Latest news with #StateTourism
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Kelantan supports proposed cross-border boat race to boost tourism
SUNGAI GOLOK: The Kelantan government has expressed full support for a proposed cross-border traditional boat race between Malaysia and Thailand on the Golok river, describing it as a potential annual international tourism event. State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor said similar races had been held in the past, but only informally and on a smaller scale. "We have received proposals from several parties to organise a 'Yor Kong' boat race between the two countries along the Golok river. "In principle, the state government fully supports this initiative and, God willing, we plan to elevate the event with participation from teams representing Kelantan and Thailand's Narathiwat province," he said. Speaking to reporters after attending the closing of a boat racing competition here this evening, Kamaruddin said further discussions would be held with the relevant authorities soon. He added that the proposed venue would be Pangkalan Pohon Jambu, a well-known site near the Malaysia-Thailand border, which has long served as a hub for social and cultural interaction between the two communities. "This place is a beautiful and suitable location, with a river that is not too wide and existing facilities that can accommodate the event. "We also appreciate the positive co-operation from the Mayor of Sungai Golok, Saleeha Mayutoh," he added. On today's event, he said it had attracted large crowds from both sides of the border. "This kind of event can help further stimulate cross-border tourism," he added. He then described the "blindfold boat race" as a potential crowd-puller. "This is not just about sports; it's about cultural exchange and strengthening ties between the two regions. "The blindfolded boat racing could offer visitors a memorable experience," he said. The two-day boat race, which started yesterday, featured 40 teams, including five from Malaysia. About 2,000 people attended the event, which was closed by Deputy Governor of Narathiwat Wicharn Chaisetsamphan.
Barnama
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Sarongs On The Run: MSMR 2025 Kicks Off Sarawak Day Festivities
KUCHING, July 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 (MSMR 2025) made its Sarawak debut today, drawing some 2,500 participants nationwide in conjunction with Sarawak Day celebrations on July 22. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who officiated the event on behalf of Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, hailed the run as a platform for unity and cultural appreciation. 'This is a meaningful unity run that strengthens ties among Malaysians, especially here in Sarawak. Congratulations to the organisers,' he said at the flag-off at Metrocity Matang here today. Billed as a 'cultural fun run', MSMR 2025 promotes healthy living while celebrating Malaysia's heritage. Participants ran 3-kilometre (km) and 5km routes clad in sarongs, with the course featuring cultural elements from across the country. The event was jointly organised by Malaysia Marathon and the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, in partnership with LOCCO, the organisers of the 'Keretapi Sarong' initiative, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). Performances along the route included lion and dragon dances, traditional drumming, and cultural showcases from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. LOCCO, in a statement, said the event emphasised inclusivity and heritage appreciation, aligning with preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026). 'MSMR 2025 is more than a run, it fosters community spirit and champions culture as a living, active force. It invites Malaysians of all ages and backgrounds to be part of a vibrant, meaningful movement rooted in national identity,' it said. -- BERNAMA
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
More Sabah-MM2H applications
Published on: Saturday, July 19, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 19, 2025 Text Size: Liew (seated left) stressing a point during the meeting of the Sabah-MM2H Committee and registered agents of the programme. Kota Kinabalu: Chairman of the Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home (Sabah-MM2H) programme, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, commended registered agents for the progress made thus far. 'We (Sabah-MM2H Committee) have received more applications from China, Taiwan and other countries. We encourage you to continue promoting the programme to potential clients overseas through roadshows or other platforms. Advertisement 'We look forward to more foreign applicants buying property here and considering Sabah as their second home,' she said during a meeting with 25 agents on Thursday. Liew, who is also State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, informed them of several amendments to the criteria for participation in the programme, as approved by the State Cabinet. The minimum age for one to apply has now been lowered to 25 as opposed to 30 previously. Secondly, a successful applicant may place his or her mandatory fixed deposit (as one of the requirements) in any of the 12 authorised commercial banks, and is allowed to withdraw 50pc of his or her fixed deposit after a period of 12 months for education purposes or medical treatment expenses. Generally, the agents were happy with the amendments, saying the amended criteria are favourable and more attractive to potential applicants. Liew also took note of several concerns and issues raised by the agents, relating to the classification of buildings that can be purchased, among other aspects. 'We will discuss and evaluate these in our next monthly meeting, and keep you posted,' she assured them, adding that the Sabah-MM2H Committee has been efficient in processing and approving applications from overseas applicants for participating in the Sabah-MM2H programme. Also present were the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai and members of the Sabah-MM2H Committee. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Barnama
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Encore Melaka Among Proposed WTD 2025 Celebration Venues
MELAKA, July 13 (Bernama) -- Encore Melaka, located in Impression City, Kota Syahbandar, has been proposed as one of the venues for the 2025 World Tourism Day (WTD) celebration this September. State Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, said that the venue was chosen for its strategic location along the Straits of Melaka, positioning Encore Melaka as a unique tourism product, with strong potential to attract both domestic and international visitors. He said Encore Melaka is not only a theatre equipped with a 360-degree rotating stage, but also serves as a centre for arts and cultural performances. 'At the moment, we have several proposed venues, including sites in the Banda Hilir area, and Encore Melaka, which we have submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for consideration. 'Encore Melaka was proposed due to its coastal location, which allows us to showcase the Straits of Melaka as part of the celebration. Additionally, it is a distinctive tourism product, with the potential to attract international visitors,' he told reporters here today. He said this after opening the People's Representative for the People (WRUR) programme in the Duyong state constituency, which was also attended by the Duyong assemblyman and deputy chairman of the state Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communications Committee, Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem. Abdul Razak added that, in preparation for WTD 2025, a variety of engaging programmes are being planned to enliven the celebration, in line with Melaka's selection as the launch venue for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 'Several programmes are scheduled for September, including religious events in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul celebration, under the Islamic Tourism cluster. He said that further details on the upcoming programmes will be announced to the public soon.
The Star
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sarawak passes bill to increase assembly seats
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah tabling the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill on Monday (July 7). KUCHING: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly will increase its membership from 82 to 99, with the redelineation of constituencies to be carried out by the Election Commission (EC). This comes after the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025 was passed in a special one-day sitting on Monday (July 7). State Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stated that the Bill aims to ensure Sarawakians are well-represented and well-served. "This is a constitutional exercise done in the spirit of justice. This exercise is not about redelineation of constituencies but increasing the number of representatives in this House from the present 82 to 99," he said when winding up the debate on the Bill. Abdul Karim also said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government had no say in the redelineation of the 17 new state constituencies as this was the prerogative of the EC. He dismissed allegations by Opposition members Chong Chieng Jen and Violet Yong that the seat increase was meant to strengthen GPS. "The EC is an impartial commission. The state government does not set it up. "Accusing the state government or this House of practising gerrymandering in the redelineation exercise is tantamount to demeaning the EC. "We will leave it to the EC to do the necessary, pursuant to Article 113 of the Federal Constitution," he said.
