BEST WESTERN MELAKA WANA RIVERSIDE OFFICIALLY OPENS

Malacca gets a Best Western hotel

Published: 2012/12/08

MALACCA: Best Western International (BWI), which is touted as the world's largest hotel chain with over 4,195 hotels in more than 100 countries, has made its mark in the historical city of Malacca with the official launch of the Best Western Wana Riverside Hotel.

Located next to the scenic Malacca River, in the heart of the Unesco World Heritage Site, the hotel offers up to 170 rooms, suitable for both business travellers and families with rooms ranging from superior, deluxe, grand deluxe, studio and executive.

Naresh Mohan, who is managing director of Trinidad Hospitality Sdn Bhd, BWI's area development office in Malaysia, said with the inclusion of the Best Western Wana Riverside Hotel, the chain now has five hotels in Malaysia.

"Besides Malacca, we have two Best Western hotels in Sabah and one in Perak, as well as a Best Western Premier in Kuala Lumpur.

"By 2015, we plan to expand the brand to 20 properties in Malaysia," he said.

Mohan said BWI offers three tiers of hotels: midscale Best Western, upscale Best Western Plus and its luxury Best Western Premier hotels to cater to various classes of travellers and their needs.

"In 2014, we expect to complete a Best Western Premier in Ayer Keroh, near the Malacca International Trade Centre.

"Not only will it have a five-star hotel, there will be offices and residences as well as a wide range of facilities," he said at the launch, here, on Thursday.

Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and Wana Properties Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Wan Mohd Najib Wan Mohamad.

Mohd Ali, in his speech during the launch ceremony, said he was impressed with what had been done with the hotel since it was taken over by the new management.

"The building was in disrepair after it had been abandoned by its previous management, but after it was bought over by Trinidad Hospitality and Wana Properties for RM37 million in 2010, I am glad to see that there have been many improvements made," he said.

Mohd Ali said while the hotel was operating smoothly, he was told that there was a problem with parking for its guests due to a lack of parking facilities in the area.

"The management has suggested to the state government that nearby non-historical, abandoned buildings be converted into multi-level parking lots, which we will take into consideration, as indeed, parking has become an issue which we must quickly address," he said.

Read more: Malacca gets a Best Western hotel http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/bwis/Article/#ixzz2EXQSFvVE

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013

As 2012 draws to a close in 3 weeks' time, we want to wish everyone of Christian faith "A Very Merry Christmas" and to everyone " A Very Happy New Year 2013 ". Hopefully, 2013 will be a good year in our undertakings, health and happiness.

Enjoy your year end holidays and festivities. Do not drive if you drink and drive carefully.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY DEEPAVALI 2012

To all Hindus around the world, we wish to extend our "Happy Deepavali" greetings. May the festival of lights help us in overcoming our shortcomings. Let us celebrate and bathe in the Lights of Deepavali.

HAPPY DEEPAVALI

www.tourism-melaka.com

TOURISM MELAKA INVITED TO ATTEND MELAKA OFFICIAL DINNER

We have been invited to attend an official dinner to be hosted by the Governor of Melaka on this Friday night.

On Saturday morning, we will be visiting some new tourist products for Melaka viz.Taman Seribu Bunga, Macau Gallery, the Jonker Bird house, Coral Wonderland etc. which should be interesting for visitors to Melaka.

Certainly Tourism Melaka is looking forward to this dinner and exciting new tourism products for Melaka. We will feature them after our visit.

PRICES AND RENTALS OF HERITAGE SHOPHOUSES RISE IN MELAKA

9th. October 2012

Since the announcement of Malacca and Georgetown as World Heritage Cities in 2008, both cities have seen a rise of local and foreign tourists arrivals. Melaka has seen tourists arrival increase from 8 million in 2008 to about an estimate of 13 million visitors in 2012 or about 15% increase year on year basis. These arrivals have helped Melaka and Malaccans economically and tourism is regarded as one of major source of income despite her small population. Malaccans cannot deny that fact tourism has benefitted them.

With Melaka being world recognised as a heritage city, property prices and rentals within the Heritage city areas have jumped by 30%. Within the Jonker street and Heeren street, heritage freehold shophouses prices are now being offered between 3 to 5 Million which are unheard of previously. Foreigners especially Singaporeans and Australians consider these prices as cheap in relative terms to the exchange rates. Singaporeans in particular are buying up these properties as investments since Melaka is just 3.5 hours drive away from Singapore.

At the same time, property owners within Melaka are also asking for higher rentals for businesses. Some businessmen from KL are also coming in to invest in properties and businesses as they see the potential of Melaka as a popular tourist destination. Similar trends are also seen in Georgetown, Penang.

New developments in international brands and boutique hotels are being constructed in Melaka and shopping malls are being built on reclaimed land around Bandar Hilir and Klebang. Hopefully, with the construction of new roads such as the coastal road at Klebang and expansion of the Ayer Keroh highway (construction of flyovers at strategic interchanges) will held weekend traffic jams.

Melaka Historical City council should undertake and develop a masterplan so that Melaka can benefit from this in years ahead.

MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL THIS SUNDAY

All Chinese around the world will celebrate the mid Autumn Festival on this coming Sunday. This festival is held on the 15th. Day of the eight month of the Chinese calendar where lanterns will be lit and mooncakes will be eaten.

In the old days, people will eat the mooncakes at night and drink tea under the moonlit night and admire the fullmoon. This tradition is still being carried out in some countries. A good excuse to enjoy the different varieties of mooncakes and the peanuts.

Children enjoy walking around their neighbourhood with their lanterns brightly lit by candles or by modern LED lights which are safer. All good fun for the kids and their parents.

In multicultural Malaysia, this festival is being celebrated by all races especially in the lantern festival or commonly called the Tung Lung festival. Good fun as the children mingle among each other for a night of fun and celebration. Hopefully, this unique Malaysian celebration will continue in years to come.

HAPPY MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL and ENJOY

MELAKA FESTIVAL STARTS FROM 21-23.9.2012

MELAKA FESTIVAL STARTS FROM 21-23.9.2012

MELAKA FESTIVAL 2012 starts tomorrow from 10.00am. Venue is at the historical site of St. Paul's hill in Melaka. Admission to all shows is free, so all people interested in performance arts should make your to Melaka this weekend.

Besides coming to Melaka for her history, cuisines and charm, performance arts can draw crowds and enhance our cultural heritage. Tourism Melaka is supportive of such effort in promoting arts in Melaka. Hope more publicity can be undertaken in future years. This festival should also be incorporated in our Melaka events of the year.

For details, go to www.melakafestival.com.

KEE ANN ROAD JUNCTION CONSTRUCTION

The columns of the new 2 storey shophouse at the junction of Jalan Kee Ann and Jalan Bunga Raya are being constructed. Once the columns are up, the side concrete beams will be done before the floor slabs are done.

This new shophouse shows us that investors want to add value to their land for years to come. Hopefully, with these new shops being constructed, new businesses related to the tourism industry can be operated.

Since our last visit, the former "Paris" coffee shop premises is now a guesthouse on the top floor while a Reflexlogy centre has opened.

SELAMAT MERDEKA AND HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY

In 3 days time, Malaysians from all walks of life, creed, religion and races will celebrate our 55th. Anniversary of Independence Day or Merdeka Day. We achieved our Independence from Britain through negotiation and compromise from all Malaysian under the leadership of Tunku Abdul Rahman.

At the same time, we celebrate our Malaysia Day on 16th. September 2012.

Over these 55 years, Malaya then and Malaysia now has gone through many challenges. However, with the co-operation of the three main groups within Malaysia, we have managed to overcome these challenges. We prospered, work, play and live in harmony over these years and built Malaysia into what is today.

Many challenges lie ahead. Europe is in a state of uncertainty due to the Eurozone problems. USA's economy is still not robust enough while in Asia, China's growth is slowing.

Malaysians must unite together and face these challenges head-on. With all Malaysians working together in unison, we can overcome these external threats. Besides that, we need to overcome internal conflicts within Malaysia herself.

Peace and Harmony within Malaysia is important. We must maintain and improve our economic, social and financial goals so that Malaysians of future generations can enjoy the peace and prosperity built by our ancestors in our years ahead.

SELAMAT MERDEKA AND HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY!!!

CENTURY OLD LIDO THEATRE BUILDING RAZED

Published: Tuesday August 7, 2012 MYT 9:06:00 PM

Fire razes iconic Lido Theatre in Malacca By R.S.N.MURALI

MALACCA: The century-old Lido Theatre building, a renowned landmark in the city, has gone up in smoke.

The blaze, which occurred just past midnight on Monday, destroyed most of the structure in Jalan Kee Ann.

The building no longer housed the theatre but its name was retained due to its historic value.

Lido Theatre was a popular haunt among movie-goers until it closed in 1990 to be converted into a supermarket.

All items in the supermarket were destroyed.

The fire also destroyed a row of fruit stalls.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rastam, who used to frequent the theatre as a schoolboy, was moved to tears when he went to inspect the damage at 2am on Tuesday.

“I used to watch movies here as a young boy ... It was the only entertainment we had back in those days. I am deeply saddened by the fire's destruction,'' he told newsmen.

Mohd Ali, who was accompanied by Malacca Historic City Councillor Ronald Gan and Bunga Raya Development and Security Committee chairman Dr Lai Poon Fook, spent almost an hour at the site.

State Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Lokman Halim Sulaiman said 47 firemen in six engines and two skylifts battled the blaze, adding that they managed to douse the flames at 1.26am.

“We prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings which included a hotel. We also sourced water from Sungai Melaka,'' he added.

PASARAYA KHELASS DESTROYED IN MIDNIGHT FIRE

7th.August 2012

PASARAYA KHELASS located at the junction of Jalan Kee Ann and Jalan Pasar Baru was destroyed in a fire last night.

The local fire services receive a distress call at 11.50pm last night and rushed to the scene only to find the former Lido cinema (was originaly the El Dorado Cinema) converted to a emporium for the past 10 years was burning to the ground. With the textile, supermarket articles, clothing etc. the fire was intense until once of the walls of the old building collapsed.

Also destroyed were the 10 fruit stalls in front of Khelass and 2 food stalls. It took 47 fire personnel and 8 fire engines from 3 fire stations around Melaka to control the blaze which was put out at about 1.26am.

It was a pity that Khelass was burnt down early this morning. The owners of Khelass only changed the roof of the emporium about 6 months ago before this fire occurred.

Hopefully, the store is covered under fire insurance and we look forward to some positive development in this site.

Pity that the years old structure of the former Lido Cinema was destroyed. Lido Cinema served the Malaccan public with Shaw Production movies from the late 1960's until 1980's. Personnally, I lived a stone's throw from the former Lido Cinema in my teen years and saw numerous Shaw movies in Lido before it was converted to this current emporium in late 1980's. I feel sad that this had happened.

10 Shophouses completed at end of Jalan Pasar Baru

10 new 3 storeys shop houses have been completed at the end of Jalan Pasar Baru and Jalan Munshi Abdullah. They were recently completed.

Besides these new shophouses is the newly opened Best Western Wana Riverside Hotel. Hopefully, the shop houses will receive their Certificate of Fitness before tenants move in and open their businesses.

Costing between RM 600,000.00 to RM 800,000.00 per shoplot, the investment undertaken is about RM 6 Million to RM 8 Million. This augurs well for Jalan Kee Ann and Jalan Pasar Baru as this investment shows investors are keen to develop the area in the future.

NEW DOUBLE STOREY SHOPHOUSES BEING BUILT

Two new double storey shop houses are being constructed at the corner of Jalan Kee Ann. These two freehold properties are being undertakened by a private individual.

Over the past 2 years, Jalan Kee Ann has seen some new buildings being built by the private sector. A year ago, 10 three storeys shophouses were built at the rear of Jalan Kee Ann, opposite the former Cathay cinema. To date, these shophouses are being completed. Also, a former 4 storeys building was converted to a 88 room Prima Melaka hotel. Then, Wana Best Western Riverside Hotel was opened in December 2011. All these new investments in hotels and new property development augurs well for Jalan Kee Ann. Hopefully, more interesting shops will be tenanted to provide services and products to the locals and tourists alike.

BEST WESTERN MAKES MALACCA DEBUT

Best Western makes Malacca debut Bangkok, May 9, 2012 BEST Western International (BWI) has opened Best Western Wana Riverside Hotel in Malacca, as part of ongoing expansion efforts in Malaysia (TTG Asia e-Daily, February 23, 2012).

“We hope to be able to help cater for a new wave of business and leisure tourists attracted to this historical city,” said Glenn de Souza, BWI vice president International Operations – Asia & the Middle East.

Located on the banks of the Melaka River, the 170-key Best Western Wana Riverside offers a mix of superior, deluxe, grand deluxe, studio and executive rooms, ranging in size from 29 – 40m². The hotel also features meeting facilities for up to 400 persons, a sports bar, and a riverside café.

BWI is scheduled to operate 15 properties in Malaysia by 1Q2015, offering more than 1,700 rooms across nine cities.

RIO TERRACO MELAKA PLANNED AT FORMER FEDERAL CINEMA SITE

A serviced residence development named Rio Terraco Melaka, occupying 2.35 acres of freehold land which is located within the heart of Malacca town and the tourist trails is being planned.

This proposed development uses the inherent strength of the existing river site, medieval Portuguese church ruins and the old city heritage charm, sets to become a prominent icon in Malacca when completed.

The 36-storey tower will comprise of 373 units of residential layout which is practically designed with spacious 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units with built-up area ranging from 756 sq ft to 1,391 sq ft.

The podium area will consist of two levels of retail space with sizes ranging from 538 sq ft to 10,435 sq ft.

JALAN BUNGA RAYA, KEE ANN and KAMPUNG JAWA TO BE UPGRADED

Friday March 2, 2012

Jalan Bunga Raya will be upgraded as a tourist attraction
By LEO ARROKKIASAMMY
malacca@thestar.com.my




MALACCA: The Bunga Raya commercial street here is set to experience a revival.

In its glorious days back in 70s, the area was a shopping haven for the local and tourists alike.

Before the emergence of departmental stores and supermarkets in the historic city, Bunga Raya was a popular commercial hub for the locals until the late 80s.


Street shopping: Jalan Bunga Raya in Malacca is a popular place to buy household goods and clothes.
With an aim to revive the area, the Malacca MCA had launched the ‘Bunga Raya Rehabilitation Project’ by establishing a special working committee to oversee the project.

The committee is headed by MCA’s city councillor, Ronald Gan Yong Hoe with State Education, Youth and Sports committee chairman Datuk Gan Tian Loo as its advisor.

Ronald said that the residents and business community along the street are giving their full support and cooperation to realise the vision of turning Bunga Raya as a shopping haven.

“We have briefed the history of Bunga Raya to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during his recent visit.

“He had instructed the Malacca government to provide assistance to the committee and we will prepare a written report on our plans and submit it to the government officials as soon as possible,” he said.


Selling drinks: Wong Wee Jong making the cendol by the road side.
Ronald added that the committee would work hard to make Bunga Raya a popular tourist attraction.

The area includes its main road, Jalan Pasar Baru, Jalan Kee Ann, Jalan Jawa and Kg. Jawa. There are some 400 shops along the road with 30 unique outlets offering various services.

“The committee’s initial step is to give recognition to pre-war buildings along the street by putting up a sign board indicating their locations,” said Ronald.

BEST WESTERN WANA RIVERSIDE OPENED FOR BUSINESS SINCE DECEMBER 2011

Best Western Wana Riverside Hotel was opened in December 2011. Though the main entrance is tucked in from the main road, it can be accessed from Jalan Munshi Abdullah and turn left before the former Cathay Cinema.

Their cafe has a great view of Melaka River. For visitors who want a reasonable hotel, you can try out this new hotel in the block. Walking distance to Jonker Walk and other historical sites over the other side of the Melaka River.

Also, the former Cathay cinema which was letted out to a furniture shop, is also seeking new tenant for the property. A suggestion is that the former Cathay cinema be converted into a banquet/event/dinner hall for weddings, seminars and conventions.

Best Western Wana hotel can rent it for major weddings and conventions where guests can also stay at Best Western. Instead of having it empty now, someone or company should think out of the box and fully utilise this building. Food for thought.

At the same time, 6 blocks of 3 storeys shop offices are being constructed besides Best Western. The land there has been empty for some years and now they are being developed. Slowly but surely, investments in real estate are coming over to Melaka New Chinatown. Too much development are being constructed in Bandar Hilir and Limbongan area.

Some jewels can be found in the old sector such as in Melaka New Chinatown.

PRIME MINISTER VISITS MELAKA NEWCHINATOWN

Prime minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak had a walkabout in Melaka Newchinatown on 24th. February 2012. He visited Jalan Bendahara, Jalan Bunga Raya and Jalan Kee Ann. A large crowd followed him around and he even had a bowl of ABC at Jalan Bunga Raya.

It is important that our Prime Minister spent some time to mingle with his rakyat instead of being comfortable in the airconditioned offices.

SWISS GARDEN MELAKA AT JALAN BUNGA RAYA PANTAI

Swiss-Garden International to manage Melaka hotel
Posted on January 28, 2012, Saturday


NEW COLLOBORATION: (From left) Tee, Mohd Ali, Wong and Swiss-International vice president of operations Jimmy Chow are seen at the signing ceremony.

Swiss-Garden International Hotels, Resorts & Inns (Swiss-Garden International) has signed an agreement to manage the Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka that is being developed by Kerjaya Hotel Sdn Bhd (Kerjaya Prospek).

At the signing ceremony, Swiss-Garden International was represented by its president, Andrew Wong, while Kerjaya Prospek was represented by its chief executive officer, Tee Eng Ho. Witnessing the signing was Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam.

Swiss-Garden International would manage the 32-storey hotel tower with 306 rooms, provide technical consultation on the development, design as well as develop marketing and branding strategies for the hotel.

Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka is strategically located in the Central Malacca District, a prime central business and tourist district, a mere 15 minutes’ walk from the vibrant Jonker Street and surrounded by the city’s historical heritage.

The hotel is part of a mixed development comprising of retail, hotel and serviced apartments at the Melaka River front, next to a monorail station. It would be the 11th hotel under the group’s management. Facilities on the ninth floor include an infinity pool, a gym, a bar and restaurant while the grand ballroom could accommodate 1,000 guests.

Swiss-Garden International currently manages and operates 10 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments in prime locations in Malaysia and Australia with an inventory of 2,000 rooms.

According to Francis Lee, vice president of business development as well as sales and marketing for Swiss-Garden International, “The Swiss-Garden Melaka is an ideal avenue for our brand expansion as the demand and growth opportunities for hotels and service apartments in Melaka have escalated.

“Our presence will add value to the state as there is a lack of quality serviced apartments that are managed by an international brand. The state’s unparalleled natural attractions and historical heritage will offer travelers a unique experience that is unsurpassed.

“Melaka recorded a total of 10.35 million tourist arrivals from January to December 2010 and hotel guests were recorded at 3.8 million, an increase of 3.4 per cent from the same period in 2009.

“This is attributed to attractive promotions and marketing strategies by the state and a testament of its tourism growth opportunities,” he said.

MAJOR DEVELOPMENT AT JALAN BUNGA RAYA PANTAI

The developers of the mixed hotel and service apartments at Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai has opened their Sales office at the work site.

A mockup service apartment with the overall scale model of the the development, have also been displayed for viewing.

Recently, the developers have signed an agreement with a hotel group to manage a high end hotel once it is ready in 2014.

3 blocks of high rise service apartments of about 42storeys are also being built. Overall development value of the area is within 300-400 Million Ringgit.

Investors are coming into the Melaka NewChinatown area now over the past 1 year with hotels, service apartments and shophouses being built near the Jalan Bunga Raya, Jalan Kee Ann and Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai areas. 2 blocks of high rise offices by Prudential are also constructed.

Currently, the area is jam freeer except Jalan Bunga Raya during weekends as it is the main artery to Jalan Hang Tuah and Ayer Keroh.

We expect more investors into Melaka New Chinatown area in coming years.

2 NEW HOTELS FOR MELAKA CHINATOWN

Since 23rd. January 2012, The Dragon Chinese New Year is being celebrated. May we wish all Chinese Qong Xi Fa Cai in the Year of the Dragon.



Since end of the year 2011, two newly renovated hotels (3 Star) have started their operation.

One is the Best Western Wana Riverside Hotel located at the end of Jalan New Market near the former Plaza Inn. Soft opening at end of December 2011 with Standard and Deluxe Rooms. Rates are RM 140.00 for Standard and RM 160.00 for the Deluxe.

Located just beside the Melaka River and the Cafe overlooks the River as well, the hotel is stragetically located. Has a romantic feel there as well.




The second budget hotel just opened is the Prima Hotel, Melaka. 88 rooms in total, soft opening began on 22nd. January 2012. 2 floors are opened for business with room rates around RM 120.00 only.

While the Cafe area is not ready yet and some areas are still being done up. The hotel lobby is spacious and with the lights around the car park area, they make Jalan Kee Ann lively.

Their address: Prima Hotel Melaka
Alamat: Lot 364 & 365, Jalan Kee Ann, Kawasan Bandar XIX (KB 19), 75100 Melaka
No. Tel: 06-2867886
Tagline: Comfort is Our Priority

LONG AWAITED MELAKA TRAM TO BEGIN OPERATIONS IN APRIL 2013

Meanwhile, the much-awaited Melaka Tram, the world's first environmentally friendly tram that runs on a Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) engine, is expected to begin operations in April next year.

The RM272 million project linking Ayer Keroh and Banda Hilir, described as the most effective mode of transport to overcome the traffic woes in the Historical City, would take one year to complete once construction starts in April.

Ali said that details of the project were being displayed at three locations in the state and also at the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) office in Menara Dayabumi, Kuala Lumpur.

"The public can give their feedback after studying the project details at the Melaka Mall and at Wisma Negeri, both in Ayer Keroh, and also at the Tourist Information Centre in Jalan Kota.

The Melaka Tram, a joint venture between Mrails International Sdn Bhd and Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), would have 23 stops along a 40km-route from Ayer Keroh to Banda Hilir, the heart of the historical city.

The tram is a rail borne vehicle, lighter than a train and differed from other forms of locomotion, as the tracks were embedded in the street.

It would be able to accommodate 120 passengers at any one time, cater to the disabled because of its ground-level design and would operate at a speed of 40kmh.

Ticket for the tram ride will be priced at RM2 for a single journey but students and senior citizens could ride for free. A day pass, priced at RM5, would also available.

Webmaster: The tram will also travel into Melaka New Chinatown at Jalan Bendahara and Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai. Once ready, Melaka New Chinatown can be accessed easily by visitors.

HERITAGE TAX REPLACED WITH FIXED RATE

January 16, 2012 17:53 PM
Melaka Abolishes 5 Percent Heritage Charge, Replaces It With RM2 Charge
MELAKA, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The state government has abolished the five percent heritage charge imposed on hotels, lodging houses and homestays and replaced it with a RM2 charge.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the charge was abolished because of objections by hotel, lodging house and homestay operators who felt it had a negative impact on their businesses.

"Discussions were held today with their representatives whereby they have agreed to the new charge," he told reporters after a dialogue on the heritage charge, here today.

Mohd Ali said based on the RM2 charge, guests would only have to add RM2 to their room rates.

He said the RM2 charge which would involve 12,000 hotel rooms, lodging houses and homestays throughout Melaka was expected to be enforced in April.

"The state expects to collect at least RM4 million each year from the charge, which would be utilised for developing the tourism sector.

"Operators must duly settle the charge monthly with the local authorities such as the Melaka Historical City Council, Hang Tuah Jaya municipal council, Alor Gajah municipal council and Jasin municipal council," he said.

He added that a heritage charge implementing committee would be formed to facilitate the process.

-- BERNAMA

NO PROPER JETTY FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS

Monday January 16, 2012

No proper jetty for cruise passengers

I REFER to K.T. Teh’s “Let’s make Malaysia ‘Best in Asia’ tour destination” (The Star, Jan 11).

I visit the Malacca jetty area almost every week as an agent for the cruise ship calling on Malacca.

Our efforts to get some improvements to the jetty from the state government to attract more tourists have not been fruitful.

The state government has arranged to dredge the river mouth towards the CIQ building that is under construction but the dredging will not in anyway assist in promoting tourism via sea.

There is no proper jetty for these passengers to disembark. The vessels drop anchor near the river mouth and tourists are transferred to the jetty which is congested with fishing/cargo boats and is an eyesore.

The state government has done nothing to improve this.

Though the jetty may be privately owned, the state government’s participation to transform the area is inevitable.

There is a lot of red tape over the dredging, and when we requested for assistance from the government for the jetty they are not able to assist due to the cost factor.

While the Tourism Ministry is doing the promotion on one side, the bureaucracy at the state level is pulling in the opposite direction.

How can tourism be expected to grow?

One officer even had the cheek to say: “We are not interested in your tourists”.

This kind of attitude will kill not boost the tourism industry.

It is high time the ministry steps in to check what is happening in Malacca and come up with a real action plan to boost the industry.

DRAGON MAN,

Port Klang.

MELAKA NEW CHINATOWN PREPARES FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR OF DRAGON

Melaka New Chinatown is preparing to usher in the Year of the Dragon which falls on 23rd. Janusry 2012.

Jalan Kee Ann will be hosting the annual night market for shoppers to buy New Year goodies such as cookies, cakes, muruku, kacang goreng and others. Being a multi ethnic society, you can buy cookies of various races.

Stalls will be set up along Jalan Kee Ann until CNY Eve on next Sunday. On the eve, the Family Reunion Dinner is held at home or at restaurants within Melaka Historic City. Family members from overseas and outstation are expected to come home for this Reunion Dinner before celebrating the New Year the following day.

Come and visit Melaka and celebrate the Chinese New Year with Malaccans. On 1st and 2nd. day of Chinese New Year, most eateries are opened for business. Being a historic city, most Malaccans value visitors to Melaka during this time and we want to share our joy with visitors, relatives and friends.

QONG XI FA CAI IN THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON.