VISIT MELAKA YEAR 2014

MALACCA Chief Minister urged everyone to enjoy Visit Malaysia Year 2014. To Datuk Seri Idris Haron, VMY 2014 is Visit Malacca Year and not just Visit Malaysia Year! Smart isn't it?

He made this reference at last week's convocation for graduates of the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. He was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate. He was then called to address the graduating students, parents and guests.

The Sultanah of Pahang, Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom, was the university's Chancellor. Addressing the crowd, Idris said: "Next year is VMY 2014. So make sure you all come to Malacca and visit us. VMY is not just Visit Malaysia Year, it's also Visit Malacca Year."

The hall laughed and applauded. And realising that the Chancellor was also listening, Idris said: "After visiting Malacca, visit Pahang too. You must..."

Idris said many things in his speech but his humour on this occasion stood out. Incidentally, try out the bungalow at the Kelebang Beach Resort -- good for group bookings, BBQ and family get-together. Service needs improvement though.

Read more: Malacca's year, too - Columnist - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/malacca-s-year-too-1.449004#ixzz2p5ypv9vV

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014 AND HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

In a few days time, 2013 will end and we will usher in the New Year of 2014. We want to send our greetings to everyone for ushering 2014.

May 2014 bring us joy, happiness, health and peace to all Malaysians and our fellow humans around the world.

Also, by the end of January 2014, all Chinese around the world will usher in the Year of the Horse.

May the Horse gallops in prosperity, wealth and happiness for everyone.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014 and QONG XI FA CAI in the YEAR OF THE HORSE.

VISIT ROYAL PRESS MELAKA

The Royal Press

Oct 8 near Kuala Lumpur

BREAKING NEWS FROM THE ROYAL PRESS

1. WELCOME TO THE ROYAL PRESS, MALACCA

We are delighted to announce that The Royal Press, Malacca is ready to welcome you.The premises are open to the public from 10-00 am to 6-00 pm daily, from Wednesday to Monday, including weekends. We are closed on Tuesdays.

Our printing press operations will run as usual, from 9-00am to 5-00 pm on weekdays, offering a unique perspective of our printing heritage.

2. GUIDED GROUP TOURS
Students, clubs, associations and special interest groups are especially welcome to join our guided group tours. Each tour lasts about 30 minutes, commencing at the following times:
- 10.30 am
- 12.30 pm
- 02.30 pm
- 04.30 pm

General Admission Prices:
Adult - RM12
Child (12 years & below) - RM6
*Children under 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Please let us know your proposed date and time of visit for our guides to organize an appropriate program for you.

We look forward to hearing from you on telephone: +6012 3517540 or email: tour@theroyalpress.my

Advance notice is best as it allows us to prepare a meaningful tour for you.

HAPPY DEEPAVALI

In 2 weeks time, Malaysians of Hindu faith will celebrate the Deepavali festival of lights. May we take the opportunity of wishing our Hindu friends "Selamat Deepavali".

HAPPY DEEPAVALI

POCKETS OF DEVELOPMENT IN NEW CHINATOWN

Using Google Earth, we can identify potential development sites around Melaka New Chinatown. The vacant site of the former Central market is going to be Vedromall in 2016. Burnt out site of former Lido cinema will be redeveloped.

At Jalan Jawa, there is a vacant area now used as an open carpark.

Former Capitol cinema should also be redeveloped. The former site of Savoy cinema will soon be developed into a hotel.

NEW DEVELOPMENT AT JALAN BENDAHARA

Hotel Bendahara Makmur @ Jalan Bendahara, Melaka.

Some development were carried out at Jalan Bendahara. The first shopping arcade in Melaka, Wisma Bendahara has been rebuilt to a 82 rooms hotel named Hotel Bendahara Makmur recently.

Now, notice has been given that the land where Savoy cinema was demolished some years back, is being re-developed into a 4 & 6 storeys hotel. That leaves the state owned land at former Capitol Cinema undeveloped.

Maybe, it should be developed into Panggung Capitol Melaka where live cultural shows and lively art shows can be staged. Melaka now needs to develop her soft skills like performance arts, dances, bangsawan and others.

JALAN KEE ANN SETS FOR MULTI-MILLION DEVELOPMENT

After 25 years of waiting ie after the Melaka iconic Central market was demolished in mid 1980s, finally Jalan Kee Ann has risen from her slumber. It started out in 2008 when the freehold land held by Sedap Food was offered for sale to interested parties.

Some smaller parcels of land were sold and four storeys shops were built. These shops have been completed and are now in business. However, Lot 427, Jalan Kee Ann, 75100 Melaka has an area of 93,000 sq.ft. It was rented out as an open carpark and some retail business until now.

Finally, an established property developer under the Hatten Group has decided to invest a multi-million project on the site. It will have 2 basement carparks and 5 storeys of freehold retail outlets. Slated to be completed by end 2016, the success of this project will influence the property prices around Jalan Kee Ann.

During the night, the area should see more economic activities. Now, it is rather quiet at night especially after the fire of Khelass supermarket. Luckily, a new hotel viz. Prima Hotel Melaka has opened last December and visitors are staying here. Probably, the former Lido cinema site will be redeveloped by 2016 as well. Then, Jalan Kee Ann can be revived to her glorious days.

REDEVELOPMENT OF FORMER LIDO CINEMA SITE

With the redevelopment of Lot 427, Jalan Kee Ann into a vibrant Vedro mall by 2016, all eyes are now at the former site of Lido cinema. Khelass supermarket was burnt down in an early morning fire last year. The site has been cleared of debris and enclosed up.

Rumours are circulating that a high rise hotel will be constructed. No firm confirmation from the owners of the land. Watch this space if we get some news on it.

MULTI-MILLION RINGGIT VEDRO MALL COMING UP AT END OF JALAN KEE ANN BY 2016

A new investment by the Hatten Group is going to be built at the end of Jalan Kee Ann. This 7 storey building with 2 basement car parks and 5 storeys of retail space will enhance the value of properties around Jalan Kee Ann.

This multi-million ringgit project is at Lot 427, Jalan Kee Ann,75100 Melaka. Completion of the project is expected to be done by 4th. Quarter of 2016.

With the over development of Bandar Hilir, finally, developers see the potential of Melaka New Chinatown especially beside the famous Melaka River.

In three years time ( by end 2016), the quiet area around the former Melaka Central Market will be transformed into a vibrant space. This area has been neglected since the Melaka Central Market was demolished in mid 1980s.

Details of this development can be viewed at : www.vedromall.com

KEE ANN ROAD IN LATE 1970s or EARLY 1980s

A photo of Kee Ann Road in 1970s or early 1980s when the Malacca Central market at the rear was not demolished yet. Very vibrant community.

HAPPY 50TH. BIRTHDAY, MALAYSIA

HAPPY 50TH. BIRTHDAY MALAYSIA!!!

On 16th. September 2013, Malaysia will celebrate her Golden Anniversary.

Yes, Malaysia is going to be 50 years old. Let all Malaysians celebrate this important milestone in our journey of being an independent nation. Let us stay united, work hand in hand and play together to achieve our goals for the next 50 years ahead.

SELAMAT HARI MALAYSIA.

MELAKA CONSERVATION CENTRE AT BUNGA RAYA

A new Melaka Conservation Centre has been opened by the Melaka State government at No 45, Jalan Bunga Raya, 75000 Melaka. Hopefully, owners of heritage buildings who want to renovate their premises according to heritage standards can visit this centre for information.

MELAKA AQUARIUM TO BE OPENED AT THE SHORE

MELAKA will have a world class aquarium at the Shore located at Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai when completed.

Visitors and Malaccans can view undersea fauna and flora.

FREE GUIDED TOURS FOR TOURISTS IN MELAKA ON TUESDAYS, THURSDAY AND SATURDAYS

18 June 2013| last updated at 11:55PM

Tourists to enjoy free guided tours in Malacca

By HANIS MAKETAB | news@nst.com.my

BOOSTING TOURISM: Money from Heritage Tax Fund will finance programme

MALACCA: THANKS to the state's Heritage Tax Fund, which now has RM2.9 million since it was introduced in April last year, tourists will enjoy free guided tours of Malacca's heritage trail.

Malacca Museum Corporation general manager Datuk Khamis Abas said the corporation would be organising the tours, which would be funded by the money collected from the heritage tax.

"The tours will take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

"Forty thousand ringgit has been allocated for them, which is for a one-year period from this month. "It pays the allowances of our tour guides."

The tours would cover the state's famous and popular attractions within the World Heritage site, such as the Malacca River, Stadhuys, Porta de Santiago, the Malacca Sultanate Palace and the Proclamation of Independence Memorial.

He said the heritage tax was collected by local city and municipal councils, and went towards initiatives related to tourism and heritage, such as publishing a directory of places to stay in Malacca, organising courses under the Malacca Tourism Academy and contributing to the state's hotel and homestay operators associations.

"Last year, RM2.3 million was collected, while this year about RM657,000 has been collected up to May 15," Khamis said after giving state Heritage and Youth Committee deputy chairman Datuk Norpipah Abdol a tour of the Malacca Conservation Centre in Jalan Bunga Raya yesterday.

He said the centre, which began operating last Monday, was open to the public. It focused on the conservation of historical buildings and artefact.

Khamis also said the centre would be used as a venue for lectures, talks and workshops.

The centre is managed by the corporation with the cooperation of the state World Heritage Office, Malacca Historical City Council, Merlimau Polytechnic and Malacca Islamic University College.

- See more at: http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/tourists-to-enjoy-free-guided-tours-in-malacca-1.302305?cache=%253Fpage%253D0%252F7.197525%3Fkey%3DKuala+Lumpur%3Fkey%3DKuala+Lumpur%3Fpage%3D0#sthash.KFq9q6DZ.dpuf

1 MILLION VISITORS EXPECTED FOR MALACCA RIVER FESTIVAL 2013

A million visitors expected for Malacca River Fest

MALACCA: A million visitors from all over the country and abroad are expected to enjoy the thrills and join the fun-filled Malacca River Festival that starts here on June 1.

The month-long festival, introduced in 2007, has proven to be one of Malacca’s main annual events with the number of visitors growing each year, said Chief Minister Datuk Idris Haron.

“We have all the reasons to expect a huge turnout, further boosted by the rebranding of the event, known previously as Pesta Sungai Melaka,” he said after opening the International Scout Jamboree in Tehel near here yesterday.

“The festival is a crowd-puller as, beside the aesthetics of the rehabilitated Malacca River, there will be various activities organised by both government agencies and the private sector throughout the festival,” he said.

Idris added that this year’s festival would also showcase a river procession of decorated boats and fireworks.

On another development, the Chief Minister said the Malacca and Sumatra governments had agreed to have a new gateway here that would allow easy daily travel between the two territories.

Under the proposal, Indonesians would be able to travel here by sea to work and return home after their working hours.

“Indonesians can come to work in Malacca and return home, like Malaysians from Johor working in Singapore,” he said.

AERIAL VIEW

Melaka New Chinatown from above the Shore

Above aerial view shows Melaka New Chinatown from the high rise project "The Shore" at Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai. A beautiful view from above.

As more development has been done at Bandar Hilir, slowly but surely, new investments and development have crept into Melaka New Chinatown. By counting various hotel projects in Melaka New Chinatown, more visitors will stay around this cluster of hotels i.e. from luxurious to budget. Melaka New Chinatown is located besides the historical area and within walking distance, it will be good for the area IF we get the planning right. We should study the traffic around the area and we do not want Jalan Munshi Abdullah to be congested every weekend.

MALACCA CITY DAY ON 15TH. APRIL 2013

Melaka City will celebrate her birthday on 15th. April 2013. Melaka City has come a long way and visitors are coming in droves to Melaka during the weekend. Last Saturday night, I witnessed dozens of tour buses parked along Stadthuys. Tourists from overseas and outside Melaka were visiting Melaka. It was amazing seeing so many tour buses within a small area.

Certainly, the proclaimation of Melaka and Georgetown as Heritage cities of UNESCO since 2008 has a tremendous impact on both cities. In Melaka, a large number of budget hotels, international hotels and boutique hotels have sprouted around the city to cater for visitors and tourists. Some heritage buildings are converted into hotels and you can even find a quaint lodge at Jalan Kampung Jawa. This small hotel was recommended by Tripadvisor as well.

SOME RE-LOCATION AT JALAN KEE ANN

From 1st. April 2013, the hawker stalls at Jalan Pasar Baru have been relocated at the side road of Jalan Pasar Baru instead of at the main road. Operation times of these stalls are from 9.00am until 12.00 midnight daily. Before that the operation times was from 6.00 pm until midnight.

This location is better as the stalls can operate longer hours and does not hinder traffic as before. The taxi stand is now in front of the coffee shop located opposite their old stand.

HAPPY GOOD EASTER

We will like to extend our Easter greetings to all Christians around the world. May we pray for peace, harmony and good tidings for all in the years to come.

OLD CATHAY CINEMA TO BE CONVERTED TO PANGGUNG BANGSAWAN

The former Cathay Cinema at Jalan Munshi Abdullah is being renovated into a Panggung Bangsawan. The area was recently boarded up and the notice board was erected. Hopefully, live, creative cultural shows can then be staged there for locals and tourists. We can highlight our diverse cultures, songs and arts.