Four Terengganu rivers breach danger level
Incessant heavy rain in Setiu and Besut since last night caused rising level of rivers in both districts this morning and closing of roads to all vehicles.
According to the portal of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the levels of three rivers in Setiu and one in Besut had breached the danger point.
The level of Sungai Nerus in Kampung Langkap at 10.45 am was 21.26 meters, above the danger point of 21 metres.
It said Sungai Setiu in Kampung Besut (17.87 metres), Sungai Chalok in Chalok bridge (8.48 metres) and Sungai Besut in Kampung La (23.01 metres) were above the warning levels of 17.5 metres, 8.40 metres and 21.8 metres respectively.
It is also reported that several rivers in Hulu Terengganu and Dungun exceeded the alert and warning levels.
According to the Setiu Disaster Management Secretariat, currently, Jalan Permaisuri towards Hulu Seladang had been closed to all vehicles after floodwaters rose to 0.8 metre.
Jalan Jertih/Pasir Akar/ Keruak were flooded to a depth of 0.35 metre and were closed to light vehicles.
Meanwhile in KOTA BHARU, the portal said at 11 am, the levels of Sungai Jenob in Tanah Merah and Sungai Golok in Pasir Mas were 22.16 metres and 7.64 metres respectively, all above the normal points of 19 metres and five metres.
-- BERNAMA
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~
Yellow weather alert for Kelantan, Terengganu
The Meteorological Department (Met Malaysia) has issued a yellow weather alert for Kelantan and Terengganu as heavy rain is expected to continue until Saturday in several areas in the two states.
MET Malaysia in a statement today said heavy rain is expected to occur in Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Bharu, Tanah Merah, Bachok, Marang and Pasir Puteh in Kelantan.
In Terengganu, the areas expected to be affected are Besut, Setiu, Kuala Nerus, Hulu Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu and Marang.
-- BERNAMA
Decision on Airbnb next year, says Tourism D-G
Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Musa Yusof said to address the problem, the committee would continue to discuss the issue to find suitable solution. -BERNAMA
The task force on short-term residential accommodation, Airbnb will announce its decision by early next year, Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Musa Yusof said today.
He said the task force was set up to regulate Airbnb accommodations nationwide and would take note of examples from other countries such as France, Singapore and Japan.
“We will look into the issue. What we have implemented throu\gh the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the agency under the Housing and Local Government Ministry, is that we already set up a task force to look at what other countries have implemented in terms of Airbnb-type rentals.
“We expect to announce the decision early next year and it needs to be regulated. For example, in some locations, Airbnb accommodations are allowed but not in the big cities where there are hotels available,” he told reporters after launching the Visit Malaysia (VMY) 2020 Kick Off conference here today.
He said this in response to complaints made by hoteliers who claimed of experiencing a decline in occupancy rate despite the high number of tourists arriving in the country as most of them were choosing Airbnb.
Musa said to address the problem, the committee would continue to discuss the issue to find suitable solution.
“The concept of Airbnb in Europe and the US are different than it is in Asia. The Airbnb accommodations that I used to stay at, either in Europe or in the US, the guests stayed with the hosts, and we already have this concept here for the past 30 years and we call it homestay.
Homestay is more for the experiences while Airbnb is more of an accommodation. Only in Malaysia, the visitors are not staying with the owner and this will be regulated,” he said.
He said the matter would be looked at as a whole as there were several joint management bodies had disallowed Airbnb to operate in the condominium building as it was viewed as disruption.
Meanwhile, commenting on the conference, he said it was launched to further promote the promotional activities of the VMY 2020 campaign in the northern states. -- Bernama
Exco member: No ‘Taliban’ state when T’ganu enforces tourism rules
The guidelines drafted to govern matters related to entertainment, culture and tourism in Terengganu next year will not have a negative impact to the point of causing the state to be labelled a “Taliban” state.
State syariah, education and higher learning committee chairman Satiful Bahari Mamat said the guidelines, to be gazetted next year, would instead transform Terengganu’s tourism sector into one that is syariah-compliant.
“No, there will be no such negative perception when the guidelines come into force.
“Tourists visit Terengganu to enjoy the natural surroundings, the local culture and what we as a state that fulfils Islamic requirements can offer, ” he said when replying to Roslee Daud’s (BN-Bukit Besi) supplementary question on how the proposed guidelines would impact the tourism sector and industry players.
Replying to Datuk Rozi Mamat’s (BN-Telemong) question on open aerobic sessions, Satiful said Terengganu had no plans to stop them but there were adjustments that needed to be done, such as where men and women were positioned during the activity.
“That is why we encourage more male trainers for this (aerobics) activity.
“Women can conduct their sessions in enclosed spaces, ” Satiful added.
Meanwhile, during the debate of the 2020 state Budget, a PAS assemblyman asked the Federal Government to consider the 25% deduction from the oil royalty payment to only involve the amount that is due for payment next year.
Hishamuddin Abdul Karim (PAS-Tepoh) said this would be only be fair for Terengganu to implement its development agenda in the state for the benefit of the people. — Bernama
Yellow weather alert in east coast from tomorrow
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a yellow weather alert in almost all areas throughout Kelantan and Terengganu, as well as several districts in Pahang following the east wind surge expected in the region from Nov 25 (tomorrow) which can bring continuous heavy rainfall.
Its director-general Jailan Simon said the areas involved in Pahang were Jerantut, Maran, Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin.
“Strong winds with speeds of 40 to 50 km/h with waves as high as 3.5 metres are expected to occur in waters off the respective states, and the weather warning is effective from Nov 25 to 27 (Wed).
"In addition, the seawater level is also expected to rise due to the high tide during the period.
"The incident could pose a risk of seawater overflowing along the coast and into river mouths in these areas," he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, he said, as the weather on the east coast was expected to improve, the orange weather alert issued on 2 pm on Nov 22 for Terengganu (Kemaman district) and Pahang (Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin) had been downgraded to a yellow alert, while in Johor the warning had been lifted.
-- BERNAMA
ECRL to unveil proposed Kota Baru-Dungun realignment on Nov 25
The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will be unveiling its proposed realignment from Kota Baru to Dungun during its public inspection exercise on Nov 25,2019, according to Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL).
It said in a statement Friday (Nov 22) that the public would be able to give feedback and suggestions during the three-month ECRL Public Inspection for the Kota Baru-Dungun stretch (also known as Section A), comprising a 210.4km mainline, a proposed future spurline 14.4 km, and six-passenger/ freight stations.
The ECRL realignment for Section A had proposed two stations for Kelantan namely Kota Baru and Pasir Puteh, while Terengganu will have four stations located at Jerteh, Bandar Permaisuri, Kuala Terengganu, and Dungun.
The 14.4km proposed future spurline is expected to link the ECRL mainline in Kelantan with the port of Tok Bali.
The proposed 210.4km Kota Baru-Dungun stretch or Section A mainline will consist of 43.9km rail alignment in Kelantan and the remaining 166.5km alignment in Terengganu.
MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said the proposed realignment for Section A was in line with the comprehensive value engineering exercise that resulted in cost savings for the improved ECRL project.
The 210.4km stretch he said, would be positioned inland instead of the coastal areas of Kelantan and Terengganu.
MRL according to Darwis, had received conditional approval for its ECRL Railway Scheme for Section A from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) on Nov 4,2019, paving the way for the Public Inspection exercise to ensure the project's rail alignment meet the interests and expectations of the local populace.
The Public Inspection information booth for Section A will be operating on weekdays at APAD headquarters in Kuala Lumpur from Nov 25,2019, until Feb 24,2020.
"We have also initiated the environment impact assessment, social impact assessment, and heritage impact assessment for Section A to the authorities as these reports are prerequisites for APAD granting final approval to our Railway Scheme.
"The public may also visit MRL's website (www.mrl.com.my) or access the ECRL project's social media platform for the latest information and details of the Public Inspection exercise," he said.
On ECRL's progress, Darwis said the project's overall completion rate currently stood at 12.86% as compared to 10.18% in June 2019.
He noted that construction works involving tunnels and viaducts along the 223km Dungun-Mentakab stretch (also known as Section B) was progressing according to plan.
"Site clearing and earthworks are actively taking place on multiple sites along Section B where there are no alignment changes to our Railway Scheme following the resumption of the improved ECRL project back in April 2019," he added.
The ECRL, scheduled for completion by December 2026, would have 640km rail network linking Kota Baru to Port Klang.
~The Star~
东铁路线调整建议 25日供公众审查
11月25日将公布，东海岸铁路计划从哥打峇鲁至龙运路线的调整建议，让公众审查。
马来西亚铁道衔接公司（MRL）将于本月25日，公布东海岸铁路计划从哥打峇鲁至龙运路线的调整建议，让公众审查。
该公司总执行长拿督斯里达威斯发表文告说，届时公众也在上述为期3个月的公共审查期间，给予回馈及建议，这条路线包括210.4公里的主干线，拟议中的支线有14.4公里，以及6个乘客或货运站。
哥打峇鲁至龙运路线是东铁重启后的A段工程，吉兰丹将有两个站，即哥打峇鲁及巴西富地，登嘉楼有4个站，即日底、柏迈苏里、瓜拉登嘉楼和龙运。
上述拟议中的14.4公里支线预料将衔接丹州的主干线至督巴里。
哥打峇鲁至龙运路线长210.4公里，其中43.9公里在丹州，166.5公里在登州。
达威斯说，上述公共审查将于本月25日起至明年2月24日的工作日，在位于吉隆坡的陆路公共交通机构总部展开。
他指出，公众也可浏览网站www.mrl.com.my或东铁社交媒体，以获取公众审查的最新资讯。
另一方面，针对东铁工程进展，达威斯说，目前工程的整体完成率为12.86%，今年6月为10.18%。
他指出，龙运至文德甲路线的隧道和高架桥工程正按照计划进行。
~光华日报~
Terengganu to boast of cultural village in January
The tourism industry in the state will be boosted with its latest product, Terengganu Cultural Village which will open to the public by January 2020.
State Tourism, Culture and Information Technology Committee chairman, Ariffin Deraman said the Terengganu Cultural Village which is located near the State Museum, will have seven houses with each having its own unique features.
“The cultural village is new as it has just been approved by the executive committee yesterday. At the State Museum, there are traditional houses which were originally owned by the museum but we have decided to separate them.
"The village is near several other tourism attractions there. They (tourists) can visit the Islamic Civilisation Park (TTI), museum and then to the cultural village,” he told Bernama today.
He said annually RM2 million would be allocated to implement the project including human resource, equipment, cultural performances and so on.
"This year we have allocated RM400,000 to prepare basic facilities for use in January,” Ariffin added.
He said there will be an entrance charge for visitors but Ariffin gave his assurance the amount would be much lower than the cultural villages found in other states.
-- BERNAMA
Tourists from Indonesia, Brunei excited to visit Terengganu
The frustration of a group of tourists from Brunei and Indonesia has turned into excitement after knowing that there are many interesting places to visit in Terengganu when the famous resort islands in the state are closed in view of the monsoon season.
Dony Hasiholan, from Surabaya, Indonesia, said he was told that among the interesting places were the drawbridge, Setiu Wetland and Terrapuri Heritage Village.
“When we were told that we could not go to the island because of the monsoon season, I thought I would get bored here, I did not expect that there are so many other interesting places to go.
“There are also fishing and squid jigging activities,” he told Bernama when met here today.
For Nur Khadijah Abdullah from Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, who visited Terengganu 15 years ago, the state is fast developing.
She said among her favourites was the drawbridge, which is the latest tourism icon in Terengganu.
“Kuala Terengganu has changed a lot, 15 years ago there were not many hotels like today. I also can't wait for the new Pasar Payang to open,” she said.
Meanwhile, state Tourism, Culture and Information Technology Committee chairman Ariffin Deraman said the tourists were part of the 13 participants of the Aseanmeet Post Tour programme.
He said the participants would be taken to various interesting places in the country including in Terengganu to promote Malaysian tourism products.
"They are bloggers, owners of travel agencies and media practitioners," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Terengganu plans to invite large cruise ships
Terengganu aims to boost tourism by attracting large cruise ships to stop over at the state during their voyages by 2021.
Terengganu tourism, culture and information technology committee chairman Ariffin Deraman said there were talks to arrange for cruise ships to include the state as one of their stops.
Although the plans have been presented at the state exco meeting, the state government is expecting for arrangements to be ready by 2021 as talks are still ongoing.
“We have smaller cruise ships docking here, but now we are planning to arrange for cruises from Singapore to make Terengganu one of their stops.
“What we are looking at now are larger vessels, with the capacity for 3,000 passengers and 1,500 workers, ” he said.
Plans are underway, he said, to bring passengers to visit Kuala Terengganu’s iconic drawbridge, museums and other tourist attractions in the state.
He added that cultural performances would also be included in the itinerary.
Ariffin said plans were still in the early stages, and there were no issues with cruise ships that serve alcohol or have gambling on board.
“On our side, we would not serve alcohol or organise gambling and we will not be going up to the cruise ships. We will only entertain the passengers when they get off.
“These tourists would only stop by for about seven to eight hours, they will not be spending the night here, ” he said. Terengganu MCA executive advisor Datuk Toh Chin Yaw said the move was “definitely good”, but the overall policies in the state need to be tourist-friendly.
“The tourism industry is doing well in Terengganu. But we must be prepared and have the will to make the tourism boost a reality, ” he said when contacted.
~The Star~
Tourists flock to Kenyir Lake despite monsoon
Iconic Lake Kenyir defies the odds by drawing tourists despite the monsoon season.
In contrast to most resorts in Terengganu that have temporarily halted its tourist activities earlier this month, many visitors started booking houseboats in Lake Kenyir for November and December.
Houseboat operator Ramli Mustafa, 54, said Lake Kenyir, teeming with freshwater fish, would become a gathering spot for many anglers as they normally increased during the monsoon season.
He said sebarau, kelah, temoleh, baung, lampan and belida could be found in abundance in the lake.
“During the monsoon season, Lake Kenyir becomes very busy as many anglers come here to spend their year-end holidays, ” he said.
Another operator, Kamaruddin Razali, 47, said his houseboat, Pesona, was fully booked until the end of the year.
“Firms often organise family day for their employees here, ” he said.
v
The state government is also promoting the largest man-made lake in South-East Asia by hosting the Asean Monsoon Casting Tournament, held from Nov 29 to Dec 2.
It is an annual event organised by the state government and is expected to attract over 300 participants including those from Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore and Brunei. — Bernama
Common signs 常见标语
BUKA
Open 开
TUTUP
Closed 关
MASUK
Entrance 入口
KELUAR
Exit 出口
TOLAK
Push推
TARIK
Pull 拉
TANDAS
Toilet 厕所
LELAKI
Men 男
WANITA / PEREMPUAN
Women 女
DILARANG MASUK
No Entry 不能进入
DILARANG MEROKOK
No Smoking 不能抽烟
JALAN SEHALA
One way traffic 单行道
Various programmes to draw tourists to Kuala Terengganu during monsoon period
The Kuala Terengganu city centre is still expected to be buzzing with tourists despite the heavy rains forecasted to hit the East Coast states at the end of this year, with various programmes to be held at the newly built drawbridge and its surrounding areas.
TI Properties Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Khalizan Mahmud said the planned activities include holding a mini theme park and sports events such as the 'Ninja Warrior' challenge on the northern bank of the drawbridge from mid-November to February 2020.
“We want to make it clear to the public that the monsoon season is not something to be avoided. It's something we all have to enjoy together. We want to change (the perception) so that it (monsoon) is not something that scares tourists from coming to Terengganu.
“Maybe the islands cannot be visited during the monsoon season, so tourists can come to the city centre. In fact, for many years, the Kuala Terengganu city centre has also been flood-free, ”he told Bernama when met at the drawbridge here.
The two events are also expected to give local merchants the opportunity to open food trucks in the area.
“We have met with the food truck association in the state, and they have agreed to do business in this area when the mini theme park is started. So far, 50 food truck operators have agreed to do business here,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the sky bridge gallery which was opened in mid-September had received an overwhelming response from locals as well as out of town.
“In order for it to continue receiving a good response, we will change the theme of the exhibition at the sky bridge gallery from time to time. Currently, we are exhibiting paintings by local painters, after this, we will showcase sculptures made by UiTM (Universiti Teknologi MARA) students as well as artifacts of the Prophet Muhammad," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Monsoon season setting in, Terengganu islands quiet down
JERTIH, Nov 3 -- Most resorts on Terengganu’s popular islands are no longer receiving bookings following the impending arrival of the monsoon season soon.
Only several resorts were reported to be operating throughout the year especially in meeting the demands of foreign tourists who were keen on the wave surfing sport.
Based on information which was obtained from the Terengganu Tourism Department, all resorts on Pulau Perhentian had been closed from October except four, namely, Sharila Perhentian Resort, Coral View Resort, D’Rock Garden Resort and Aina Ohana which would be operational all year round.
Meanwhile, on Pulau Redang, Kuala Nerus and Pulau Kapas, Marang, the operations of most resorts had ended in October, while on Pulau Tenggol, Dungun they would close at the end of this month.
Generally, the operators who were met by Bernama said the closures were done in response to the government’s call as it was worried over the safety of the tourists especially due to the uncertainty of the weather and turbulent seas.
A survey together with the Terengganu Department of Marine Park Malaysia to Pulau Perhentian recently also found most operators were making preparation and relocating numerous equipment especially boats to safe locations.
Currently, most islands were only occupied by workers and operators to monitor their surrounding conditions throughout the monsoon season and paving the way work works to repair damaged rooms at the resorts.
An operator of one of the resorts on Pulau Perhentian, Masron Mustafa, 40, said the closure would surely reduced the income of many of his workers but it was necessary to avoid untoward incidents.
He said it was an annual routine for them to temporarily close their places of accommodation from October to February and to reopen them in March each year.
‘’I have closed down the resort since mid-October. I understand some operators are still operational and will close in early November, while some are said to operate until the end of this year.
‘’The uncertain seas during the monsoon season can be a safety threat to tourists visiting the islands and the activities which can be carried out are also limited compared to normal days,’’ he said when contacted by Bernama here today.
Masron said the boat services would also not operate like normal in the monsoon season and rendering it difficult to the tourists to go to the islands.
Asked on the usual risks on Pulau Perhentian during the monsoon season, he said the situation was normally under control as the resort areas were protected by hills from the full forces of the winds.
In fact, he said the damages sustained were not as bad as those experienced by the other resorts such as on Pulau Kapas.
A resort operator on Pulau Kapas, Hawa Abdul Rahman conceded that she suffered damages since the past several years and had to cough out more than RM1 million on repairs.
She said the assault of the waves and strong winds had resulted in damaged equipment and blown away roofs at her resort
“Ombak Kapas Resort will still be operational albeit on a small scale during the monsoon season for safety reasons. There are still some European tourists who check into our resort to play with the (monsoon) waves,’’ she added.
-- BERNAMA
