NIGHT after night the same sad scene plays itself out – people lying asleep on the floor, chairs, and even trolleys.
However, the location is not a disaster relief centre, but the waiting area of the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Sepang, according to a Kosmo! report.
A check by the tabloid at 3am recently revealed that many travellers had to put up with much discomfort to catch 40 winks while waiting for their flights.
Benches and chairs that should seat five were monopolised by a single person lying stretched out.
An even sorrier sight were those sleeping on the cold marble floor.
There were even some who had made the fast-food outlets at the terminal temporary waiting areas, falling asleep at the dining tables out of sheer exhaustion or boredom, while others had chosen to take a nap in the corridors outside the waiting hall to escape the freezing air-conditioning inside.
Siti Fadhila Noordin, who was on her way to Kota Baru, said it was an eyesore to have people lying everywhere, more so when the country would be seeing even more tourists in view of Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
The 32-year-old said she had to wait for 10 hours at the terminal as her flight from Sarawak arrived at the LCCT at 9.30pm and would only leave for Kota Baru at 7.40am the following morning.
“It is very exhausting, and I have to wait so long without proper resting facilities.
“The management should think of preparing more comfortable chairs for those in transit,” she said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Monday, December 18, 2006
Sheraton Subang's Unique Christmas Crystal Tree
SUBANG JAYA: A Christmas tree made of crystal greets visitors to the Sheraton Subang Hotel and Towers here.Constructed entirely from crystal pieces it is believed to be the first of its kind in Malaysia.
“The tree is made in such a way so as to highlight the hotel’s Christmas theme 'Magical Christmas',” said the hotel's marketing and communications manager Elaine Aisyah.
“The tree is made in such a way so as to highlight the hotel’s Christmas theme 'Magical Christmas',” said the hotel's marketing and communications manager Elaine Aisyah.
“Crystal pieces are among the latest decorations being used by people on their Christmas trees.
“We used to have candy canes, aluminium foils, wreaths and Christmas bells. But to have a tree made entirely of crystal, that is something unique and it exudes elegance and prestige. It is somewhat chaste and highlights the purity of Christmas.”
“We used to have candy canes, aluminium foils, wreaths and Christmas bells. But to have a tree made entirely of crystal, that is something unique and it exudes elegance and prestige. It is somewhat chaste and highlights the purity of Christmas.”
Aisyah said the tree's structure and base were made of stainless steel, adding that it weighed about 400kg.
“We have used one of the highest grade crystal, imported from China to build the tree.
“No one in this country has a crystal Christmas tree and we thought we would do something different and unique, something out of the ordinary to usher in Christmas,” she said.
The tree will be on display at the lobby until mid January.
Tourists Complain of Raised Prices
MORIB: Some tour operators have started raising prices ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2007, which begins in less than two weeks.
The Tourism Ministry said it had received information of overcharging on souvenir items and hotel rooms and would be sending out its officers to check on these complaints.
“We are very concerned about the problem even though the number of such cases is not serious,” deputy minister Datuk Donald Lim told reporters after opening the sales launch of Gold Coast Morib Resort here yesterday.
However, the ministry could only advise the culprits to be fair in their business as there were no laws to stop them from overcharging, he added.
He said the ministry would work with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and other relevant agencies to tackle the problem caused by irresponsible traders and hotel operators.
“There are complaints against souvenir traders selling goods at (exorbitant) prices.
“We have also received a number complaints that some hotels are overcharging their guests,” said Lim, adding that most of the complaints were made by Asian tourists who stayed at hotels with four-star ratings and below.
He said that besides the campaign to draw more visitors to the country, the nation also expected a bumper tourist arrival when it celebrates its 50th year of independence next year.
By CHRISTINA TAN
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The Tourism Ministry said it had received information of overcharging on souvenir items and hotel rooms and would be sending out its officers to check on these complaints.
“We are very concerned about the problem even though the number of such cases is not serious,” deputy minister Datuk Donald Lim told reporters after opening the sales launch of Gold Coast Morib Resort here yesterday.
However, the ministry could only advise the culprits to be fair in their business as there were no laws to stop them from overcharging, he added.
He said the ministry would work with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and other relevant agencies to tackle the problem caused by irresponsible traders and hotel operators.
“There are complaints against souvenir traders selling goods at (exorbitant) prices.
“We have also received a number complaints that some hotels are overcharging their guests,” said Lim, adding that most of the complaints were made by Asian tourists who stayed at hotels with four-star ratings and below.
He said that besides the campaign to draw more visitors to the country, the nation also expected a bumper tourist arrival when it celebrates its 50th year of independence next year.
By CHRISTINA TAN
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Indon tourists yet to see the ‘other Malaysia’
JAKARTA: Don’t just look at Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Genting Highlands, Indonesian tour operators are told.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said it was vital that Indonesians know of other beautiful locations such as in Penang, Sabah, Sarawak and the east coast states.
“Based on the information that we received from tour operators, Indonesians prefer to spend their holidays in Malacca, Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands because of its historical importance, shopping facilities and family entertainment conveniences.
“However, other areas such as Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang also have similar attractions and beautiful beaches and scenery.
“Since Visit Malaysia Year 2007 starts next month, operators should begin to promote other tourist destinations instead of just selling the current preferred destinations,” he said after a four-hour meeting with 45 tour operators here.
The operators later signed a banner to show their support to promote Malaysian destinations in conjunction with VMY 2007.
At the dialogue, the operators voiced their problems such as flight connectivity, in particular from Kalimantan to Kuching as well as Kota Kinabalu.
Indonesians travelling on these sectors had to change flights at KL International Airport before catching another flight to their end destination.
“Passengers also face baggage problems as AirAsia flights do not provide direct transfer of baggage from one destination to another,” said Tengku Adnan.
“Apart from that, I have been told that tourists travelling by sea from Indonesia were treated roughly as if they were illegal immigrants by the Customs and Immigration personnel.
“I will discuss these problems with Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia as well as the Immigration and Customs authorities,” he said.
He said Tourism Malaysia would assist Indonesian tour operators to sell three-day packages and festivity packages by providing them the venue and booths at malls in Indonesia.
By PARVEEN GILL
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said it was vital that Indonesians know of other beautiful locations such as in Penang, Sabah, Sarawak and the east coast states.
“Based on the information that we received from tour operators, Indonesians prefer to spend their holidays in Malacca, Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands because of its historical importance, shopping facilities and family entertainment conveniences.
“However, other areas such as Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang also have similar attractions and beautiful beaches and scenery.
“Since Visit Malaysia Year 2007 starts next month, operators should begin to promote other tourist destinations instead of just selling the current preferred destinations,” he said after a four-hour meeting with 45 tour operators here.
The operators later signed a banner to show their support to promote Malaysian destinations in conjunction with VMY 2007.
At the dialogue, the operators voiced their problems such as flight connectivity, in particular from Kalimantan to Kuching as well as Kota Kinabalu.
Indonesians travelling on these sectors had to change flights at KL International Airport before catching another flight to their end destination.
“Passengers also face baggage problems as AirAsia flights do not provide direct transfer of baggage from one destination to another,” said Tengku Adnan.
“Apart from that, I have been told that tourists travelling by sea from Indonesia were treated roughly as if they were illegal immigrants by the Customs and Immigration personnel.
“I will discuss these problems with Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia as well as the Immigration and Customs authorities,” he said.
He said Tourism Malaysia would assist Indonesian tour operators to sell three-day packages and festivity packages by providing them the venue and booths at malls in Indonesia.
By PARVEEN GILL
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Duta (Grand Hyatt) Hotel is Starting Up again
New Lease of Life for Hotel Project
Source : SUN
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
PETALING JAYA: Mycom Bhd has redesigned the former Duta Grand Hyatt hotel project to include commercial space to complement the project's residential apartments and 5-star hotel. The developer plans to resume work on the stalled RM1.15-billion project when its debt-restructuring exercise is completed next February.
Sited on a 2.98-acre freehold tract at the corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, work on the hotel project began in 1994 before it was stopped when the developer was hit by the 1998 Asian financial crisis. The partially completed project was to have housed the Duta Grand Hyatt hotel. It was planned as a 5-star hotel with 570 rooms and 108 apartment units.
At its recent AGM, group managing director Datuk Yap Yong Seong says the Hyatt Group is no longer associated with the project. "Due to the stalled timeframe, the contract with the Hyatt Group has lapsed and the hotel component will not be operated by them. We will look for another 5-star hotel brand," he explains, adding that the entire project will have a total built-up of 1.78 million sq ft.
It is learnt that the three-tier development will now comprise two high-rise towers and a retail podium. There will be a 50-storey tower to house the hotel with between 200 and 400 rooms and a 55-storey tower to house 200 residential apartments. There will also be 371,000 sq ft of office space. A six-level retail podium with a built-up of 172,000 sq ft will adjoin the towers.
It will be developed by subsidiary Duta Grand Hotels Sdn Bhd. Work will begin once the regulatory authorities approve the restructuring scheme.
The project willtake about 30 months to complete, adds Yap.
Source : SUN
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Sunday, December 17, 2006
PAS-style dance clubs
KOTA BARU: Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has given his blessings to an Islamic form of dance clubs to serve as entertainment outlets here.
He said, however, no liquor would be served and there must be a segregation of the male and female patrons.
There must also be proper attire for women such as clothes that do not reveal the navel, Nik Abdul Aziz told reporters here yesterday.
His remarks came after state local government committee chairman Takiyuddin Hassan said the state government could consider applications for entertainment outlets under the proposed tourism zone in Kuala Besar, near the Pantai Cahaya Bulan stretch.
The zone will have tourism attractions like a state-of-the-art cultural centre, a marina, local cuisine speciality restaurants, handicrafts and souvenir outlets.
He saida discotheque or nightclub would not be allowed since it was against the spirit of its entertainment laws.
Nik Abdul Aziz said he was not opposed to dancing but that couples should not do it and most importantly, that the women's navel was covered.
He said that entertainment was allowed in Islam but with certain conditions so that it did not lead to social ills, he said.
He added that Muslim women must be covered from head to toe except for their face and hands while Muslim men must be decently dressed when in public.
State PAS Youth head Salahuddin Ayub said the party was trying to demonstrate a healthy form of entertainment in the Islamic context.
He said PAS leaders should not give up on their quest despite criticisms from certain quarters and attempts by Umno to politicise it.
Salahuddin said the wing will also meet with foreign tourists to find out what kind of entertainment activities they like in the country.
He said this was important for the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 and the Visit Kelantan 2008 campaigns.
BY IAN MCINTYRE
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
He said, however, no liquor would be served and there must be a segregation of the male and female patrons.
There must also be proper attire for women such as clothes that do not reveal the navel, Nik Abdul Aziz told reporters here yesterday.
His remarks came after state local government committee chairman Takiyuddin Hassan said the state government could consider applications for entertainment outlets under the proposed tourism zone in Kuala Besar, near the Pantai Cahaya Bulan stretch.
The zone will have tourism attractions like a state-of-the-art cultural centre, a marina, local cuisine speciality restaurants, handicrafts and souvenir outlets.
He saida discotheque or nightclub would not be allowed since it was against the spirit of its entertainment laws.
Nik Abdul Aziz said he was not opposed to dancing but that couples should not do it and most importantly, that the women's navel was covered.
He said that entertainment was allowed in Islam but with certain conditions so that it did not lead to social ills, he said.
He added that Muslim women must be covered from head to toe except for their face and hands while Muslim men must be decently dressed when in public.
State PAS Youth head Salahuddin Ayub said the party was trying to demonstrate a healthy form of entertainment in the Islamic context.
He said PAS leaders should not give up on their quest despite criticisms from certain quarters and attempts by Umno to politicise it.
Salahuddin said the wing will also meet with foreign tourists to find out what kind of entertainment activities they like in the country.
He said this was important for the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 and the Visit Kelantan 2008 campaigns.
BY IAN MCINTYRE
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Hotel Industry Apprenticeship Scheme (HIAS) Stepping Stone to the Hospitality Industry
An edge to hospitality industry
BY TAN EE LOO
LIKE most of her peers, Zamsuzliana Ahmad did not know what to do after completing her secondary school education. When she spotted an advertisement in the newspaper on the Hotel Industry Apprenticeship Scheme (HIAS) programme for school leavers, she decided to give it a go and signed up for the programme.
Little did she know that that move would shape her career path and change her life forever.
Zamsuzliana was one of the students in the apprenticeship scheme organised by Taylor’s College School of Hospitality and Tourism (TCHT) in the late 1990s.
She has since moved on to become the sales manager of Dorsett Regency Hotel in Kuala Lumpur after gaining experience at various hotels.
Recalling her early years of learning the ropes as an apprentice, Zamsuzliana says the programme is a stepping-stone to enter the industry.
“You will not know if you are suited for it unless you try. That was what I said to myself when I finished school. Although my parents did not approve of my decision at first, they gave me time to prove myself,” says Zamsuzliana, 28.
Jointly offered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Human Resources Development Fund, HIAS is a short, yet rigorous programme that provides school leavers with an opportunity to further their studies.
TCHT has trained more than 1,047 apprentices for over 78 hotels nationwide since 1997.
The duration of the programme ranges from ten to 24 weeks.
Successful applicants will be given free education, personal insurance and a monthly allowance of up to RM410. They will also be given a minimum one-year employment at participating hotels.
TCHT chief operating officer Pradeep Nair says the HIAS programme is specially designed for those who are interested in the hospitality industry but have no opportunity to further their studies due to financial difficulties.
“Our campus is equipped with facilities that mirror the real working environment and the programme is taught by full-time lecturers who have lots of industry experience,” he adds.
Students can choose from one of four modules such as accommodation practice (housekeeping), reception techniques (front office), food and beverage service and kitchen practice.
They will be awarded the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia Levels One and Two by the National Vocational Training Council upon successful completion of the programme.
Participating hotels for next January’s intake include Sheraton Subang Hotel & Towers, JW Marriot, Dynasty Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Four Seasons Resort Langkawi.
Interested candidates can attend a walk-in interview on Dec 19, from 9.30am to 4pm, at Taylor’s College School of Hospitality and Tourism at Block C, Leisure Commerce Square, Jalan PJS 8/9, Petaling Jaya.
Applicants should apply with PMR or SPM qualifications (with a pass in English and Mathematics). For more information, call 03-7877 9777.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
BY TAN EE LOO
LIKE most of her peers, Zamsuzliana Ahmad did not know what to do after completing her secondary school education. When she spotted an advertisement in the newspaper on the Hotel Industry Apprenticeship Scheme (HIAS) programme for school leavers, she decided to give it a go and signed up for the programme.
Little did she know that that move would shape her career path and change her life forever.
Zamsuzliana was one of the students in the apprenticeship scheme organised by Taylor’s College School of Hospitality and Tourism (TCHT) in the late 1990s.
She has since moved on to become the sales manager of Dorsett Regency Hotel in Kuala Lumpur after gaining experience at various hotels.
Recalling her early years of learning the ropes as an apprentice, Zamsuzliana says the programme is a stepping-stone to enter the industry.
“You will not know if you are suited for it unless you try. That was what I said to myself when I finished school. Although my parents did not approve of my decision at first, they gave me time to prove myself,” says Zamsuzliana, 28.
Jointly offered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Human Resources Development Fund, HIAS is a short, yet rigorous programme that provides school leavers with an opportunity to further their studies.
TCHT has trained more than 1,047 apprentices for over 78 hotels nationwide since 1997.
The duration of the programme ranges from ten to 24 weeks.
Successful applicants will be given free education, personal insurance and a monthly allowance of up to RM410. They will also be given a minimum one-year employment at participating hotels.
TCHT chief operating officer Pradeep Nair says the HIAS programme is specially designed for those who are interested in the hospitality industry but have no opportunity to further their studies due to financial difficulties.
“Our campus is equipped with facilities that mirror the real working environment and the programme is taught by full-time lecturers who have lots of industry experience,” he adds.
Students can choose from one of four modules such as accommodation practice (housekeeping), reception techniques (front office), food and beverage service and kitchen practice.
They will be awarded the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia Levels One and Two by the National Vocational Training Council upon successful completion of the programme.
Participating hotels for next January’s intake include Sheraton Subang Hotel & Towers, JW Marriot, Dynasty Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Four Seasons Resort Langkawi.
Interested candidates can attend a walk-in interview on Dec 19, from 9.30am to 4pm, at Taylor’s College School of Hospitality and Tourism at Block C, Leisure Commerce Square, Jalan PJS 8/9, Petaling Jaya.
Applicants should apply with PMR or SPM qualifications (with a pass in English and Mathematics). For more information, call 03-7877 9777.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Tourism Ministry officers to check out complaints on tour operators
MORIB (Selangor): Some tour operators have started their throat-cutting game ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2007, less than two weeks away.
The Tourism Ministry said it has received information of over-charging on souvenir items and hotel rooms and would be sending out its officers to check on these complaints.
“We are very concern about the problem even though the number of such cases is not serious,” deputy minister Datuk Donald Lim told reporters after officiating at the sales launch of the Gold Coast Morib Resort here Sunday.
He added, however, that the ministry could only advise the culprits to be fair in their business as there were no laws to stop them from over-charging.
He said the ministry would work with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and other relevant agencies to tackle the problem caused by irresponsible traders and hotel operators.
“There are complaints against souvenir traders selling goods at cut-throat price.
“We have also received a number complaints that some hotels are over-charging their guests,” said Lim, adding that most complaints were made by Asian tourists who stayed at hotels with four-star ratings and below.
He said besides the ‘visit Malaysia’ campaign to draw more visitors to the country, the nation also expects a bumper tourist arrival when it celebrates its 50th year of independence next year.
He urged all Malaysians to give their cooperation and support the tourism sector as well as the national and public image of the country.
“We want tourists to come here and buy our souvenirs, which will give them sweet memories of Malaysia and not a feeling of being cheated,” said Lim, adding that Malaysia expects 20 million tourists next year and RM44.5bil worth of foreign exchange.
There are 2,269 hotels with one star to five star ratings, said Lim, adding that the country would have 3,200 hotels by 2010 to cater to the needs of the rising number of tourists.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The Tourism Ministry said it has received information of over-charging on souvenir items and hotel rooms and would be sending out its officers to check on these complaints.
“We are very concern about the problem even though the number of such cases is not serious,” deputy minister Datuk Donald Lim told reporters after officiating at the sales launch of the Gold Coast Morib Resort here Sunday.
He added, however, that the ministry could only advise the culprits to be fair in their business as there were no laws to stop them from over-charging.
He said the ministry would work with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and other relevant agencies to tackle the problem caused by irresponsible traders and hotel operators.
“There are complaints against souvenir traders selling goods at cut-throat price.
“We have also received a number complaints that some hotels are over-charging their guests,” said Lim, adding that most complaints were made by Asian tourists who stayed at hotels with four-star ratings and below.
He said besides the ‘visit Malaysia’ campaign to draw more visitors to the country, the nation also expects a bumper tourist arrival when it celebrates its 50th year of independence next year.
He urged all Malaysians to give their cooperation and support the tourism sector as well as the national and public image of the country.
“We want tourists to come here and buy our souvenirs, which will give them sweet memories of Malaysia and not a feeling of being cheated,” said Lim, adding that Malaysia expects 20 million tourists next year and RM44.5bil worth of foreign exchange.
There are 2,269 hotels with one star to five star ratings, said Lim, adding that the country would have 3,200 hotels by 2010 to cater to the needs of the rising number of tourists.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
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