any complain.

About 5 mins later, I recieved another phone call but this time it is from Indonesia. The caller inquired me about the complaint as well. I feel very puzzled as to why there is a complaint and yet both my boss and the travel agent in Indonesia did not know about. I told the caller from Indonesia that I will find out what is the problem and rectified it with the guests.

Knowing about the complainy from my boss and the Indonesia travel agent, I felt very uneasy the whole day. I called up my tour leader immediately to inquire about the complaint. He also told me that there is no complain at all.

I still feel very upset and uneasy about the complain but then I can't meet up with the guests immediately because they are undergoing their training. So, I have no choice but to wait till evening when I am doing my dinner transfer with them.

At about 7.30pm, I turned up at the hotel and I met with the tour leader. The tour leader told me that there is no complain about me. What a relief for me... He told me that actually the guests called up Indonesia to complain about the transport arrangement for them on the last day. They are required to go to Singapore by bus. The guests are not happy about it and made the complaint.

The whole day of feeling upset and uneasiness turned up to be a good news for me on the next day. My boss called up and said the guests are going to Singapore by flight. Woweee... at least I need not travel 5 hours in the bus to 2nd link and then travel anothe 5 hours to KL again.... Hehehehe...

Advises For Tourists During The Stay In Malaysia

1. Rules And Regulations of The Country

It is very important that all tourists follow the rules and regulations of the country. Malaysia is a very environmental friendly country and we protect our mother nature very well. So, these are the basic rules and regulations to follow:

i) Smoking : In most public places and air conditioned rooms in Malaysia you are not allowed to smoke. The penalty will be at RM500.

ii) Littering : In most cities in Malaysia, there are the dark blue coloured uniformed town councilor officers who will fine those people who are caught litter around.

iii) Drugs: Malaysia is also internationally well known for its tough law against drug. We have the death penalty for those caught trafficking drugs.

2) Passport And Valuables

Please be careful that your passport and valuable items are taken care at all times. Here are some examples of crimes happened in Malaysia and it is my hope that upon knowing and realizing the crimes in Malaysia, every care is taken care of the valuables.

i) Snatches

There have been many cases of snatches of handbags in Malaysia and very unfortunately that this crime is still on the rise. The Malaysia authorities have taken lots of measures to prevent this crime among tourists and Malaysians by deploying more polices at the main roads of the cities.

Usually the robber will be riding the motorcycle and snatch the handbag and speeding away. This usually happen at places which is dark or places where there is hardly any people around.

So, it is very important that passports are not left in the handbag. Its best to leave the passport in the safety box of the hotel room or at the safety box at the reception. Should you need to carry along the passport, then it is always advisable to put the passport in the trouser’s pocket. This is so much safer than putting the passport in the handbag because in Malaysia, pick pockets are lesser than snatchers.

It is also advisable that not all cash is put in the handbag. It is best to separate the cash to different pockets and the handbag as well. The best policy is to just bring enough cash for spending and not to carry handbag around.

ii) Pick Pockets

Even though pick pockets do happen in Malaysia, however it is so much fewer cases compared to snatchers. The pick pockets syndicates are usually carried out by the Phillipinoes in Malaysia. The Phillipinoes usually carry out the activity pick pocketing in groups of four to six persons. They use various methods and techniques in order to pick pocket the victims. Please be very careful at crowded places for example at the shopping centres, bus stops, stations, etc. These are the techniques which are usually used during pick pocketing.

a) At escalator, there will be a person who will accidently dropped the coins around. Because it is crowded and everyone will try to help to collect the coins dropped. So, this is when the pick pockets will go into action.

b) At the lift, a handicapped person will accidentally fall down upon entering the lift. Upon seeing the handicap person fall down, usually people will try to help him. This when the pick pocket goes into action.

iii) Hypnotis

These hipnotis are usually done by the middle east people. They portray themselves as tourists as well. They usually consist of a family. The wife will usually carry a baby along to reduce the suspect of the tourists. They will usually try to befriend the tourists at the tourists spots by asking the victim to help them to take a photo for them. After befriending the victim, the husband will ask where did the victim come from. Then usually the husband will say he has never seen the currency of the country the victim originated. He will take out a piece USD 10 to change the currency or asking for loose change. When the victim took out the wallet, usually what happened after that, the victim will not know because the victim will be in hypnotized situation. When the middle east people left, then the victim will realize that part of the money in the wallet has been taken.

Adivice: Because Malaysia is a multiracial country, as a foreigner in the country, its very difficult for tourists to know who the criminals are from. Usually, the Indonesians look like the local Malays, the Bangladeshis look like the Indians, etc. So, its important that when you are approached by someone who you do not know, its best not to befriend them.

3) Take off shoes

As Malaysia is a Muslim country, there are a lot of places which required the tourists to take off the shoes.

When we enter the Malay houses for visit, generally we are required to take off the shoes. In fact, most of Malaysians, through the influenced of the Malays, take off shoes before entering the house.

Mosque is a prayer place and should be clean at all time. As such all tourists are required to take off shoes upon entering the mosque.

4) Be careful And Know How To Differentiate Between Prayer Rooms And Toilets

We can differentiate a toilet and a prayer room through the picture signboard on the door.

The prayer room for the males will have a picture of a male wearing a songkok ( a black color hat for the Malays during prayer ). The prayer room for the females will have a picture of a female wearing a head scarf.

As for the male toilet, the picture of the male is without the songkok and the female toilet is the picture of the female without the head scarf.

5) Respect The Local Lifestyle And Culture

As Malaysia is Truly Asia, most of the traditional culture of the Asians are still practiced. As such its very important as a tourist in Malaysia, one has to respect and follow the lifestyle of the locals. For example, it’s not good for a couple to hug or kiss each other in the public.

Please take note that the above mentioned advises are only in general form. There are some special advises to be noted as and when the tourists are in the tourists spots. For example when at the King’s Palace, do not stand too near to the horses for photography.

And again I should stressed that even I emphasized that there are snatches and pick pockets, please do not misunderstand that Malaysia is not safe. It is still very safe to travel all around in Malaysia. I always believe that no matter where we are, it is always important that we must know how to take care of our valuables.

For further information of some tips of warnings and look outs for tourists while in Malaysia, please go to: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Malaysia/Wilayah_Persekutuan/Kuala_Lumpur-1282074/Warnings_or_Dangers-Kuala_Lumpur-BR-1.html