Malaysian tourist rescued after snorkelling mishap in Labuan Bajo
Amirah Bazil, 35, was found safe on Sunday morning after a passing speedboat spotted her signalling for help in shallow waters.
She was later transferred to the Sea More Papua, the vessel hosting her diving trip.
Indonesia's national search and rescue agency (Basarnas) confirmed that Amirah was conscious and unharmed when the rescue team arrived.
'She plans to continue her trip in the Labuan Bajo area,' said Maumere Basarnas head Fathur Rahman.
The rescue operation was launched after authorities received a report around 6.45 am local time.
A joint SAR team was deployed, but before they arrived, a speedboat named Fenides spotted Amirah and assisted her.
Labuan Bajo, part of Komodo National Park, is a popular diving destination known for its clear waters and strong currents.
This marks the second successful rescue of a Malaysian tourist in Indonesia this month, following the safe recovery of a climber on Mount Rinjani.
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The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysian tourist rescued after snorkelling ordeal in Indonesia's Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo, located within the Komodo National Park, is a renowned diving destination celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and strong ocean currents. - The Jakarta Post/ANN JAKARTA: A Malaysian tourist swept away by strong currents while snorkelling off Gili Lawa Island in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, was found safe on Sunday (June 29). In a video released by Indonesia's national search and rescue agency (Basarnas), 35-year-old Amirah Bazil was seen signalling for help from shallow waters near Gili Lawa before being assisted onto a rescue vessel. "She had been snorkelling with friends early Sunday morning when she became separated from the group due to strong currents,' said Maumere Basarnas head Fathur Rahman in a statement. A joint search and rescue (SAR) team was immediately deployed from the West Manggarai SAR Post after receiving a report of the incident around 6.45am local time. However, before the rescue team arrived, a passing speedboat named Fenides spotted Amirah near the shoreline and transferred her to the Sea More Papua - the vessel that had hosted the diving trip. "She was found conscious, uninjured, and smiling when our team reached the boat. She plans to continue her trip in the Labuan Bajo area,' Fathur added. Authorities credited the swift rescue to coordinated efforts between SAR personnel and local vessel crews operating in the area. Labuan Bajo, located within the Komodo National Park, is a renowned diving destination celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and strong ocean currents. This is the second successful rescue involving a Malaysian national this month, following the safe recovery on Friday of a Malaysian climber who slipped while descending from Danau Segara Anak on Mount Rinjani in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. - Bernama
The Star
19 hours ago
- The Star
Time to explore the undiscovered wonders of Timor-Leste
When travelling to a foreign land, perhaps one of the more exciting things that could occur is unexpectedly meeting someone hailing from your homeland. For Malaysians visiting Timor-Leste, the possibility of this is quite likely. The Malaysian diaspora here may not be the largest, but it is sizeable enough that you may just bump into a fellow countryman. This is especially so in the capital city, Dili, set in the municipality of the same name. The Embassy of Malaysia in Timor-Leste records 150 Malaysians currently registered with it, as well as a total of 260 Malaysian-owned businesses. Some can even be seen in the short film Tabah Di Timor: Untold Stories Of Malaysians In Timor-Leste . This 2024 production by the embassy highlights the lives of these Malaysians, some of whom have called the small nation home long before it was christened 'Timor-Leste' – it only adopted this name after gaining independence in 2002. Among the featured Malaysians are Yong Pow Sang, 63, and Masrah Hulka, 44. The married couple relocated to the youngest country in South-East Asia 22 years ago. 'We were seeking new opportunities,' said Masrah. Personally, the connection I have with the Sabah-born chef extends beyond just sharing the same home country and state – we also hail from the same district! Talk about a small world. We met one fateful day when our little Malaysian convoy stepped into her restaurant for teatime. Our conversation revealed that she rarely returned to Papar, our shared hometown, as she and Yong – who hails from Kuala Lumpur – had been focused on building their businesses in Timor-Leste. Her restaurant, which she bestowed with her own moniker ('Gia', another name she goes by), serves familiar dishes to Malaysians missing the taste of home. From roti jala and kuih kasturi to fried rice and noodles, everything pairs well with a comforting cup of frothy tea. Bridging two nations Understandably, the lack of direct connectivity between Malaysia and Timor-Leste makes going home regularly a hassle for not just Masrah and Yong, but also other Malaysians residing in the island nation. However, the recent launch of Batik Air's flight from KL to Dili might just make balik kampung much easier for everyone. Being the first Malaysian carrier to serve the route, Batik Air currently operates two flights weekly from KL International Airport Terminal 1. 'It was Datuk Amarjit Sarjit Singh's (ambassador of Malaysia to Timor-Leste) words and actions that made this scheduled service a reality,' said Batik Air CEO Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy. This refers to the fact that Batik Air operated several charter flights between KL and Dili during the Covid-19 pandemic, which were eventually paused. However, Amarjit Sarjit was unwavering in his efforts to resume connectivity between the two nations. 'Looking to the future, Batik Air is excited to play a long-term role in supporting Timor-Leste's connectivity and growth. We are not simply adding a new destination to our network; we are building meaningful bridges that we hope will contribute to shared progress in the years to come,' Chandran added. Courtesy of Batik Air Malaysia and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Timor-Leste, several Malaysian media had the chance to experience the inaugural flight on June 6 and spend the weekend discovering the little nation's vast wonders. Taking off around 2.15am from KL, our flight landed 10 minutes ahead of the scheduled 7.30am arrival time. The flight typically takes approximately four hours and 15 minutes. Dili is one hour ahead of KL. Bleary-eyed as we pulled onto the apron at the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, we were jolted to our senses when strong blasts of water suddenly pelted the aircraft. We looked out to see fire trucks, one on each side of our Boeing 737, generously 'hosing down' the plane for its traditional water salute. Day on the island Why rush when you can revel in the moment? While Dili exudes the same laid-back nature, nowhere is this relaxed lifestyle more apparent than on Atauro. The island is accessible via ferry services. The big ferry costs US$4 (RM17) but the journey will take about three hours longer. The smaller ferry, though costing more at US$10-12 (RM43-51) per person, is relatively faster. Yes, the US dollar is the official currency in Timor-Leste. Ferries dock at Beloi Pier, the only port on Atauro Island. Based on our experience with the smaller vessel, it took roughly 90 minutes from the Dili Port to the Beloi Pier. (Our tip: Come prepared with motion sickness remedies. Choppy waters led to seasickness for quite a number of passengers.) Snorkelling and scuba diving are some of the activities typically done on Atauro, but the high-water conditions that sunny Saturday did not permit these. Still, we had fun exploring the island's villages in pickup trucks, trying not to suffocate as clouds of dust bloomed whenever another vehicle passed by our 'open-air transportation' on the dry dirt road. Congregating at Barry's Place, we had a buffet lunch that included ketupat (a staple in Timor-Leste) and ikan bakar. Seafood is prevalent in the local diet as it is easily obtainable. We did not stay overnight on the island, but if you wish to, you can book a stay at one of the thatched-roof chalets at Barry's Place. Our ferry was scheduled to leave at 2pm. In the island's true unhurried fashion, it only departed an hour and a half later. No matter – it gave us plenty of time to continue lounging on the beach. There was also the fish market to wander around. Amid the stalls of dried fish and freshly caught ones, we spotted a few stands selling clothes and groceries. One thing we didn't spot was stalls selling roosters. But they must have existed somewhere, because some of the locals boarded the ferry later carrying live roosters in boxes. Lovely Dili Even if you don't get to go to Atauro, Dili itself is brimming with littoral beauty. We were entranced by its cerulean waters from the moment we touched down. We also later learned that the city's seaside airport, though small, is historically interesting in that it predates the young country by well over six decades. It was built during the Portuguese colonisation prior to World War II. A great viewing point for fully appreciating the beauty of Dili's coastline is at one of its main attractions, Cristo Rei. Reaching the 27m-tall statue on Fatucama Hill requires hiking up at least 500 steps. Some say 600, while others feel like it is an infinite number of steps. We would've counted, but we were too busy taking in the views (and catching our breath). More than just a tourist attraction, Cristo Rei is religiously significant for the locals. Over 90% of the country's population is Catholic. As the 14 Stations of the Cross are set along the path to the statue, Good Friday processions are held here annually. From up the hill, we marvelled at the view of coastal roads winding alongside the turquoise waters and white sand of Areia Branca Beach – aptly named, as its appellation means 'white sand' in Portuguese. Portuguese is one of the official languages here. The other is Tetum or Tetun, with Tetun-Dili being the most common variation spoken by the locals. Our lovely guides – Luis, Erni and Firda – from Manny Timor Tours taught us Tetun words like maun and mana , the equivalent of respectfully addressing someone as 'brother' or 'sister'. Diak ka lae? A local might enquire. That's basically 'how are you?'; reply with diak (good) or la diak (not good). Communicating is no issue for Malaysian tourists, since the locals also speak English as well as Bahasa Indonesia, which is similar enough to our national language. The latter is more widely spoken, especially by those who received their education during Indonesia's occupation (1975-1999). Speaking of the occupation, gain a better understanding of Timor-Leste's history by visiting the Timorese Resistance Archive & Museum. Our stop here was short, but enough to give us insights into the Timorese people's struggle in gaining independence. We also stopped by Tais Market. As the name indicates, the marketplace focuses on tais – the country's traditional handwoven textile. It comes in many forms here, from shawls to bags and book covers. You will spot roosters tied by their feet at some of the stalls – those aren't for sale. Tais Market sells all kinds of souvenirs (but not roosters). Souvenirs in food form are harder to come by. If you've ever been to Japan and bombarded by its many daintily packaged snacks meant for gifting, expect the exact opposite in Timor-Leste. You can still purchase locally grown coffee and loose-leaf tea, but they won't be packed in single sachets that can be easily distributed back home. Beyond the city Where to get your hands on local tea and coffee? For the former, we bought some at Dili's sole shopping complex, Timor Plaza. For the latter, we ventured to the neighbouring municipality of Ermera. Up to the highlands we went. We made a quick stop at one of the villages along the way, to visit an uma lulik (sacred house). 'You must return to your own village's uma lulik for traditional ceremonies,' our guide Luis said. He stressed the importance of gathering to pray to their ancestors at these sacred buildings, which stand on stilts and are made of local timber and topped with thatched roofs. Uma lulik is a sacred house for ancestral prayers. Our journey resumed. The sun was high by the time we reached Cooperativa Cafe in Ermera. Here, we learned about coffee production and took a tour of the plantation – where other plants like cocoa and vanilla also grew. After a refreshment of coffee with a side of banana fritters, purple sweet potatoes and tapioca (the latter two paired with chopped green chillies for that extra kick), we headed to Liquica for a seaside lunch at the Alma Do Mar Resort. Fully recharged, we continued to our next destination, Aipelo Prison (alternatively spelled Ai Pelo). More precisely, it is the stone prison's ruins that still stand today. Built in the 18th century, it was decommissioned in 1939. Our attempt to glean information from the boards displayed throughout the site was not a success. The English parts on the boards had heavily faded, even more so than their Portuguese and Tetun parts. Fortunately, we had our three guides to enlighten us. Political prisoners and criminals were imprisoned in the lower half of the main building. The top half was used as an administration office. Aipelo Prison is a historical colonial era site in Liquica. This illustrates that hiring a tour guide is advisable when visiting Timor-Leste. Besides, in addition to their local knowledge, they provide something you'll inevitably need: Transportation. Microlets or mini buses are easy to come by in Dili, but they have limited reach. Renting your own car or scooter is possible for adventures beyond the city, but the roads' unfavourable conditions – some potholes are even overgrown with grass – might make you reconsider this option. Unless, of course, you're into that kind of adventure. Admittedly, we've barely scratched the surface when it comes to tourism in Timor-Leste. Our tour guides recommend at least one week to discover their country's various charms. Other places of interest include Jaco island, popular for whale-watching; Nino Konis Santana National Park, the country's first and only national park; and Mount Ramelau, the highest peak in the country. Aileu and Maubisse are also popular, especially among nature lovers and thrill seekers. Their mountainous landscapes serve as great hiking and camping spots as well as mountain biking trails. Look up videos of mountain biking in Timor-Leste and you will see why. Perhaps, that's just the kind of adventure that will entice you to visit Timor-Leste and, as the country puts it, 'explore the undiscovered'. Travel notes Getting there: Batik Air ( operates direct flights twice weekly (Monday and Friday) to Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport from KLIA Terminal 1. Where to stay: Palm Springs Hotel Dili, Hotel Timor, Novo Turismo Resort And Spa, JL World Hotel Dili, The Plaza Hotel. Currency: US dollar is the official currency. Carry cash as debit/credit cards are generally not accepted in stores. More information: Find out more about Timor-Leste at
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
PM, delegation to use chartered flight for official visits to Italy, France, and Brazil
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his delegation's official visits to Italy, France and Brazil will use a chartered flight operated by Malaysia Airlines. The prime minister's senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said the decision was made after considering factors such as time savings, cost efficiency, and logistical coordination. "Why did we opt for a chartered flight instead of a government aircraft? It's due to time savings — given the packed schedule in all three countries without long transits. "Secondly, the cost is more manageable, as the chartered flight is more economical than operating a full government aircraft. Thirdly, coordination — having both government and business delegates depart and arrive together ensures punctual attendance at all meetings and engagement sessions," he said at the Prime Minister's Office daily briefing today. Tunku Nashrul added that the government will bear the full cost for the official delegation, while business delegates will fund their own expenses. "The prime minister will be accompanied by a business delegation comprising corporate giants and innovative Malaysian enterprises. "Some of these companies already have business operations and interests in Italy, France or Brazil, while others are exploring new investment opportunities to expand their global reach. "This synergy ensures that government-to-government (G2G) discussions are supported by business-to-business (B2B) cooperation, which in turn opens new markets, strengthens existing operations, and bolsters Malaysia's position in these strategic regions," he said. He said the business delegation includes representatives from Petronas, Khazanah, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), Maybank, FGV Holdings Bhd (FGV), and Weststar. "So let me emphasise once again — there is no conflict of interest between the government and the business delegation," he added.
