Growing nepenthes market
Tuesday March 17, 2009
GOOGLE “nepenthes” and you will get a string of hits on companies selling the plant. Fascination with Nepenthes has always been great but with the Internet, it has grown immense and selling the plant has never been easier.
One company is offering the N. platychila, described only in 2002 and known only from Hose Mountain in central Sarawak, for US$72 (RM266) for a small plant and US$144 (RM420), a large one. This species is prized for its funnel-shaped pitchers with unusually wide and flat peristome (the rim at the mouth of the pitcher) which is beautifully striped with red, yellow and purple.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Earth Hour - message of hope against global warming
Special menus and activities lined-up for Earth Hour
By Fazleena Aziz
Monday March 16, 2009
IN conjunction with the Earth Hour 2009, YTL Corporation will switch off the lights at 20 landmarks across the country and Singapore from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on March 28.
The one-hour lights off event is aimed at sending a message of hope and action against global warming.
The YTL establishments that will be part of the Earth Hour 2009 are — Starhill Galllery, JW Marriot KL, The Ritz-Carlton KL, The Residences at The Ritz Carlton KL, Lot 10, YTL Corporation Headquarters, One Oriental place, Sentul Park, Sentul Park Koi Centre, Vistana Kuala Lumpur, Vistana Penang, Vistana Kuantan, Pangkor Laut Resort, Tanjong Jara Resort, Cameron Highlands Resort, The Majestic Malacca, The KL Performing Arts Centre, Lake Edge-Puchong, Pantai Hillpark, The Maple at Sentul West, The Tamarind at Sentul East, The Saffron at Sentul East, Spa Village Kuala Lumpur and Wisma Atria Singapore.
By Fazleena Aziz
Monday March 16, 2009
IN conjunction with the Earth Hour 2009, YTL Corporation will switch off the lights at 20 landmarks across the country and Singapore from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on March 28.
The one-hour lights off event is aimed at sending a message of hope and action against global warming.
The YTL establishments that will be part of the Earth Hour 2009 are — Starhill Galllery, JW Marriot KL, The Ritz-Carlton KL, The Residences at The Ritz Carlton KL, Lot 10, YTL Corporation Headquarters, One Oriental place, Sentul Park, Sentul Park Koi Centre, Vistana Kuala Lumpur, Vistana Penang, Vistana Kuantan, Pangkor Laut Resort, Tanjong Jara Resort, Cameron Highlands Resort, The Majestic Malacca, The KL Performing Arts Centre, Lake Edge-Puchong, Pantai Hillpark, The Maple at Sentul West, The Tamarind at Sentul East, The Saffron at Sentul East, Spa Village Kuala Lumpur and Wisma Atria Singapore.
Boh Teh-O Ais in a can
FRET not when you are craving for a sip of Teh-O-Ais and there is no mamak stall in sight. BOH Plantations Sdn Bhd (BOH) and Yeo Hiap Seng (Malaysia) Berhad have launched this authentically Malaysian beverage in a ready-to-drink form, called Boh Teh-O-Ais.
Boh Teh-O-Ais is made from freshly brewed tea from Cameron Highlands and is fused with honey, making it a refreshing drink. Served chilled, it is the ideal thirst quencher for our hot weather.
The drink comes in vibrant orange coloured 300ml cans and 250ml tetra brik packs for consumers’ convenience.
The drink is available in Teh-O-Ais Original, but if you prefer a tangy twist, go for the Teh-O-Ais Lemon or Teh-O-Ais Passion Fruit.
Boh Teh-O-Ais is made from freshly brewed tea from Cameron Highlands and is fused with honey, making it a refreshing drink. Served chilled, it is the ideal thirst quencher for our hot weather.
The drink comes in vibrant orange coloured 300ml cans and 250ml tetra brik packs for consumers’ convenience.
The drink is available in Teh-O-Ais Original, but if you prefer a tangy twist, go for the Teh-O-Ais Lemon or Teh-O-Ais Passion Fruit.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Tourism Malaysia top Travel Destinations
Which states in Malaysia has the most tourist? Let see which tops the tourism Malaysia travel destinations for tourist arrivals.
1. Kuala Lumpur - 16.3 million
2. Pahang - 10.1 million
3. Sabah - 6.2 million
4. Penang - 5.2 - 6.3 million
Cheers!
More tourists visiting Penang last year, says CM
Tuesday March 3, 2009
PENANG’S tourist arrivals saw a jump of 21.6% last year compared to 2007 and the numbers could have been higher if not for the global economic situation, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
“The state was the fourth most visited state in the country after Kuala Lumpur, Pahang and Sabah.
1. Kuala Lumpur - 16.3 million
2. Pahang - 10.1 million
3. Sabah - 6.2 million
4. Penang - 5.2 - 6.3 million
Cheers!
More tourists visiting Penang last year, says CM
Tuesday March 3, 2009
PENANG’S tourist arrivals saw a jump of 21.6% last year compared to 2007 and the numbers could have been higher if not for the global economic situation, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
“The state was the fourth most visited state in the country after Kuala Lumpur, Pahang and Sabah.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Enviromental issues - Preserving a borrowed legacy
Preserving a borrowed legacy
By Melati Mohd Ariff
Monday March 2, 2009
This is the final feature of a series of three on Cameron Highlands
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The water crisis that hit Cameron Highlands in the late 1990s prompted several concerned residents to form the Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (REACH).
Against the many challenges that came its way, REACH continues to gain momentum, garnering support especially from the local residents in making its stance on the many environmental issues plaguing the highlands.
REACH president Ramakrishnan Ramasamy, 43, born and bred in Cameron Highlands, has been at the helm of this community-based body since the organisation took shape in 1998.
By Melati Mohd Ariff
Monday March 2, 2009
This is the final feature of a series of three on Cameron Highlands
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The water crisis that hit Cameron Highlands in the late 1990s prompted several concerned residents to form the Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (REACH).
Against the many challenges that came its way, REACH continues to gain momentum, garnering support especially from the local residents in making its stance on the many environmental issues plaguing the highlands.
REACH president Ramakrishnan Ramasamy, 43, born and bred in Cameron Highlands, has been at the helm of this community-based body since the organisation took shape in 1998.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Pahang moves to boost service for tourists
Pahang moves to boost service for tourists
By Simon Khoo
Wednesday February 25, 2009
JERANTUT: Pahang will continue to find ways to enhance the knowledge and skills of tourist guides and supervisors of freshwater sanctuaries in the state, says State Culture, Arts, Tourism and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif.
Shafik Fauzan said that people in the two professions needed to be equipped with information on the environment and aquaculture so that they could inform visitors.
A recent initiative adopted by the state was to take them on site visits to Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu, he said.
“The participants in the visits were guides for places like Taman Negara, Fraser’s Hill, Cameron Highlands and Merapoh.
By Simon Khoo
Wednesday February 25, 2009
JERANTUT: Pahang will continue to find ways to enhance the knowledge and skills of tourist guides and supervisors of freshwater sanctuaries in the state, says State Culture, Arts, Tourism and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif.
Shafik Fauzan said that people in the two professions needed to be equipped with information on the environment and aquaculture so that they could inform visitors.
A recent initiative adopted by the state was to take them on site visits to Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu, he said.
“The participants in the visits were guides for places like Taman Negara, Fraser’s Hill, Cameron Highlands and Merapoh.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Finding the right strategies for tourism industry
Finding the right strategies
By Cecilia Kok
Saturday February 21, 2009
This 2009 is definitely going to be a tough year for the tourism industry across the world as the worsening economic crisis causes long-haul visitors to stay home and regional travellers to cut short their trips to cut back on spending.
And bracing for the challenges ahead, most tourism authorities across the Asian region have already set their tourist-arrival targets lower for 2009.
For instance, Hong Kong is expecting a shortfall of 1.6% in tourist arrivals for 2009 compared with 29.5 million in 2008, while Singapore anticipates its tourist arrivals this year to fall between 9 and 9.5 million, compared with 10.1 million last year. For Thailand, where tourism is one of the pillar industries to the economy, the number of foreign visitors is expected to fall from 14.24 million last year to 14 million in 2009.
In line with the regional trend, Malaysia’s tourist-arrival target of 20 million for 2009 represents a decline of 9% from the numbers achieved last year.
By Cecilia Kok
Saturday February 21, 2009
This 2009 is definitely going to be a tough year for the tourism industry across the world as the worsening economic crisis causes long-haul visitors to stay home and regional travellers to cut short their trips to cut back on spending.
And bracing for the challenges ahead, most tourism authorities across the Asian region have already set their tourist-arrival targets lower for 2009.
For instance, Hong Kong is expecting a shortfall of 1.6% in tourist arrivals for 2009 compared with 29.5 million in 2008, while Singapore anticipates its tourist arrivals this year to fall between 9 and 9.5 million, compared with 10.1 million last year. For Thailand, where tourism is one of the pillar industries to the economy, the number of foreign visitors is expected to fall from 14.24 million last year to 14 million in 2009.
In line with the regional trend, Malaysia’s tourist-arrival target of 20 million for 2009 represents a decline of 9% from the numbers achieved last year.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Experts called in to study Camerons Highlands apartments
Experts called in to study Camerons Highlands apartments
By Jaspal Singh
17-02-2009
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Two independent consultants will study the structure of three blocks of apartments in Kuala Terla which were evacuated last Friday, after wide cracks appeared on one of the blocks.
The Cameron Highlands District Council has asked them to prepare reports detailing the reasons behind the weakening of the structure and the level of strength of the soil in the affected area.
Council president Datuk Mohd Noor Abdul Rani said the consultants, a structural specialist and the other with expertise in the geotechnical field, had been asked to submit reports to the local authority in two weeks' time.
"The council takes this matter seriously, especially in view of the many hillside tragedies that have occurred elsewhere.
"We are taking immediate action to ascertain the factors that led to the wide cracks on the apartment block."
By Jaspal Singh
17-02-2009
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Two independent consultants will study the structure of three blocks of apartments in Kuala Terla which were evacuated last Friday, after wide cracks appeared on one of the blocks.
The Cameron Highlands District Council has asked them to prepare reports detailing the reasons behind the weakening of the structure and the level of strength of the soil in the affected area.
Council president Datuk Mohd Noor Abdul Rani said the consultants, a structural specialist and the other with expertise in the geotechnical field, had been asked to submit reports to the local authority in two weeks' time.
"The council takes this matter seriously, especially in view of the many hillside tragedies that have occurred elsewhere.
"We are taking immediate action to ascertain the factors that led to the wide cracks on the apartment block."
Sunday, February 08, 2009
It’ll be good to fly direct to Malaysia again
It’ll be good to fly direct to Malaysia again
Sunday February 8, 2009
I HAD the pleasure of visiting Malaysia for the first time recently. It was a most rewarding and eye-opening experience.
I couldn’t believe how clean and tidy your streets and fantastic freeways were. I haven’t seen cleaner highway restrooms anywhere.
The country also seemed to be thriving.
Visiting the Cameron Highlands was a memorable experience and a highlight of the trip. The staff at Strawberry Park Resort were very accommodating.
But the best part of Malaysia was that everywhere I went the local people were friendly, cheerful and always willing to help.
The only problem is that I live in the north west of Australia, in Broome. We had to come via Perth, an extra six hours flying time.
As I write, the Broome International Airport is trying to get an international carrier to fly in and out of Broome. If anyone from Malaysia Airlines or any other airline reads this, could you please help us get direct flights from Broome to Kuala Lumpur? I am sure it will be a very worthwhile exercise.
Sebastian Von Perger,
Broome, West Australia.
Sunday February 8, 2009
I HAD the pleasure of visiting Malaysia for the first time recently. It was a most rewarding and eye-opening experience.
I couldn’t believe how clean and tidy your streets and fantastic freeways were. I haven’t seen cleaner highway restrooms anywhere.
The country also seemed to be thriving.
Visiting the Cameron Highlands was a memorable experience and a highlight of the trip. The staff at Strawberry Park Resort were very accommodating.
But the best part of Malaysia was that everywhere I went the local people were friendly, cheerful and always willing to help.
The only problem is that I live in the north west of Australia, in Broome. We had to come via Perth, an extra six hours flying time.
As I write, the Broome International Airport is trying to get an international carrier to fly in and out of Broome. If anyone from Malaysia Airlines or any other airline reads this, could you please help us get direct flights from Broome to Kuala Lumpur? I am sure it will be a very worthwhile exercise.
Sebastian Von Perger,
Broome, West Australia.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Hillside development governed by greed
Adnan: Hillside development governed by greed
By Simon Khoo
Thursday February 5, 2009
Kuantan: Lack of staff and equipment is hampering efforts by local councils to check hillside development, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.
He said there were adequate rules and regulations to take offenders to court.
By Simon Khoo
Thursday February 5, 2009
Kuantan: Lack of staff and equipment is hampering efforts by local councils to check hillside development, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.
He said there were adequate rules and regulations to take offenders to court.
“The problem is that Pahang is a huge state and the local councils lack staff to carry out enforcement activities. The root problem, however, is greed. Precarious: File photo of a landslide at Cameron Highlands, Pahang.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
One-night stay at Genting for local cyclist who wins a stage
One-night stay at Genting for local cyclist who wins a stage
Wednesday February 4, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: National cyclists will be rewarded with a one-night stay at the Genting Hotel worth RM1,000 if they win any of the seven stages of the Tour of Langkawi (LTdL), which begins on Monday.
Resorts World Bhd (RWB) executive director Tan Sri Alwi Jantan said the incentive was to encourage the national cyclists to aim for greater heights.
“We believe that our riders are just as capable as the foreign cyclists and can win one of the seven stages,” said Alwi after handing over RWB’s RM1mil sponsorship, in cash and kind, to LTdl chief operating officer Datuk Naim Mohd for the seven-day Tour yesterday.
Wednesday February 4, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: National cyclists will be rewarded with a one-night stay at the Genting Hotel worth RM1,000 if they win any of the seven stages of the Tour of Langkawi (LTdL), which begins on Monday.
Resorts World Bhd (RWB) executive director Tan Sri Alwi Jantan said the incentive was to encourage the national cyclists to aim for greater heights.
“We believe that our riders are just as capable as the foreign cyclists and can win one of the seven stages,” said Alwi after handing over RWB’s RM1mil sponsorship, in cash and kind, to LTdl chief operating officer Datuk Naim Mohd for the seven-day Tour yesterday.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Dengue still prevalent
Dengue still prevalent
By Rosalina Mohamad
Tuesday February 3, 2009
KUANTAN: A total of 83 dengue cases have been reported in Pahang as of Jan 19, a slight increase compared to the 80 cases recorded in the same corresponding period last year.
Kuantan topped the list with 41 cases followed by Jerantut (10), Bera (six), five each in Temerloh and Maran, four each in Pekan and Raub, three each in Bentong and Rompin, two in Lipis and none in Cameron Highlands. [Yey! That's good. - Editor]
State health director Datuk Dr Rosnah Ismail said, to date, no deaths had been reported.
By Rosalina Mohamad
Tuesday February 3, 2009
KUANTAN: A total of 83 dengue cases have been reported in Pahang as of Jan 19, a slight increase compared to the 80 cases recorded in the same corresponding period last year.
Kuantan topped the list with 41 cases followed by Jerantut (10), Bera (six), five each in Temerloh and Maran, four each in Pekan and Raub, three each in Bentong and Rompin, two in Lipis and none in Cameron Highlands. [Yey! That's good. - Editor]
State health director Datuk Dr Rosnah Ismail said, to date, no deaths had been reported.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Keeping a vacation home (like in the highlands?)
Keeping a vacation home
Saturday January 24, 2009
By Thean Lee Cheng
Buyers are unlikely to sell their property as they are passionate about it
A year ago, Yen Chong, 47, and her husband bought a two-bedroom apartment of less than 1,000 sq ft in Silver Park, Fraser’s Hill. It set them back by about RM120,000 but the couple was thrilled about the weekly rendezvous.
Economic turmoil notwithstanding, it is a purchase they do not regret a jot.
Recalls Chong: “We were going up to Fraser’s Hill very often and were renting the three-bedroom bungalows which come with a housekeeper and cook for between RM500 and RM600 for the weekend.”
Saturday January 24, 2009
By Thean Lee Cheng
Buyers are unlikely to sell their property as they are passionate about it
A year ago, Yen Chong, 47, and her husband bought a two-bedroom apartment of less than 1,000 sq ft in Silver Park, Fraser’s Hill. It set them back by about RM120,000 but the couple was thrilled about the weekly rendezvous.
Economic turmoil notwithstanding, it is a purchase they do not regret a jot.
Recalls Chong: “We were going up to Fraser’s Hill very often and were renting the three-bedroom bungalows which come with a housekeeper and cook for between RM500 and RM600 for the weekend.”
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tour of Langkawi- Shorter Tour but seven stages promise thrills
Shorter Tour but seven stages promise thrills
Wednesday January 21, 2009
By Eric Samuel
PETALING JAYA: The 14th edition of the Tour of Langkawi (LTdL) will not be short of excitement even though the championships have been shortened to seven stages for the first time since the inaugural event in 1996 because of financial constraints.
The chief operating officer, Datuk Naim Mohamad, said that the shorter route compared to nine stages last year would not take the competitive edge out of the riders.
The Tour, beginning in Putrajaya on Feb 9 and ending in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 15 with the traditional criterium race at Dataran Merdeka, will feature 20 teams and it will cover a total distance of 1,029.9km.
Wednesday January 21, 2009
By Eric Samuel
PETALING JAYA: The 14th edition of the Tour of Langkawi (LTdL) will not be short of excitement even though the championships have been shortened to seven stages for the first time since the inaugural event in 1996 because of financial constraints.
The chief operating officer, Datuk Naim Mohamad, said that the shorter route compared to nine stages last year would not take the competitive edge out of the riders.
The Tour, beginning in Putrajaya on Feb 9 and ending in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 15 with the traditional criterium race at Dataran Merdeka, will feature 20 teams and it will cover a total distance of 1,029.9km.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Christmas flowers for Chinese New Year, anyone?
Christmas flowers for Chinese New Year, anyone?
Thursday January 15, 2009
GEORGE TOWN: The poinsettia or Christmas flower is proving to be popular not only during Christmas but also Chinese New Year here.
Flower trader Ang Hock Aun, 46, said he was surprised that people were still asking for the plant after the festive season, adding that he had ordered more as his first batch of 150 plants was running out.
Thursday January 15, 2009
Auspicious colours: Ang’s wife Jenney Wong arranging the poinsettia or the Christmas flower that are much favoured by the customers as CNY flowers for its strikingly red leaves.
GEORGE TOWN: The poinsettia or Christmas flower is proving to be popular not only during Christmas but also Chinese New Year here.
Flower trader Ang Hock Aun, 46, said he was surprised that people were still asking for the plant after the festive season, adding that he had ordered more as his first batch of 150 plants was running out.
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