Restricted movement for 14 days
Public measure: The movement control order will limit congregation at religious, sport, social and cultural events.
PETALING JAYA: A movement control order will be imposed from tomorrow until the end of the month to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Prime Minister announced the measure after chairing the National Security Council (NSC) last night.
“The government has decided to enact the measure, starting March 18 until March 31, throughout the whole country.
“This order is being issued under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967, ” he said during a special broadcast.
The measure will restrict the movement and congregation at religious, sport, social and cultural events.
While public and business premises will be closed, Muhyiddin announced that supermarkets, sundry shops and other shops which sell daily essentials will remain open.
Overseas travel for Malaysians will be restricted while those returning to the country must undergo health checks and voluntary quarantine.
Educational centres and schools, including higher learning institutions, will also be closed during this period.
The Prime Minister assured the public that essential services will continue.
These include health services, utilities such as fuel and electricity, along with the Fire and Rescue Department, police and those involved in the food supply chain.
Muhyiddin said he will chair daily NSC meetings and periodic updates will be announced to the public.
He also urged for all Malaysians to be patient during these trying times and to comply with the restrictions.
He assured the public that enough food and essentials are available, including face masks.
But at the same time, he said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will monitor the supply of these items.
“I realise the public might feel these actions create difficulties and hardships during their day to day lives. However, such action must be taken by the government to contain the outbreak.
“We cannot wait any longer for the situation to turn more dire. Drastic measures have to be taken immediately, ” he said.
He urged the public not to panic and remain calm.
“I believe that with these measures, we will be able to contain the outbreak soon, ” he said.
Muhyiddin also thanked those directly involved in combating the Covid-19 outbreak, including health officers and public servants who have been working around the clock.
“I pray that you will remain strong in performing your duties for the country to ensure public safety, ” he said.
~The Star~
318至331 全国行动管制
新冠肺炎日益严重，为有效遏止疫情，首相丹斯里慕尤丁宣布，大马施行行动管制，日期从3月18日至3月31日！
他于今日通过电视台发表冠病疫情时说，当局是援引1988年预防和控制传染病法及1967年警察法令，有关禁令实施后，国内所有群聚行动皆禁止进行，包括宗教活动、体育活动、社交及文化活动。
他指出，这段期间所有宗教场所及商业单位都必须关闭，至于超市、巴刹、杂货店及售卖日常生活品的商店可以继续营业。
“这期间全体国民被禁止出国，也限制外国游客入境，从外国回马的公民必须接受自我隔离。”
他指出，关闭所有幼儿园，政府和私立学校，包括日间学校、寄宿学校、国际学校，宗教学校和其他小学，中学和大学先修班。
”同时也关闭全国所有公立和私立高等教育机构（HEIs）和技能培训机构。“
他也透露，关闭所有政府和私人场所，但涉及基本服务的场所除外（水、电、能源、电信、邮政、运输、水利灌溉、石油、天然气、燃料、润滑油、广播、金融、银行、卫生、药剂、消防、监狱、港口、机场、保安、国防、清洁，零售和食品供应。）
限制令的6大重点：
1. 全国禁止集会，包括宗教、运动、社会及文化活动。为了执行这项禁令，所有宗教场所、商业单位强制关闭，不过，超市、杂货店及及售卖日常用品的商店则不受影响。特别是伊斯兰教徒，在清真寺及祈祷室的所有宗教活动，包括周五祈祷必须展延。
2. 限制国民出国，国人返国后必须进行14天的自我隔离。
3. 限制外国游客和访客入境。
4. 关闭幼儿园、政府及私人学校，包括寄宿学校、国际学校、宗教学校，以及其他中小学与预科班。
5. 关闭所有本地及私立大专，以及技职学院。
6. 关闭政府及私人界场所，但攸关国家利益的服务（基本服务）不受影响，包括水供、电供、通讯、邮寄、运输、水利、汽油、石油气、燃料、润滑品、广播、金融、银行、卫生、药剂、消拯局、监狱、港口、机场、保安、国防、清洁、零售、食品供应。
他说，了解民众会觉得政府采取的这个措施，会让大家造成不便，但政府必须执行这措施，以便有效的遏止新冠肺炎继续散播。
他透露，可以看到新冠肺炎在其他国家迅速蔓延，短期内感染人数从数十人到数百人，相信大家也不愿意这情况在我国发生。
“我们没有更多时间等待了，以免情况变得更令人担忧，政府必须立即采取这种激烈措施，限制民众行动阻止疫情蔓延，这是也唯一的方式来避免更多民众感染新冠肺炎。”
他也促请国民不要恐慌、慌张及保持冷静，相信政府现在所采取的措施，在短时间内有效的遏止新冠肺炎继续散播。国民也可以参考其他国家如中国，该国感染新冠肺炎人数在逐渐下降中。
“我给予保证，国内食品、日常用品及卫生用品如口罩绝对足够，我已指示贸消部在这段封锁期间,监督及执法确保食品及日常用品充足。”
他也透露，特别国家安全会议将每天举行，以便监督国内疫情的进展，他也将亲自主持该会议，并向国民汇报疫情的进展。
他呼吁人们遵守上述禁令，因为作为关注家人社会及国家的人们的一项集体责任。
民众有任何有关施行行动管制问题可以从周二中午12时开始，联络国家行动管理中心热线03-88882010。
~光华日报~
马来虎患犬瘟热 死在丰盛港农场
一只马来虎被人发现死在位于丰盛港的阿拉米再也农场内。
有关消息本周三在社交媒体广传，而依据水源、土地和天然资源部发文告说，丰盛港野生动物及国家公园局汇报指该局是周三中午12时30分发现该只老虎的尸体。
文告说，该老虎预计已死了两三天，但从老虎的外观，没有发现任何遭射击和杀害的痕迹。
文告也说，当局相信该老虎的死亡原因是患上犬瘟热而死，这与2019年7月，一只在登嘉楼发现死亡的老虎雷同。
“兽医将为老虎进行解剖。”
文告呼吁，任何若掌握有关马来虎的讯息的民众，欢迎致电1-800-88-5151。
~光华日报~
Tiger spotted at plantation in Mersing
The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) in Johor confirmed receiving information of a tiger roaming in a plantation here on Sunday.
Perhilitan director Salman Saaban said they would be sending officers to the location soon.
"We received information on this, observation and monitoring are being carried out with the help of the plantation's management.
"The department also plans to capture the tiger, taking into account the safety of the plantation workers and the tiger itself.
"Perhaps the tiger's habitat had been disturbed and it is now having difficulty finding food, but the tiger's movements (based on video footage) looked a bit odd as it did not appear to be afraid of humans.
"This indirectly endangers the tiger as it makes it easy to hunt it," Salman said when contacted.
He said the plantation management had been given advice to take precaution and to not take things into their own hands or attempt to approach the tiger themselves.
Earlier, a 3.01-minute video went viral on social media in which the tiger was spotted by members of the public.
However the tiger did not behave in an aggressive manner despite the presence of human beings around it.
~New Straits Times~
柔佛展延本月所有官方大型活动 避免疫情扩散
新冠肺炎疫情不见好转，马来西亚柔佛州政府宣布展延这个月内的所有大型官方活动，至于月中的柔佛古庙游神活动则将照常举行，不过据知将减少参与人数和缩小游行队伍规模。
根据马来西亚《星洲日报》报道，柔佛州务大臣萨鲁丁说，作出这项决定是基于三个因素，包括新冠肺炎对个人构成的健康风险，疫情在大型活动散播的风险，以及州政府没有足够资源进行防控工作。
目前已确定被推迟的官方活动，分别有巴西古当国际风筝节和柔州第20届马运会“王者荣耀”嘉年华。
萨鲁丁也呼吁州内所有主办单位，同样展延大型的聚会和庆典活动。当地下来将举行的大型活动，还包括本周六的大宝森节庆典，以及穆罕默德诞辰庆祝活动，目前未知会否另作安排。
对于拥有150年历史的柔佛古庙游神活动，是否如期在2月14日举行，萨鲁丁表示，已与新山中华公会和五帮会馆的领导开了会，他们告知将减少参与的群众人数，以及缩小游行队伍规模，进一步详情下来将由主办单位作出宣布。
~8视界~
Popular Mersing 'lontong darat' attracts royal family
For the Malay community in Johor, ‘lontong kering’ is quite a popular dish and often a favourite breakfast choice for local residents before they start their daily activities.
Generally, people know lontong as a dish of ‘nasi impit’ (compressed rice cake) eaten with vegetables cooked in coconut milk, known as ‘sayur lodeh’. However, in Johor, lontong is enjoyed dry without gravy but with a selection of side dishes such as chicken or beef rendang, ‘serunding’ (meat floss) and mixed vegetables of long beans, beancurd and tempeh (fermented soya beans).
Suria Hassan, a restaurant operator at Simpang Tiga, Kampung Sri Pantai, near here, has been commercialising the ‘lontong kering’ as ‘lontong darat’ for the past two years and has been enjoying brisk business since it went viral on social media.
She was also fortunate that the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar had visited the restaurant a number of times and enjoyed ‘lontong darat’ with beef rendang, as well as ‘roti canai’ (flatbread).
“A variety of menu options like meat floss, beef and chicken rendang, and ‘sambal paru’ to combine with the ‘nasi impit’, peanut sauce and Javanese vegetable dish, certainly gives a unique flavour to visitors, especially those coming from outside Johor,” she told Bernama when met here recently.
The 31-year-old from Pasir Gudang had taken over the business set up 20 years ago and run by her mother-in-law and late father-in-law, Salmah Ahmad and Abdul Rahman Sharol, after she got married about 10 years ago.
To further develop her restaurant, Cik Tik Corner, the mother of two is actively promoting her business through social media such as Facebook, as well as using cash-on-delivery service for Mersing customers.
“We also offer free breakfast to pregnant women every Thursday and for those celebrating their birthdays, they only need to show their identification card to enjoy the free breakfast,” she said.
Suria has plans to expand her restaurant business by opening up a branch in another district due to the high demand from customers residing outside Mersing.
“Therefore, I hope there is financial assistance or equipment including dishes display rack to expand my business as well as attract more visitors to Mersing, especially in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Johor Year 2020,” she added.
The restaurant, which operates daily except on Fridays, offers ‘lontong darat’ from as low as RM5 to RM10 and customers can also enjoy a variety of dishes such as ‘roti canai’, ‘nasi lemak’, fried rice, ‘soto’, noodles and also an array of ‘kuih’.
-- BERNAMA
Tourist events to go on unless WHO advises otherwise, says DPM
The Deputy Prime Minister said events on a big scale can proceed as usual despite the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.
“We will see how the situation is. If WHO says we are not allowed to have big gatherings then we will issue statements or directives, ” she told a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 29) after visiting the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre here.
She said this when asked if the government intends to restrict Thaipusam celebrations next weekend in Batu Caves, which will be visited by both local and international visitors.
Dr Wan Azizah said the 2019-nCoV virus outbreak is under control and reminded people not to spread false or fake news that can cause uneasiness.
She said 57 hospitals are available for screenings, out of which, 26 have been identified to handle the suspected cases that need further examination and treatment.
Earlier, Dr Wan Azizah held a meeting with several ministries and agencies to discuss the virus situation in the country.
She said among the things agreed in the meeting include enhancing the screening of travellers from China by having a special lane for them.
She also said those with 2019-nCoV symptoms are advised to get themselves checked, especially if they had just returned from China.
Earlier Wednesday, the Health Ministry confirmed three more cases, bringing the total number of such cases to seven.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said two out of the three new cases were from the Patient-Under-Investigation (PUI) group.
Meanwhile, one case was from close contact with infected patients.
All the seven who tested positive are Chinese nationals.
~The Star~
VM2020: 3.2 mln museum visitors expected, 131 events planned
The Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) is targeting 3.2 million visitors to 22 museums across the country in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020).
Secretary-General of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat said he was confident that the target could be achieved through the various programmes and activities planned by JMM.
He said the number of visitors to the museums last year increased by 18.2 per cent to 2.7 million from 2.3 million in 2018.
He added that through the exhibitions held, sale of entrance tickets, book sales and space rental throughout 2019, JMM collected RM3.7 million in revenue compared to RM2.6 million in 2018.
“I see museums as a very big product which we can use to attract people of other countries to visit Malaysia. Therefore, with regard to museums, innovations and creativity are very important,” he said after opening ‘The Lost Kingdoms’ and ‘Enchanting Malaysia’ exhibitions, as well as JMM’s Calendar of Events 2020 at Muzium Negara, here, today.
Meanwhile, JMM director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim, in his speech, said the department had planned 131 programmes as tourism products in line with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.
He said among the programmes were the Paranormal, Snake and Gold exhibitions, besides JMM’s signature programmes, such as ‘Nostalgia Anak Kampung and ‘Denai Malam’.
“All these will give a new life to the era of museums in the country as outlined in the National Policy on Museums 2020.
The ‘Lost Kingdoms’ exhibition runs from last Dec 4 until this April 30 and the ‘Enchanting Malaysia’ exhibition from last Dec 25 to May 23, 2020.
For more information on JMM’s events and programmes, the public can visit www.jmm.gov.my
-- BERNAMA
No plans to bar China tourists
Malaysia has no plans just yet to bar the entry of Chinese tourists, including those from Wuhan, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said many countries were grappling with the novel coronavirus outbreak, but it had yet to reach a critical level here.
“We can’t predict at the moment. Many countries are facing the problem.
“But for now, it is not yet critical to the point where we have to stop tourism, ” he said after attending a Chinese New Year event organised by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and Klang Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the Hokkien Association Hall here yesterday.
He was responding to journalists on whether Malaysia would follow the Philippines, which is sending back Chinese tourists from Wuhan, where the outbreak started.
Dr Mahathir said it was not easy to detect or stop those infected from entering the country, “so we have to accept that complete control is not possible”.
He added that sending Chinese tourists back may not be feasible as they would come into contact with other people during the process.
“It is better to quarantine them first until they show no signs (of infection) and then send them back, ” he said.
He said Malaysia was currently ensuring that those infected with the virus were quarantined.
“We are isolating them and not allowing them to mix with other people. That is the first step but of course, other people must take preventative action as well, ” he said.
“This includes wearing masks in crowded places.”
He also said it was not viable to immediately quarantine all Chinese nationals who arrive in Malaysia.
“Visitors from China sometimes amount to two million people. Where to keep them? In cowsheds?
“Of course, it cannot be like that, ” said Dr Mahathir.
He added that Malaysian authorities would monitor tourists if they showed any sign of infection.
He said Malaysia was not familiar with novel coronavirus infections and prevention rather than treatment was a priority, as of now.
China’s move to quarantine the 11 million people from Wuhan, although drastic, showed the determination of their government to control the disease, he added.
As for Malaysians who are in China, Dr Mahathir said they would be examined to ensure that they are not infected with the virus before they are allowed to return.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who was also at the event, said necessary measures were being put in place to counter the infection, which made its way through Singapore recently.
“We are increasing the number of thermal detection scanners (at the entry points), ” he said, adding that Malaysia had to comply with World Health Organisation guidelines when making and implementing decisions.
But it was a challenge as people may generally come in without symptoms that develop much later, he noted.
“Anyhow, we will increase the number of all equipment and our paraphernalia to detect them.
“We are also having a meeting with the Home Ministry to see how we can intensify it further, ” said Dzulkefly.
He said there were now 51 thermal detection scanners at all entry points into Malaysia and that the Finance Ministry has given its commitment to provide the necessary funds to step up surveillance.
~The Star~
Bus terminals to implement cashless ticket purchase
The Transport Ministry is working to get all public bus terminals in the country to implement cashless ticket purchases by using the e-wallet system.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, said it would be carried out in stages since there are terminals which have yet to implement the centralised ticketing system (CTS).
“If possible, we want all terminals to go cashless, but we also need to look at the facilities available and condition at the terminal, so those without CTS facility will take more time,” he told a press conference at the Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS) today.
He was at a TBS to monitor the “balik kampung” exodus among city folks returning to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year celebration. Also present was Deputy Transport Minister Kamarudin Jaffar.
Loke said for bus companies, especially stage bus operators who received subsidies from the government, they are required to implement a cashless ticket purchase system and it will be implemented in stages.
As for express bus companies, Loke said he believed they would be able to implement the ‘cashless’ ticket purchase system as some major bus terminals had already adopted the system.
Currently, among the bus terminals with facilities for cashless ticket purchases are the Terminal Amanjaya in Ipoh, and TBS, which also began accepting ticket purchase through e-wallet today.
In welcoming the move by TBS, Loke said it was in line with the ministry’s focus on the digitalisation of transport services.
In another development, he said the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) had approved temporary licence for 316 additional buses for the Chinese New Year celebration. - Bernama
VMY2020:Tourists drawn to Malaysia's diversity
A study by Tourism Malaysia found that foreign visitors are drawn to the country’s rich cultural tapestry through historical walking tours, traditional arts performances and cultural events, including batik-drawing workshops.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said with this in mind, 198 exciting cultural activities had been lined up in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020).
‘With global trends pointing towards experiential tourism as a preferred way to travel, tourists want to experience a destination that offers rich cultural heritage and great creative expressions from the local community.’
Bakhtiar said the recent launch of Tourism Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur (KL) Heritage Food Trails package, among other exciting new initiatives, would continue to bring visitors to places like Kampung Baru, Petaling Street and Brickfields in pursuit of authentic local experiences.
‘In Brickfields itself, there are many houses of worship, such as the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple (built in 1894), the Three Teachings Chinese Temple, Sri Kandaswamy Hindu Temple and the Holy Rosary Church with its well-preserved Neo-Gothic style,’ he said after launching the VMY2020 Happenings@KL Sentral.
Among the events lined up are the East Coast Craft Textile Festival (Jan 23-Feb 2) showcasing batik-painting and songket-weaving, International Aborigines and Indigenous Arts Festival (Aug 5-Aug 9) and Malaysian Games Festival (Sept 25-Sept 27).
Bakhtiar said a reliable transport system was crucial to ensure that tourists get the most out of their stay.
He said the Express Rail Link (ERL) service, connecting KLIA and klia2 to KL Sentral, was currently working on a travel pass for tourists with RapidKL called the KL Travel Pass.
‘The pass would cover airport transfer and two-day unlimited rides on LRT, MRT and KL Monorail lines to cater to tourists’ travel needs.’
Bakhtiar said the high number of transit passengers at KLIA would have a positive impact on the tourism industry.
The VMY2020 Happenings@KL Sentral, held in collaboration with the National Department for Culture and Arts, is a twice-monthly cultural performance that showcases Malaysia’s heritage to visitors at KL Sentral.
‘I would like to urge more industry players and operators in the travel and tourism ecosystem to come forward and join us in ensuring a successful VMY2020 campaign,’ Bakhtiar added.
He welcomed the initiative to introduce Transit Without Visa (TWOV) to citizens from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
‘They can take advantage of the TWOV and we can offer them a package to tour around Kuala Lumpur or Selangor within the 120 hours (five days).’
Meanwhile, ERL chief executive officer Noormah Noor said the company would be organising a monthly KLIA Express Ride & Win Campaign starting from Feb 1, in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry.
For the complete list of events that covers all states and various traditions and cultures, visit www.malaysia.travel.
Malaysia has set a target of 30 million international tourist arrivals this year, with an expected revenue of RM100 billion from the industry.
~New Straits Times~
Malaysia, China toast 2020 Year of Culture and Tourism
The ‘Malaysia-China Year of Culture and Tourism 2020’ will further boost ties and strengthen friendship between the two Asian nations, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
In his congratulatory remarks read out by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi at the Malaysia-China Year of Culture and Tourism 2020 event here tonight, Dr Mahathir said that the relationship between the two countries can be traced back to the 15th century.
"In 2018, Premier Li Keqiang and I were of the opinion that it is a good time to celebrate the close relations enjoyed by the two nations, and to focus on a people-to-people exchange, via culture and tourism.
"It is a relationship that is rooted in the 15th century, during the golden era of the Melaka Sultanate and the Ming dynasty, and it has flourished since.
"Fast forward to the modern day, and Malaysia and China were the first nations in the region to establish diplomatic ties which bloomed into a relationship that is based on respect and trust.
"May the year of the Metal Rat symbolise the re-affirmation of Malaysia and China’s friendship and cooperation, as well as the beginning of new and firm strides ahead," the Prime Minister said.
Dr Mahathir pointed out that Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, and that Malaysians of Chinese descent play a significant role in the nation, in all aspects.
"I am also sure that our guests from China will be able to relate (to our diverse) practices, food, customs and cultures, and will probably be able to trace them to specific provinces in China.
"Of course, other cultures, from India and the indigenous groups from Sabah and Sarawak, have a significant influence on (Malaysia). We are proud of our diversity and we believe that what we have is a significant display of multi-culturalism, which has worked and helped us flourish," he said.
Dr Mahathir added that as Malaysia and China’s cultures are tied, so too are their economies.
"For the record, in 1974, Malaysia-China trade was recorded at US$159 million. This rose by almost 700 times to US$108 billion in 2018.
"Malaysia and China will continue to work together for the benefit of both its peoples. With a vision of shared prosperity, we aim to create an economy that is balanced and sustainable, (and ensure) fair and equitable wealth distribution," he said.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Mohamaddin said that Chinese tourists can now enjoy a free visa for up to 15 days in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020.
"This year will be a very special year for Malaysia in the travel and tourism industry. It is Visit Malaysia Year 2020.
"In this regard, we have taken the initiative to extend a free visa of up to 15 days to Chinese tourists (who will) enjoy the many exciting events planned in the country for tourists from all over the world.
Present at the event were China’s Culture and Tourism vice-minister Zhang Xu and China’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Bai Tian.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
The dos and don’ts for VM2020
Beautiful attraction: Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor is gaining popularity among tourists.
PETALING JAYA: It’s Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020), so here’s a dummy guide to exploring the country.
Observe cleanliness, respect flora and fauna and do not over-bargain during your shopping jaunt.
“When visiting the rural areas, obey the local culture and traditions. Also, don’t bargain so much until the prices become so cheap. How can they (rural sellers) make money if you over-bargain?” said Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang.
He said that both domestic and foreign tourists should be mindful of their behaviour.
Observe the simple “no litter rule”, he said.
“Tourists should also reduce the use of plastic, ” he said yesterday.
Although places such as Penang and Langkawi remain top destinations with their food and island charm, Tan said lesser-known spots, such as Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor, were rising in popularity.
Tourists were looking to experience rural tourism and experiential travel with each market having its own preferred activities and destinations, he said.
Tan said Chinese tourists were into shopping and photo stops while Europeans preferred nature and frequented ecotourism spots in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
Tourism Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi had also said that places such as Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor, the majestic Mount Kinabalu and the Danum Valley forest in Sabah would be promoted this year.
Tan said the Danum Valley forest had been a consistent high-yield demand product and “very stable in receiving high demand from Europe”.
And Mount Kinabalu had always been in high demand for climbers, he added.
“Sky Mirror is also getting very popular for the domestic and also China market, ” he said.
Sky Mirror is a sand bank in the middle of the sea only revealed on particular days, typically during low tide.
The exposed sand bank creates an unusual backdrop that reflects the sky, which is good for photo opportunities.
At night, visitors can take a boat ride to the sea to watch “blue tears”, a natural night phenomenon caused by bioluminescent organisms, which glow in a blue hue.
Sky Mirror Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd managing director Dyven Wong said tourists must observe cleanliness and avoid disturbing the habitat when taking the Sky Mirror and “blue tears” tour.
“Tourists are not allowed to take back any ocean marine life such as clams.
“You can see, you can take pictures, but you can’t bring back anything from there, whether dead or alive, ” he said.
Wong said the number of tourists going for the Sky Mirror and “blue tears” tours was on the rise.
“Every month, we have at least 3,000 to 5,000 people going for the tour with our
company. And the number is increasing, ” he said.
~The Star~
Johor fully recovers from floods
Johor has fully recovered from the floods with the one temporary evacuation centre open in Segamat, being closed at 11 am today.
State Local Government, Urban Wellbeing and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon said 11 people from three families in the district, housed at Gemereh IV community hall since Dec 15, were allowed to return home today.
All of them are residents of Kampung Seberang Batu Badak.
According to Tan, they were all allowed to return home after the flood waters had receded fully and because of the sunny weather.
However, he said, ongoing monitoring will be carried out by the relevant agencies from time to time.
-- BERNAMA
2020旅游年放眼招亚欧中东客 目标1千亿令吉收入
慕沙尤索：预计能吸引更多来自新加坡、印尼、泰国、汶莱、中国、欧洲和中东的游客。
迎接2020大马旅游年来临之际，大马旅游促进局继续积极在海外展开宣传活动，放眼实现吸引3000万名外国游客，贡献1000亿令吉旅游收入的目标。
该局总监拿督慕沙尤索夫接受马新社专访时说，宣传活动预计能吸引更多来自新加坡、印尼、泰国、汶莱、中国、欧洲和中东的游客。
他说，新一轮宣传活动将于明年1月在印度、汶莱和西班牙开跑;2月是意大利;3月是德国;紧接着是其他目标国家。
他解释，实际上，2020大马旅游年海外宣传活动早在2017年已在伦敦开跑，随后是聚焦2018年1月在泰国举行的东盟旅游论坛。
中东的游客是大马旅游局欲吸引游马的目标之一。
慕沙说，除了通过巡回宣传活动、社交媒体和旅游促进局官网宣传，浮罗交怡旅游配套、郊区民宿和趣味活动配套等也是宣传活动的一部分。
他说，各项本地传统文化体验的旅游活动也能让本地居民参与其中。
慕沙说，相比网络促销配套，多数游客倾向于在门市购买度假促销配套。因此，他促请消费者慎选拥有合法执照的旅行社。
~光华日报~
Flood situation in Johor improves
The total number of flood evacuees in the state has dropped to 1,468 people from 375 families as of 4pm, compared with 2,669 people from 716 families at 8am on Thursday (Dec 19).
State Local Government, Urban Wellbeing and Environment Committee chairman Tan Chen Choon in a statement here said the number of temporary relief centres had dropped from 43 to 25 at all five affected districts.
“The highest number of victims came from Segamat with 543 victims, followed by Kota Tinggi (452) and Kluang (233).
“The other flooded districts are Pontian (146) and Batu Pahat (94), ” he said.
Tan also said that three roads in Mersing and two roads in Segamat had been closed due to the floods.
The affected roads are Jalan Teluk Arong and Jalan Tanah Abang in Mersing and Jalan Paya Balai Badang, Jalan Putting, and Tumang in Segamat.
~The Star~
恶劣天气预警！彭柔森甲大雨至周二
大马气象局今天发出恶劣天气预警，彭亨、柔佛森美兰和马六甲数个地区预计大雨会持续至下周二。
气象局总监再兰西蒙周日发文告说，受影响地区是彭亨云冰，以及柔佛昔加末、居銮、丰盛港、古来和哥打丁宜。
此外，他说，气象局也发出大雨警报，涉及地区有彭亨马兰、关丹、百乐、北根；柔佛东甲、麻坡、峇株巴辖、笨珍和新山。
他说，该局也向森州瓜拉庇劳、林茂、仁保和淡杯，以及整个马六甲发出大雨警报。
~光华日报~
Floods worsen, three more districts affected
Incessant heavy rain has resulted in three more districts in Johor being inundated by floods, in addition to two districts in the state which are already affected, thus far.
State Local Government, Urban Well-being and Environment Committee chairman, Tan Chen Choon, in a statement, said the three new areas were Kulai, Kluang and Segamat while the two which had been affected prior to this were Mersing and Kota Tinggi.
The worsening situation had resulted in 1,364 victims from 355 families being evacuated as of 3 pm, compared to only 171 victims from 45 families this morning.
All the victims were housed at 21 temporary flood relief centres (PPS), namely, in Kota Tinggi (nine), Kluang (six), Mersing (four) and one each in Segamat and Kulai.
He said the floods, and also landslides, had also cut off five routes in two districts to all types of vehicles.
Three of the routes were in the Kota Tinggi district, namely, Jalan Batu 18, Jalan Ladang Pasir Logok-Ladang Bukit Berkelompok and Jalan Ladang Bukit Payong, all near Kampung Tunjuk Laut.
Two more routes were in Mersing, namely, Jalan Tenggaroh 3 heading to Mawai/ Kota Tinggi/ Sedili and Jalan Endau Batu 12 to Rompin.
-- BERNAMA
Heavy rains cause flooding, evacuations in Johor
People have been evacuated to temporary flood relief centres due to continuous heavy rainfall in some parts of the state, which has also resulted in some major roads in cities being flooded.
The downpour started at about 6am Monday (Dec 9) morning and has continued since.
One of the affected areas is Jalan Kota Tinggi-Mersing where the water level from the nearby Sungai Ara has risen and flooded the road.
Kota Tinggi OCPD Supt Ahsmon Bajah reminded road users to be vigilant and avoid using slippery roads.
“Follow the road signs and drive carefully. They should also listen or pay attention to any traffic announcement made by the authorities, ” he said when contacted.
Meanwhile, the Johor Disaster Management committee in a statement reported that a total of 19 victims from five families from Kota Tinggi have been evacuated to one PPS at SK Teluk Ramunia here.
The PPS has been operating since Sunday (Dec 8) as three villages have been affected by the floods, namely Kampung Baharu, Kampung Changi, and Kampung Jumis Bukit Raja.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department issued a bad weather announcement, stating that heavy rains will affect Mersing and Kota Tinggi.
Heavy rain is also expected in Segamat, Kluang, Pontian, Kulai and Johor Baru.
The situation is expected to continue until Tuesday (Dec 10).
~The Star~
Malaysia records more than 20 million tourists in first 9 months of 2019
Malaysia saw positive growth in the tourism sector in the first half of this year, boosted by stronger international tourist arrivals.
International tourist arrivals stood at 20,109,203 tourists between January and September, an increase of 3.7 per cent, compared to 19,386,115 visitors during the same period last year.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said the top 10 countries with the highest contribution of tourist arrivals was Singapore with 7,868,755 visitors, followed by Indonesia (2,792,776); China (2,413,956); Thailand (1,442,224); Brunei (929,789); India (539,167); South Korea (508,080); Vietnam (323,393); Japan (321,283) and the Philippines (317,294).
“Tourist receipts for the same period in 2019 reached RM66.14 billion compared to RM61.85 billion for the same period in 2018, indicating an increase of 6.9 per cent.
“The main contributors to the tourist expenditure were Singapore (RM16.3 billion), China (RM12.8 billion), Indonesia (RM8.8 billion), Thailand (RM2.8 billion) and India (RM2.5 billion).
“Per capita expenditure for the period of January to September also grew by 3.1 per cent from RM3,190.5 to RM3,289.3,” he said today in announcing the third quarter performance of the tourism sector.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi left). - NSTP/LUQMAN HAKIM ZUBIR. The short haul market, Mohamaddin said, had retained its position as the largest contributor of tourists to Malaysia with a share of 68.7 per cent.
The contribution of tourists from the medium haul market was 21.6 per cent, while the share of tourists from the long haul market was 9.7 per cent, he added.
“The highest per capita according to market distance saw Saudi Arabia recording the most for long haul at RM11,394.4; China at RM5,301.5 for medium haul and Vietnam at RM3,356.3 for short haul.”
The minister also said the haze which had shrouded Malaysia and neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Brunei had affected the momentum of tourist arrivals.
“I believe the tourist arrivals could be better without the haze.”
Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Musa Yusof said he believed that Malaysia would be able to achieve this year’s tourist arrival target of 28 million.
He said there would be a significant number of tourist arrivals towards the year end, especially in December from countries experiencing winter.
Malaysia normally records about 2.5 million tourist arrivals in Dec.
On tourist arrivals from China, Musa said Malaysia was still favoured by visitors from the country.
~New Straits Times~
