Latest news with #MohdIzani
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Langkawi airport sees 10pct passenger growth in first quarter
LANGKAWI: The Langkawi International Airport (LIA) recorded 666,241 passenger movements in the first quarter of this year, marking a nearly 10 per cent jump compared to the same period last year. Malaysia Airports managing director, Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, said the achievement is a positive indicator that LIA is on the right track to securing international recognition for the fifth time this year. "LTAL recorded 666,241 passenger movements from January to March this year, reflecting a rise of nearly 10 per cent compared to 607,306 passengers in the same period last year. "This figure signals healthy growth and momentum following LIA's previous success in winning the Best Airport in Asia-Pacific Award (2–5 million passengers' category) for four consecutive years since 2021. "This award is part of the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards Programme by Airports Council International (ACI)," he said during a high-tea event here today. For the record, LIA received the award in 2021, 2022, 2023, and most recently in March last year. Mohd Izani added that the airport had once recorded three million passengers annually before the Covid-19 pandemic and is now showing signs of recovery, thanks to growth in both domestic and international tourism. "This international recognition is not just a success story, but a reflection of consistency, pride, and commitment in ensuring every passenger's journey is a meaningful experience," he said. He also expressed appreciation for the contributions of 23 Malaysia Airports staff stationed at LIA, whose dedication has helped the organisation achieve excellence in service at a global level. "Collective effort and strong cooperation among staff members are crucial in maintaining passenger satisfaction, operational efficiency, and high service quality," he added.
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Flute maker Izani preserves heritage, one breath at a time
Serunai maker Mohd Izani Mohd Noor testing out a newly crafted Kelantanese serunai at his workshop in Kg Pulau Hilir, Kubang Kerian. (Bernama pic) KOTA BHARU : For Mohd Izani Mohd Noor, the serunai (traditional flute) is not merely a musical instrument – it's the voice of heritage and breath of culture that must be preserved. Despite the intricate and time-consuming process of crafting the Kelantanese serunai, he remains steadfast. Each piece of wood carved, and every hole drilled, is done with patience and purpose, driven by the goal of ensuring the continuity of the serunai as a living art form. 'My interest started in school: I would often visit my mentor, the late Tok Wan Nasir, to learn how to play the serunai. That's when I began to understand the process of making one,' Izani told Bernama, recalling his early years in Kampung Pulau Hilir, Kubang Kerian here. In 2013, he began crafting serunai as a pastime. What started as a hobby has now evolved into a specialised craft, with the 41-year-old now making the flute for customers across Malaysia. The process begins with selecting the right wood, such as merbau, sira tanduk, rengas or leban, depending on customer preferences. The wood is then cut to size, lathed and smoothed. Seven holes are drilled into the upper side, with one more hole drilled underneath. Each contributes to the instrument's distinctive tones. 'The lower section is made from softer wood to produce a mellow, melodious sound. The upper part holds the pipit (mouthpiece), made of brass and fitted with daun tar (palm-like leaves) for blowing,' Izani explained. He said crafting the pipit requires great precision, as even a slight imperfection can affect the sound quality. The selection of daun tar is also crucial, with only smooth, high-quality leaves used. It takes him an average of three days to craft one serunai, which sells for between RM280 and RM700, depending on the type of wood and intricacy of the carvings. (Bernama pic) 'These leaves are boiled with coconut milk and pulp for about an hour, then dried for a day. This process makes the leaves slightly oily, preventing saliva from sticking to the pipit and ensuring its durability for up to three months,' he noted. Izani produces two types of serunai – the longer serunai ibu (48-53cm), and the serunai anak (33-38cm). Both feature seven finger holes and one hole beneath. 'The serunai ibu produces a coarser sound, and is often used in performances such as silat, wayang kulit and main puteri. Traditional musical pieces like 'Tabuh', 'Hulubalang' and 'Serama Berjalan' are commonly played with it,' he explained. Meanwhile, the serunai anak offers a sharper, more delicate tone suited to mak yong's soulful performances. This shorter serunai is typically used for songs like 'Berkabar Belas', 'Pakyong Muda' and 'Sedayung Makyong'. Each serunai takes around three days to complete, including the tuning process. Prices range from RM280 to RM700, depending on the type of wood and complexity of the carvings. 'This is my way of preserving our heritage. As long as people still want to hear the sound of the serunai, I will keep making them,' Izani concluded.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MAHB ready to welcome delegations for 46th Asean Summit
SEPANG: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), the country's airport operator, is actively finalising preparations to welcome the Asean delegations attending the 46th Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said among the major preparations being carried out are the enhancement of facilities and protocols at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, as well as several other airports nationwide that will be involved in receiving distinguished guests from Asean countries. "The key initiatives include upgrading the VIP Room and Bunga Raya Complex at KLIA, providing dedicated immigration lanes and exclusive reception counters, and coordinating the arrival of delegations travelling on commercial flights in a more organised and seamless manner. "Additionally, promotional materials for Asean 2025 have started appearing across various platforms, including the Flight Information Display System (FIDS), KLIATV, and official social media channels," he told Bernama. As part of efforts to promote Malaysia on the international stage, Mohd Izani said MAHB is also stepping up initiatives to showcase the country's rich arts, culture, and heritage across its airports. This includes the introduction of a 'Heritage Lane', featuring displays of photographs showcasing the country's historic building structures, traditional business premises such as nasi kandar stalls and old-school barber shops, exhibitions of traditional Baba and Nyonya attire, as well as cultural performances including traditional dances at several airport terminals. Specifically for the Asean delegations, he said the Bunga Raya Complex and VIP waiting areas at several airports have also been redecorated with elements that reflect Malaysia's unique identity, culture, and traditions, creating a welcoming atmosphere that embodies national pride and respect for the delegates. "As the airport operator responsible for managing the country's main gateways, MAHB consistently undertakes initiatives to showcase Malaysia's arts, culture and heritage at our airports, not only for receiving the Asean delegations but also as an early effort leading up to the 2026 Visit Malaysia Year 2026," he said. He said MAHB remains committed to ensuring all aspects of the welcoming process and movements of the Asean delegations are conducted smoothly, with dignity and prestige, thereby strengthening Malaysia's image on the international stage. Mohd Izani said security aspects were also prioritised through close collaboration with the police to ensure the safe and seamless movement of the delegations throughout the event. He said MAHB has also been working closely with the Foreign Ministry, the Ceremonial and International Conference Secretariat Division (BIUPA), and other government agencies since last year to ensure that airports in the country are fully prepared to welcome the arrival of delegations from various Asean nations. Meanwhile, a Bernama survey found that the route from KLIA to the capital's city centre is now lively with vibrant decoration, including banners and billboards carrying Asean-themed messages to greet the leaders and delegations arriving for Asean 2025. The decorations, which have been installed along key routes such as the KLIA Expressway, MEX Expressway, Sungai Besi Expressway and areas around the government administration complex in Putrajaya, not only enhance the festive atmosphere but also offer a warm visual welcome, reflecting Malaysia's role as host nation. Banners featuring the official Asean logo are prominently displayed on lampposts and along highway dividers, adding a symbolic and dignified touch to the route that the dignitaries will travel. Also stealing the spotlight is the digital billboard on the KLIA Expressway displaying the greeting "Selamat Datang" with the Asean logo, for delegates to witness as they leave the airport heading to KLCC. The Asean Summit will begin with a senior officials' meeting on May 23, followed by a ministerial meeting on May 25, while the heads of government meeting will begin on May 26. The theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' has been adopted as a unifying basis for regional and global engagement. – Bernama
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MAHB ready to welcome delegations for Asean summit
SEPANG: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), the country's airport operator, is actively finalising preparations to welcome the ASEAN delegations attending the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). MAHB Managing Director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said among the major preparations being carried out are the enhancement of facilities and protocols at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, as well as several other airports nationwide that will be involved in receiving distinguished guests from ASEAN countries. 'The key initiatives include upgrading the VIP Room and Bunga Raya Complex at KLIA, providing dedicated immigration lanes and exclusive reception counters, and coordinating the arrival of delegations travelling on commercial flights in a more organised and seamless manner. 'Additionally, promotional materials for ASEAN 2025 have started appearing across various platforms, including the Flight Information Display System (FIDS), KLIATV, and official social media channels,' he told Bernama. As part of efforts to promote Malaysia on the international stage, Mohd Izani said MAHB is also stepping up initiatives to showcase the country's rich arts, culture, and heritage across its airports. This includes the introduction of a 'Heritage Lane', featuring displays of photographs showcasing the country's historic building structures, traditional business premises such as nasi kandar stalls and old-school barber shops, exhibitions of traditional Baba and Nyonya attire, as well as cultural performances including traditional dances at several airport terminals. Specifically for the ASEAN delegations, he said the Bunga Raya Complex and VIP waiting areas at several airports have also been redecorated with elements that reflect Malaysia's unique identity, culture, and traditions, creating a welcoming atmosphere that embodies national pride and respect for the delegates. 'As the airport operator responsible for managing the country's main gateways, MAHB consistently undertakes initiatives to showcase Malaysia's arts, culture and heritage at our airports, not only for receiving the ASEAN delegations but also as an early effort leading up to the 2026 Visit Malaysia Year 2026,' he said. He said MAHB remains committed to ensuring all aspects of the welcoming process and movements of the ASEAN delegations are conducted smoothly, with dignity and prestige, thereby strengthening Malaysia's image on the international stage. Apart from that, Mohd Izani said security aspects were also given priority through close collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police to guarantee the safe and seamless movement of the delegations throughout the event. He said MAHB has also been working closely with the Foreign Ministry, the Ceremonial and International Conference Secretariat Division (BIUPA), and other government agencies since last year to ensure that airports in the country are fully prepared to welcome the arrival of delegations from various ASEAN nations. Meanwhile, a Bernama survey found that the route from KLIA to the capital's city centre is now lively with vibrant decoration, including banners and billboards carrying ASEAN-themed messages to greet the leaders and delegations arriving for ASEAN 2025. The decorations, which have been installed along key routes such as the KLIA Expressway, MEX Expressway, Sungai Besi Expressway and areas around the government administration complex in Putrajaya, not only enhance the festive atmosphere but also offer a warm visual welcome, reflecting Malaysia's role as host nation. Banners featuring the official ASEAN logo are prominently displayed on lampposts and along highway dividers, adding a symbolic and dignified touch to the route that the dignitaries will travel. Also stealing the spotlight is the digital billboard on the KLIA Expressway displaying the greeting 'Selamat Datang' with the ASEAN logo, for delegates to witness as they leave the airport heading to KLCC. The ASEAN Summit will begin with a senior officials' meeting on May 23, followed by a ministerial meeting on May 25, while the heads of government meeting will begin on May 26. The theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' has been adopted as a unifying basis for regional and global engagement. Malaysia's commitment is to strengthen ASEAN centrality, foster economic cooperation and champion the principles of inclusivity and sustainability.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MAHB ready to welcome delegations for 46th Asean summit
SEPANG: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), the country's airport operator, is actively finalising preparations to welcome the ASEAN delegations attending the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). MAHB Managing Director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said among the major preparations being carried out are the enhancement of facilities and protocols at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, as well as several other airports nationwide that will be involved in receiving distinguished guests from ASEAN countries. 'The key initiatives include upgrading the VIP Room and Bunga Raya Complex at KLIA, providing dedicated immigration lanes and exclusive reception counters, and coordinating the arrival of delegations travelling on commercial flights in a more organised and seamless manner. 'Additionally, promotional materials for ASEAN 2025 have started appearing across various platforms, including the Flight Information Display System (FIDS), KLIATV, and official social media channels,' he told Bernama. As part of efforts to promote Malaysia on the international stage, Mohd Izani said MAHB is also stepping up initiatives to showcase the country's rich arts, culture, and heritage across its airports. This includes the introduction of a 'Heritage Lane', featuring displays of photographs showcasing the country's historic building structures, traditional business premises such as nasi kandar stalls and old-school barber shops, exhibitions of traditional Baba and Nyonya attire, as well as cultural performances including traditional dances at several airport terminals. Specifically for the ASEAN delegations, he said the Bunga Raya Complex and VIP waiting areas at several airports have also been redecorated with elements that reflect Malaysia's unique identity, culture, and traditions, creating a welcoming atmosphere that embodies national pride and respect for the delegates. 'As the airport operator responsible for managing the country's main gateways, MAHB consistently undertakes initiatives to showcase Malaysia's arts, culture and heritage at our airports, not only for receiving the ASEAN delegations but also as an early effort leading up to the 2026 Visit Malaysia Year 2026,' he said. He said MAHB remains committed to ensuring all aspects of the welcoming process and movements of the ASEAN delegations are conducted smoothly, with dignity and prestige, thereby strengthening Malaysia's image on the international stage. Apart from that, Mohd Izani said security aspects were also given priority through close collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police to guarantee the safe and seamless movement of the delegations throughout the event. He said MAHB has also been working closely with the Foreign Ministry, the Ceremonial and International Conference Secretariat Division (BIUPA), and other government agencies since last year to ensure that airports in the country are fully prepared to welcome the arrival of delegations from various ASEAN nations. Meanwhile, a Bernama survey found that the route from KLIA to the capital's city centre is now lively with vibrant decoration, including banners and billboards carrying ASEAN-themed messages to greet the leaders and delegations arriving for ASEAN 2025. The decorations, which have been installed along key routes such as the KLIA Expressway, MEX Expressway, Sungai Besi Expressway and areas around the government administration complex in Putrajaya, not only enhance the festive atmosphere but also offer a warm visual welcome, reflecting Malaysia's role as host nation. Banners featuring the official ASEAN logo are prominently displayed on lampposts and along highway dividers, adding a symbolic and dignified touch to the route that the dignitaries will travel. Also stealing the spotlight is the digital billboard on the KLIA Expressway displaying the greeting 'Selamat Datang' with the ASEAN logo, for delegates to witness as they leave the airport heading to KLCC. The ASEAN Summit will begin with a senior officials' meeting on May 23, followed by a ministerial meeting on May 25, while the heads of government meeting will begin on May 26. The theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' has been adopted as a unifying basis for regional and global engagement. Malaysia's commitment is to strengthen ASEAN centrality, foster economic cooperation and champion the principles of inclusivity and sustainability.
