Malaysia's autogates for foreign visitors 'fully recovered' at KLIA, JB checkpoints
AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain confirmed this in a press conference here at Terminal 1, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
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Malay Mail
7 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Legoland Malaysia's new Miniland Singapore drops just in time for Visit Johor Year 2026 (VIDEO)
ISKANDAR PUTERI, Aug 2 — Legoland Malaysia is positioning itself to benefit from growing cross-border activity within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) alongside increasing tourism initiatives ahead of the Visit Johor Year 2026 (VJY 2026) campaign. Legoland Malaysia Resort vice-president CS Lim said the rising prominence of the JS-SEZ as an economic gateway between Johor and Singapore presents Legoland Malaysia with new growth opportunities to attract more tourists in the coming years. 'If this initiative grows and more companies set up or relocate here, it will naturally bring more people to the area. 'When that happens, we can expect more visitors coming to explore the surroundings, including Legoland Malaysia,' he told Bernama after officiating the new Miniland Singapore here on Friday. The event was jointly officiated by Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs vice-consul Lim En Wei and Johor Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) director Nurazlin Abu Talib. First introduced in 2012, Legoland Malaysia's Miniland Singapore has been reimagined in celebration of Singapore's 60th anniversary. The refreshed attraction features 16 impressive new models built from over 1.5 million Lego bricks. Highlights include iconic landmarks such as the Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, the Merlion Fountain, as well as the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Meanwhile, Lim said Legoland Malaysia has continued to reinvest in facilities and attractions to enhance visitor experience and stay competitive in the evolving tourism landscape. He said Legoland's role in drawing domestic and international visitors is expected to further support economic activity in Johor. He added that the company has seen a steady increase in visitors over the years, buoyed by strong demand from its resident market, namely Malaysia and Singapore, which account for about 60 per cent of total visitors. Gardens by the Bay's Cloud Forest and Flower Dome recreated with Lego bricks. — Picture courtesy of Legoland Malaysia The remaining 40 per cent comprises tourists from Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Australia and South Korea, among others. Lim said Legoland Malaysia remains upbeat about its outlook for the second half of the year and into next year, which will see both VJY 2026 and Visit Malaysia 2026 campaigns running concurrently. 'We're already making preparations, including fine-tuning our queuing and ordering systems, and we are also making sure that we have sufficient technical expertise at hand,' he added. — Bernama
Malay Mail
15 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Popularity, ‘bak kut teh' and paving way for idols: Klang-born Lingling returns home as KIIRAS thrills Malaysian fans
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — It was homecoming for Klang-born K-pop idol Lingling, as she and her group KIIRAS dropped by Malaysia this weekend for the first time since their debut as part of The Music Journey 2 roadshow, which is a live, free-entry musical showcase organised by Astro. In an interview with Malay Mail yesterday, Lingling admitted to an emotional return home, with fans on social media showing their love and support. 'We've debuted for two months now, but before going overseas, we didn't really feel like celebrities,' Lingling told Malay Mail. 'But when we met our fans in Singapore and Malaysia, that's when it finally hit us — we're celebrities now.' She also reflected on how life in Korea differs, especially when it comes to public transportation. 'In Korea, I feel like I can literally go anywhere without a car, just by taking the subway or walking. 'These days I really love walking so much — it's been really fun,' she said. Besides Lingling, KIIRAS also includes members Harin, Kurumi, Kylie, Doyeon, and Roah, — with the group impressing the scene with their debut in May with the single 'Kill Ma Bo$$', followed by a follow-up promotional song 'Ziller!'. Lingling, the leader of K-pop group KIIRAS, talking about her homecoming to Malaysia. August 1, 2025. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Local bites and KL sights While it was a warm homecoming for Lingling, others shared their enthusiasm about sampling local cuisine, with Doyeon trying Malaysian pau and Roah having her first taste of dim sum. Some members expressed a desire to try other dishes but hadn't had the chance just yet, such as Kurumi, who was keen to taste durian. Meanwhile, Harin and Kylie both mentioned wanting to try Lingling's favourite Malaysian dish made famous in her hometown — bak kut teh. The group also expressed hopes to explore some of Kuala Lumpur's most iconic malls together, including Pavilion Bukit Bintang, Sunway Pyramid, and even some historic landmarks like the renowned Batu Caves. The performance yesterday saw fans turning up in droves, singing along and showing their affection for KIIRAS, with the group noting the crowd's energy as 'positive, fantastic, and amazing.' The group has expressed hopes to perform across Asia, with countries like Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand on their list, while also sharing a strong desire to return to Malaysia. 'We're so thankful to the Malaysian fans — we didn't expect so many people to come just to support us, screaming so loudly with so much energy,' said Lingling. 'We would definitely come again,' she added. K-pop group KIIRAS are eager to enjoy Malaysia on their first visit since debut. August 1, 2025. — Picture by Firdaus Latif K-pop hopes and dreams The maknae — or the youngest member — of the group Roah expressed her aspiration for KIIRAS to one day be recognised as one of the top three girl groups, while the rest of the members shared their desire for the group to become more widely known. 'We hope people will know about KIIRAS, and that our songs, as well as our group, will be recognised by many,' said Lingling, speaking on behalf of the group. In an era where K-pop is embraced across the nation, countless children and teenagers dream of becoming idols themselves — and with Lingling making history as the first female Malaysian to do so, that wave of inspiration has only grown stronger. The members of KIIRAS offered words of encouragement to aspiring K-pop idols in Malaysia, urging them to never give up on their dreams. 'I want to say this because I'm from Malaysia — it may be tough, but just try and don't give up and your dreams will come true,' added Lingling. 'Keep working hard and keep trying your best,' she concluded.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Malay Mail
Malaysia Airlines' premium pivot pays off with RM766m profit in 2023
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — Malaysia Airlines' move into the premium market, along with fleet upgrades and new strategic partnerships, has been key to its turnaround after years of financial turbulence. According to Free Malaysia Today, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) group managing director Captain Izham Ismail said the airline's major shift came in 2019 when it realised it had been targeting the wrong customer segment. 'We were competing with low-cost carriers, battling in endless price (fare) wars when we have a higher cost base,' he was quoted as saying. This then led to a fundamental repositioning of the national carrier, where it stepped back from low-cost competition to focus on being a premium airline. Malaysia Airlines also dropped its point-to-point route model in favour of a network-flow strategy, using Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as a central hub to connect long-haul passengers, such as those flying between Europe and Australia. 'By October and November 2019, we already saw the hockey stick (turnaround),' Izham said. The pivot showed results: MAG posted a profit of RM766 million in 2023, marking a return to the black after restructuring efforts that began post-pandemic. Operating profits had already re-emerged by 2022. A major obstacle in the airline's recovery was its ageing fleet, with aircraft averaging 14 years old — well above the global norm of 11. By late 2024, the group had to ground several planes, slashing capacity by 18 per cent. This resulted in 6,300 cancelled flights and nearly a million affected passengers. In response, MAG committed to a comprehensive fleet renewal. Deliveries of Airbus A330neos and Boeing 737-8s are underway, with Boeing 737-10s scheduled to arrive in phases from 2028 onwards. So far, four of the 20 ordered Airbus A330neos have arrived, while 12 of the initial 25 Boeing 737-8s are in service. Another 30 aircraft are expected to be delivered under a second phase beginning in 2029. Malaysia Airlines recognised that as a mid-sized airline it needed to work with others to expand its global footprint and to date, it has entered into code-sharing agreements with over 20 airlines, giving it access to nearly 900 destinations worldwide. 'A moderate-size airline, which doesn't have too many metals (airplanes). What's the best proposition? It is partners,' said Izham. The airline is also leaning into Malaysia's unique offerings — such as its culture, hospitality and food — to distinguish itself in the premium segment. One such initiative is the Bonus Side Trip (BST), which lets international passengers transiting through KLIA explore a second Malaysian city at no additional cost. 'BST reflects our commitment to championing Malaysia as a preferred destination in Asia,' he said. 'By strengthening the connection between international arrivals and local tourism economies, the programme drives inclusive growth and supports businesses and communities across the country.' MAG's turnaround has earned international plaudits, with Brand Finance ranking the national carrier the world's fastest-growing airline brand, with brand value surging 209 per cent to US$607 million in its 2025 Airlines 50 report. It also secured top 10 rankings across several categories at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards: 6th for World's Best Airport Services 8th for World's Best Cabin Crew 7th for Best Airline Staff in Asia 9th for Best Airlines in Asia 10th for Best Economy Class Seats 'This is not an overnight change, but a strategy to future-proof the airline for the next five, 10 or 15 years,' said Izham.
