Melaka - World Heritage City

HIGH SPEED TRAIN TO SINGAPORE

2012-03-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

Friday March 9, 2012

High-speed rail link holds great prospect

I’M looking forward to the potential high speed rail (HSR) link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore “High speed rail-ity?” (The Star, Mar 5).

As a frequent traveller to Malacca, Johor and Singapore, I would greatly appreciate an additional option to travel down south.

Air travel, with all its perceived luxury, still brings with it delays, long wait times and the inconvenient (though admittedly necessary) security screening.

All these on top of the 40-minute travel time to KLIA/LCCT from Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya.

If it’s true that the high speed rail journey would only take 90 minutes, we could be looking at significant time saving in our travels.

Some, like me, can still remember the days before we had the North-South Expressway.

Narrow roads and slower speeds had a big impact on whether we would travel.

Since the NSE opened, people get to see more of their extended families, businesses have flourished along the highway, commuting has become more common and we have generally seen a significant overall improvement in our lives.

With the NSE becoming congested, it is timely for the Public Land Transport Commission to consider high speed rail as an alternative.

Taiwan HSR is an apt comparison, given the relatively similar population size along the Taipei-Kaohsiung corridor as the KL-Singapore route.

If Taiwan can generate over 30 million passengers annually, and with an operating profit, why can’t we?

In our case, HSR may be even more catalytic than the NSE, given the significant journey time reduction and the convenience it provides.

I can only imagine how extensive the effects can be on the wider economic sectors, namely tourism, retail, construction and property, not to mention the broad-based productivity improvement.

Although I am as equally wary as the next Malaysian of yet another mega project, I also think that the high speed train will be one mega project that the country needs.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER,

Petaling Jaya.

FRIENDS OF MELAKA MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION

2012-02-28T22:38:00.002-08:00

Chinese designs incorporated in mosques
MyKampung 2012-02-28 18:50

Members of Friends of Melaka Museums posing for group photo at the end of their visit. Front row second from left is Haji Shaukani Abbas, with Iesnordin on the extreme right. Photo courtesy by Sin Chew Daily
3 of 7
Translated by WINNIE CHOOI
Sin Chew Daily

MELAKA -- The structure of Kampung Kling Mosque in Melaka built in the 18th century boasts of various characteristics of the Chinese, Hindu, Sumatran and Malay cultures.

The Chinese character of double happiness carvings and a rostrum are obvious evidences of close connection with the Chinese architecture during the olden days," explained the person-in-charge at the southern region Department of Museums Iesnordin Hj. Malan, during the Melaka Cultural Heritage Tour in July organised by Friends of Melaka Museum.

Also responsible for the mosque's reconstruction in 1999, Iesnordin attended the activities held on 13 July 1999 that saw the participation of people from various ethnic groups such as Chinese, Muslims, Hindus, Nyonyas, Chettis, and French residing in Malaysia.

After refurbishment

"Tiles carvings on the roof of the mosque is identical to the ones in Cheng Hoon Temple but were concealed with white spray after the refurbishment," said Iesnordin.

The mosque was built on a square site supported by four symmetrical arches made of "kayu berlian" in the prayer hall. Coral made flower-shaped bunga kesidang ornaments adorned the roof while Dutch tiles were used as roof tiles.

Kampung Kling Mosque was originally built in wood in 1748 and later reconstructed in bricks in 1872. It was subsequently refurbished in 1908 using Dutch roof tiles with a pagoda-like minaret like in Kampung Hulu Mosque. The latest conservation works were carried out in 1999.

"Most people were curious why there were two mosques built within the same area. From what I understand they could belong to different ethnics communities. The Kampung Kling Mosque was named this way because it was erected by Indian Muslims.

"Secondly, Kampung Hulu Mosque was supposed to be demolished by the colonial government and be replaced with a new one but the plan was later cancelled," said Iesnordin.

Muslim living

A key speaker in Islamic living, retired teacher Hajjah Nasri Abbas said she remained adhered to the Islamic faith even after she came into contact with people of different religions during her studies in the United States.

"Among the five rules set by the mosque, one is to attend the Hajj pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime. The children or relatives could be the representatives if a Muslim is incapable of carrying out the duty," said Abbas.

In order to form a good rapport between Muslims and non-Muslims, some non-Muslims would tend to greet Muslims by saying "Assalamuailam." However, Abbas said this is not appropriate as it means "may peace be with you" in Quran.

Abbas added that Muslims pray five times a day just like talking to Allah over the phone. The length of prayers for each session is different. Shorter prayers are practised in the pre-dawn at 5.51a.m. as well as in the evening at 4.30p.m.

Abbas pointed out further that Muslims are encouraged to pray more than five times a day. The prayers could be carried out at home or in praying rooms (surau). However, Muslim men must visit the mosque every Friday to pray with the public. No short pants or undergarments are allowed inside the mosque.

"As for Muslim women, prayers are normally carried out in their private rooms at home. Women should not be seen too often inside the mosque to avoid unnecessary distractions to the men. Due to this reason, females should put on their exclusive prayers costume concealing their whole bodies except face and hands.

"In Afghanistan, females have to cover their face and eyes as well and are not allowed to pray during their menstrual periods, " said Abbas.

New members welcome

Newly appointed Chairman of Friends of Melaka Museums, Haji Shaukani Abbas said the association is a non-government organisation set up long ago. The monthly Melaka Cultural Heritage Tour has so far been organised three times after he took over as chairman.

The organisation offers a lot of perks such as free entrance to museums, discounted prices for museum-related products and access to museum library for reading and research purposes.

The objective is to provide local people with an opportunity and platform to participate, promote and protect our cultural heritage, and strengthen the relationship between the communities with the museums through leisure activities.

Members of the public are welcome to join as members. Membership fees and contact details are as follows:

Individual membership: RM10 per annum
Children: RM2 per annum
Foreign membership: RM10 per annum
Lifetime membership: RM100
Enrolment fees: RM5

Please call 012-612 0618 or 06-282 6526/06-281 1289 for details.

MELAKA OVER-BUILDING COMMERCIAL SHOPS

2012-02-28T01:43:00.003-08:00

28th. February 2012

I went back to Melaka yesterday for a short trip. When I was in Melaka, I had the opportunity to drive from Melaka Raya to Klebang.

Land reclamation works have been done from Melaka Raya until Klebang. More reclamation works are also being undertakened.

If you drive from Melaka Raya to Limbongan via the coastal highway, the reclaimed land on both sides of this coastal road, has been boarded up for new development. There will be new shopping malls, commercial shop houses, SOHO, condominiums and others. You name it and you will find them. Investors are pumping money into the development of this land. Was informed that there will be more than 4,000 shop houses etc. within Limbongan area.

While it is good for the Melaka Historical City Council in collection half yearly assessments from owners of these shops and offices, the question remains is whether Melaka can sustain this rapid development without proper planning.

These shops and offices can turn into empty shell if there is no business to go around. They can be left vacant as there are no tenants to rent these premises.

Pockets of unoccupied shops and offices will occur especially those not facing the main road and if this happens and owners will be be in debt if they cannot service their loans.

Overbuilding is a nightmare for property developers and Melakans will not want to see empty commercial centres dotting around Melaka. Do not follow the herd mentality and let us have a continuous but sustainable growth for Melaka.

RAPTOR WATCH 2012 (MARCH 10-11) IS BACK

2012-02-22T22:37:00.000-08:00

23 February 2012 | last updated at 12:34am

Raptor Watch takes flight for 13th straight year

MALACCA: Raptor Watch, one of the region's biggest bird-watching events, promises yet another exciting spectacle this year.
Organised by the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) in partnership with the Malacca government, the event will take place for the 13th straight year at PNB Ilham Resort, near Tanjung Tuan, on March 10 and 11.

Every year, spectators get to see thousands of raptors, also known as birds of prey, migrate north to their breeding grounds in Siberia, China, the Korean peninsula and Japan from their winter refuge in the south.

Tanjung Tuan, which is gazetted as a forest reserve, is the nearest landfall across the Straits of Malacca from Indonesia and is an important site for the birds to rest or catch thermals before continuing on their journey.

Due to its importance to migratory birds, the 60ha site is designated as an important bird area by Birdlife International.

MNS conserves the forest reserve by promoting Raptor Watch, through which it raises awareness of raptors and the need to conserve their habitat.

Visitors come from Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines and Thailand. Last year, about 2,000 turned up.

This year, MNS hopes to get even more spectators to take part in activities, which include guided walks, eco-talks, games, arts and crafts, an obstacle course and a treasure hunt.

MNS head of communications Andrew Sebastian said last year's raptor count went up to 57,000 birds over more than 40 days.

"This year, we have spotted 141 raptors, which may seem like a small number, but this is a good sign, as it means the birds will come in big numbers in March."

For details, visit http://mnsrw2012.wordpress.com

WILD DOGS OF MELAKA ZOO

2012-02-21T23:11:00.001-08:00

Email Print 18 February 2012

Zoo's success with wild dogs

By HANIS MAKETAB
AYER KEROH
hzmak@nst.com.my

Malacca Zoo boasts of first dhole pups born in captivity in Malaysia

Visitors to Malacca Zoo have the opportunity to see rare dholes, including the first pair of pups born in captivity in Malaysia in August last year. Pic by Mohd Jamah Nasri
1 / 1
Malacca Zoo welcomed the first dhole pups born in captivity in the country recently.
Zoo director Ahmad Azhar Mohammed said the pups -- a male and a female -- were born in August last year and were now six months old.

"We (Malacca Zoo) had received our first dhole, a male, in 2008 from Terengganu while the second dhole, a female, had been sent to us from Zoo Negara in 2010.

"Soon after, the pair mated and... here they are," he told the New Straits Times, gesturing at the pups.

The pups, which had already grown to be nearly as big as their parents, bounded about in their enclosure, perhaps excited by all the attention they were getting from the photographer.

Often, they would approach the chain-link fence separating them from the public, sniffing curiously at those brave enough to come close to them.

Unlike dogs, they did not bark, but rather, let out a high-pitched whining noise or brief yaps.

"Once they are old enough to be separated from their mother, we hope to exchange them with any other zoo that have stock.

"This is to avoid inbreeding."

Ahmad added that in the wild, it was quite rare to come across them, but visitors to the zoo had the opportunity to come and see a family of dholes first-hand.

The dhole, also known as the Asiatic Wild Dog or "anjing hutan", is only found in Asia and Southeast Asia and is classified as "endangered" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

It is estimated that fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remain in the wild and the declining population trend is expected to continue.

The main threats to the species include ongoing habitat loss, depletion of prey base, harassment and possible disease transfer from domestic and feral dogs.

Dholes are unique members of the canid family as they do not fit neatly into any of the sub-families such as foxes or wolf-like dogs and are thus placed in a genus of its own -- cuon.

Scientifically known as the Cuon alpinus, dholes usually have coats that are rusty red in colour with lighter, yellow fur on its underside.

Together with the grey wolf, the African hunting dog and the Amazonian bush dog, the dhole is one of the few dogs that regularly hunts in packs and together are capable of bringing down larger animals such as wild boars and water buffalos, sometimes even tigers.

ANCIENT ARTEFACT IN BABY SHARK STOMACH

2012-02-21T23:05:00.000-08:00

Woman finds ancient Portugese artefact in baby shark

inShare
The Star/Asia News Network
Wednesday, Feb 22, 2012

MALACCA - A baby shark being prepared for lunch gave a family here a big surprise - an ancient artefact believed to be dated long before the Portuguese conquest of Malacca.

Housewife Suseela Menon, from Klebang, made the priceless discovery while filleting the fish for lunch.

It is believed to be a medallion worn by the Portuguese soldiers, presumably as a divine protection, during their conquests in this part of the world in the 16th century.

One side of the medallion is a profile of a woman's head with a crown and encircled by a halo and an inscription that is unclear. The other side is a crucifix with an engraved inscription that read ANTONII.

Checks with a local historian revealed the head engraving could be that of Queen Elizabeth, the consort of King Denis I of Portugal during his reign from 1271 to 1336.

Ms Suseela said she immediately cleaned the medallion and preserved it in a box.

'I bought two sharks from the wet market and was taken aback upon discovering the object inside the stomach of one of the fishes,' said the 47-year-old mother-of-two at her home yesterday.

Ms Suseela had wanted to prepare shark curry for her husband.

'Finally, my husband decided not to eat the fish as the object seems to be a religious item,' she said.

The medallion is 7.4cm long, 6cm wide and weighs 10g.

'My husband feels it is a blessing for the family to have the medallion coming to our home from beneath the sea. We will always cherish it,' said Ms Suseela.

WANGKANG FESTIVAL 2012

2012-02-15T18:57:00.001-08:00

16 February 2012 | Last updated at 12:21AM

Barge-ing into hell to exorcise Malacca's evil spirits
By Jason Gerald John and Kelly Koh Ling Min
MALACCA
streets@nstp.com.my | 0 comments

IF evil spirits are present in a Chinese home, its occupants would call a priest to get rid of the evil spirits, during which time the family has to leave the house until the ceremonial prayers are over.
barge-ing

Goh Kok Him, 57, (left) menunjukkan cara menerima wahyu daripada tuhan bagi perayaan Wangkang kali ke-4 sambil diperhatikan demonstrating how one receives a message from the Ong Yah deity before a ‘wang kang’ festival is held as Te Choon Hua, 51, looks on.
1 / 4

It is certainly a most sombre event.

However, the wang kang (royal barge) festival, which is aimed at exorcising evil spirits, does so in a celebratory manner, with thousands of people thronging the streets of Malacca to witness the significant festivities held once every few decades.

The festival is an age-old tradition of the Hokkien community to "cleanse" a place of evil spirits.

It was held recently for only the fifth time in the last 150 years. Previous celebrations were held in 1919, 1933 and 2001, but there are no records of when the first was held.

The 2012 festival organising committee chairman, Lai Poon Ken, 55, said the wang kang is only held when the temple deity, Ong Yah, receives a message from the heavens to hold the event.

"Evil spirits are blamed for the epidemics and chaotic events that have affected mankind throughout the ages. Cleansing is required for a healthy and happy environment for the people of Malacca.

"Wang kang is a unique event as it is not an annual event like Chinese New Year or Chap Goh Meh. But it is an important event in the Lunar calendar, especially for the Hokkien community with Taoist beliefs.

"Last year, we got the message from Ong Yah, and I was chosen to initiate the festival," said Lai.

As early as 6am, members of the Hokkien community began to gather at the Yong Chuan Tian Temple in Bandar Hilir for the procession.

From the temple, the procession proceeded for 20km along the streets of Malacca, including Jalan Bukit Senjuang, Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho, Jalan Bunga Raya, Jalan Hang Tuah, Jalan Ong Kim Wee, Jalan Tengkera, Jalan Kubu, Jalan Hang Jebat, Jalan Portugis, Jalan Masjid, Jalan Kampung Hulu, Jalan Kota and Jalan Parameswara before heading back to the temple.

Lion and dragon dance troupes, floats with small boats driven by motorcyclists, were among the groups and structures comprising the procession.

There was a chingay troupe showing off their stunts such as balancing a towering flag pole.

There were also stilt-walkers clad in colourful, traditional Chinese costumes, young children throwing candies and Ong Yah who was paraded on a sedan chair.

The procession made several stops when ceremonial sedan chairs were tossed up into the air.

The main attraction of the procession was the quaint but majestic barge.

It was pulled by some 30 devotees with ropes tied on both sides of the barge.

The barge seemed to glide along, even when the procession came across rough patches on roads like Jalan Merdeka, and when going uphill like Jalan Pulau Melaka.

At junctions, or residences of important personages linked to the festival, the chai lian tau (the captain) standing on the barge would wave the centipede-shaped flag several times.

Meanwhile, chai lian kah (the crew) "rowed" the barge with their ornamental oars as they shouted, "peh, peh, peh, lok peh, lok lok peh, lok peh", ("paddle, paddle, paddle away the evil spirits", to the accompaniment of gongs and drums.

In the evening, during the second part of the festival, some 10,000 people made a beeline for Pulau Melaka across the Straits of Malacca, armed with cameras.

Once on the island, they chose several sites from which to best capture a photo of the wang kang procession as it made its way back to the temple and the "unknown realm beyond" as the barge was set ablaze.

At this point, the atmosphere was electrifying as a fireworks display simultaneously lit up the sky with stunning colours.

It is believed the royal barge "took on board" evil spirits as it burnt, thus destroying the malicious demons.

As the barge was burning away, people walked away as well.

They were very careful to not look back.

This was because looking back would bring misfortune by spirits hell-bent to do evil to those tempted to break tradition, even as they burn on their way to annihilation.

Read more: Barge-ing into hell to exorcise Malacca's evil spirits - Central - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/barge-ing-into-hell-to-exorcise-malacca-s-evil-spirits-1.47312#ixzz1mVep5Kub

PREMIUM OUTLET TO BE OPENED IN MELAKA

2012-02-12T18:04:00.000-08:00

Email Print 13 February 2012 | last updated at 03:18am
More Premium Outlets to be opened soon

JOHOR BARU: Two more Premium Outlets will be opened after the opening of the Johor Premium Outlets, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said. She said the opening of more Premium Outlets would contribute to the economy, as well as attract more tourists to do their shopping here.

"We will open more Premium Outlets in Sepang and Malacca," she said after visiting the Johor Premium Outlets here yesterday. "With the opening of more Premium Outlets, we hope spending will increase from the present 30 per cent." Bernama

WANGKANG 2012 ENDS WITH FIERY ENDING

2012-02-07T20:17:00.001-08:00

Tuesday February 7, 2012

Wangkang sweeps away evil and people off their feet
By ALLISON LAI
allison@thestar.com.my

MALACCA: Thousands gathered here to watch the Wangkang or Royal Barge procession that made its way through the streets in the city's older quarter, symbolically sweeping away all evil forces that threaten to disrupt peace and prosperity.

More than 10,000 devotees and tourists witnessed the procession which began at 7.30am from the Yong Chuan Tian Temple in Banda Hilir in conjunction with Chap Goh Mei yesterday.

The procession, after a lapse of 11 years, saw mediums in a trance parading along decorated carriages while the deity Tee Hoo Ong Yah, the third among five “sworn brothers”, and other deities were carried in their respective sedan chairs.
Lighting up the night: The Wangkang being burnt, accompanied by fireworks, at the Pulau Melaka seafront Monday.

The RM80,000 wooden barge, measuring 5.8m in length, 2.4m in width and 6.1m in height passed through several streets before returning to the temple at about 4pm.

Scores of people also gathered along the roads to catch a glimpse of the barge, with some touching it to ward off bad luck.

The day-long procession caused traffic congestion in Banda Hilir as many holidaymakers also flocked to the tourist area.

In the evening, the barge was dragged from the temple towards the Pulau Melaka seafront and burnt after a prayer ceremony, signifying the sending away of evil spirits.

Yuliya Huang, 32, flew from Indonesia to witness the once-in-a-lifetime event.

“I heard of Wangkang from my Malaysian father, but I have not seen one. So I came here with my parents two days ago,” she said.

For Briton Matt Lewis Haskins, 43, from London, it was the first time he had come across a major event like this.

“The event was colourful and great. I am lucky to have witnessed it,” he said.

WANGKANG FESTIVAL FROM 1.2.2012 TO 6.2.2012

2012-02-04T20:21:00.001-08:00

Sunday February 5, 2012

Evil, be gone
By ANDREW SIA
star2@thestar.com.my

A deity ‘instructs’ a Chinese temple’s devotees to build a boat and load evil spirits on it. Why?

IF predictions for the year of the Black Water Dragon are to be believed, we may have to brace ourselves for calamaties such as earthquakes and tsunamis. In light of this, the grand Wangkang (Royal Barge) festival which will take place in Malacca tomorrow could not be more timely.

This time-honoured Chinese festival will see a majestic wooden barge sweep on board all the bad luck and evil spirits from the city’s historic streets before the boat is dragged to the seafront and burnt off ... into the great beyond.

The ceremonial sedan chair that will carry the Tee Ong Yah deity during the Wangkang procession.
The name Wangkang itself is a unique Peranakan or Baba-Nyonya mix of Chinese and Malay words – wang (emperor or royal) and kang (short for tongkang or barge).

“The year is said to be beset by calamities. Moreover, this is a leap lunar year with a double fourth month, which is considered less auspicious,” explains Lai Poon Ken, 59, the festival’s organising chairman.

“By sending away all evil forces, we believe this ceremony will benefit Malacca and the whole country as well. We were told by our temple’s deity, Tee Ong Yah, that we should hold it this year,” adds this chartered accountant and businessman who once worked in England.

A deity directly giving instructions to its devotees? This is not the only revelation about the Wangkang event. Another surprise is that many of the organisers are English-educated Chinese Malaysians.

Before getting into that, more on the festival tomorrow, which is Chap Goh Meh, the 15th day of Chinese New Year. This may be the best time to visit this heritage city, as a piece of history comes alive in all its glory. To get an idea of its historical pedigree, the Wangkang of 1933 had an estimated 100,000 people of all races coming in steamer ships, trains, cars and bullock carts to witness the procession in Malacca. As noted in the (Singapore) Straits Times then, every available bed in town was taken and hundreds slept in the open, while all Chinese houses were decorated with red lanterns/cloths.

The festival was held to alleviate the effects of the Great Depression of the 1930s, and whether by coincidence or otherwise, there was a subsequent rise in rubber prices.

Huge crowds were in Malacca to witness the Wangkang festival of 1919.
Rich history

According to the late Dr Tan Seng Tee, as recorded in the Malacca Guardian newspaper (Nov 26, 1933), Wangkangs have been organised during troubled times such as in 1905 (the Russian-Japanese war and the Chinese boycott of American goods) and 1919 (when a global flu epidemic broke out after World War I).

Dr Tan took part in the rituals himself in 1905 and remembered how the costumes were decorated with gold and diamonds, and cost from 500 to 10,000 Straits dollars – princely sums in those days.

In Malacca, the festival was first held, as far as Dr Tan could trace, in 1846, and then took place every five or eight years. It was stopped in 1880 but revived in 1891 during an outbreak of virulent cholera. After Dr Tan’s time, the festival was dormant for 68 years before it was revived in 2001 during the height of the SARS epidemic which jeopardised tourism in Malacca.

According to Dr Soo Khin Wah from the Department of Chinese Studies, Universiti Malaya, the Wangkang customs were brought to Malacca by Hokkien migrants who were fleeing persecution during the Qing or Manchu Dynasty (1644 to 1911)in China. In the Chiang Chew and Chuan Chew districts of Fujian province, China, five deities or Ong Yahs with the surnames Choo, Hoon, Tee, Lee and Pek (in order of seniority) were worshipped.

When the Hokkiens brought their deities to Malacca, the locals came to regard them as their patron saints.

“In dire times when pestilences or other calamities threatened, they invoked the help of the Ong Yahs,” Soo explains. The fact that the deities have surnames indicates that they were once human.

“The term Ong Yah can also mean the Emperor’s district representative,” explains Lai. “Sometimes people will scold: Lu si Ong Yah meh? It’s like saying: Are you a Little Napoleon?”

One legendary origin of the Ong Yahs, as recounted by Dr Tan in the Malacca Guardian, has it that during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), the emperor wanted to test the powers of a Taoist high priest. And so, as 360 scholars were playing music in his palace, the priest sprinkled some rice and salt on the floor and struck it with his magic sword, severing all the scholars’ heads.

That very night, the indignant souls appeared before the emperor and demanded their lives back from him. Following the intervention of the Heavenly Jade Emperor, the earthly ruler canonised the restless souls as Ong Yahs, declaring that wherever they went, they would be worshipped. And, as fable has it, five of the 360 went to the two aforementioned districts of Fujian province where they became deities.

Paranormal

After sifting through the myths, what is real to the devotees in Malacca are the deities’ (supposed) supernatural powers. The Wangkang organising committee is based at the Yong Chuan Tian temple in Bandar Hilir (now known as Jalan Parameswara) which houses Tee Ong Yah. This is the third of the five deities, but he is considered to be the leader who sits in the middle.

The temple’s official name means “the court of perfect bravery” but the feats of the deity are such that the place is more commonly known in Malacca as Ong Yah Kong, or simply, Ong Yah’s temple.

Three times a week, people come to consult the deity about their problems. And how does the deity answer? An Astro documentary on the temple shows a strange force seemingly “possessing” a small sacred chair (which is held by two people) and moving it all over a special table with a rubberised surface.

The chair’s movements mimic the strokes of Chinese characters which are promptly deciphered by a dou tau (table chief). At times, the chair hits the table so violently that the assistants’ hands are injured. Ah, so the rubber makes sense.

“We’ve replaced a few broken chairs,” says Lai.

Soh Boon Chye, 40, the tua ching or temple’s chief of ceremonial rites, explains: “Those holding the chairs do not go into a trance; the deity moves the chair and the holders just follow the force.”

The spiritual army protecting the Royal Barge in its shipyard are represented by these horses which are ‘fed’ with live grass.
And so, this is how the deity directed the temple committee to organise the Wangkang.

Lai relates: “Ong Yah told us not just the date for the festival but everything else too, like when to start work, how big the boat should be, and where to set up the shipyard.”

When the deity is not busy “writing”, he will be directing his healing energy – via gentle movements of the chair – to the temple’s supplicants.

Dr Soo from Universiti Malaya says that Tee Ong Yah, a deity distinguished by his distinct black face, has been remarkably successful in curing people, thus making the temple increasingly popular among worshippers.

Surprisingly, the spirit-inspired chair was a lost tradition at the temple until Soh was contacted by some people from Brunei out of the blue.

“There is a temple there with the same Ong Yah who told the Brunei devotees to come to the Malacca temple to look for someone with my surname,” recalls this sales manager.

When they met, Soh was told that he had been “chosen” to revive the Ong Yah’s ancient customs.

“Some people may think we are putting on an act. When I went to Brunei in 2001, I also had doubts. When I first held the chair, it didn’t move at all for an hour. Instead, some kind of force caused my head, arms and legs to move uncontrollably until I was sweating all over and almost had cramps. Later, when the force moved the chair, I tried to stop my hands from following it, but couldn’t.”

The gilted entrance of the main hall of the Yong Chuan Tian temple.
Blessings and taboos

As I was taken around Malacca by the committee members to the other deities’ temples, I came to realise how history was so near, yet so far, for the average visitor. Of the five Ong Yahs, two of them (with the surnames Hoon and Lee) have temples at Malacca’s central artery of Jonker Walk, yet all the tourist action is at the pasar malam selling cheap handicrafts from Bali and Thailand.

In this sense, the celebration of the Wangkang is a reaffirmation that there is much more depth to Malacca’s heritage than just food and shopping.

The Royal Barge itself is 6m long with a 7.6m high mast. Made of merbau timber and five-layered plywood, it took three months to build at a cost of RM80,000.

“The man who led the team was a mosaic layer with no experience in building boats,” says Lai. “He could do it, thanks to inspiration from the Ong Yah.”

Every step was instructed by the deity. For instance, between 7am and 9am on the 14th day of the 8th lunar month of the last Rabbit Year, they were to begin construction with the erection of a koh teng (high lamp) on a 15.8m high bamboo pole, and install the koon chong and ngoh hong, the generals and armies guarding the Wangkang shipyard, which lies behind the main Ong Yah temple.

On the 23rd day of the 11th lunar month, a ritual sampan was used to collect water from the legendary Hang Li Po well at the Poh San Teng temple next to Bukit Cina.

“The water was put in a pail; half of it was for devotees to drink while the other half was placed on the boat,” says Soh.

On the same day, a gold nail was fixed to the boat by two unmarried devotees born in the year of the Dragon and the Tiger. In a nod to modernity, Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam officially launched the festival website (www.yongchuantian.com) on Dec 11 last year.

On Chap Goh Meh tomorrow, teams of devotees will put their hands on a special 108-foot (32.9m) long rope and pull the boat (on a wheeled platform) all over the city. “Everybody can help out to share in the merits,” notes Soh.

The plans for the procession seem more like a majestic flotilla, as the Royal Barge will be accompanied by five smaller boats, as well as cultural troupes such as dragon and lion dancers, stilt walkers, a Chingay group (which will carry huge flags acrobatically) and over 100 musicians from various temples.

The five Ong Yahs will be the focus of attention, as they are carried around in elaborate sedan chairs by devotees. The black-faced statue of Tee Ong Yah from the Yong Chuan Tian temple, will be joined by the eldest of the five deities, the Choo Ong Yah from the Kandang Temple (on the outskirts of town) and three more Ong Yahs from other temples.

“The procession will start at 7.30am from our temple and go around town the whole day, stopping at 15 key junctions,” explains Lai. “We will perform ceremonies where all evil spirits and influences will be ordered to get on the boat, upon the command of the san junn hau lin or the spiritual warriors of heaven, earth and sea.”

Under the force: Soh Boon Chye (left), chief of ceremonial rites, and Chua Sek Tiong demonstrating how the Tee Ong Yah deity communicates by causing a sacred chair to move and form Chinese characters.
In the Wangkangs of 1933 and earlier, the boat was accompanied through town by a barefooted crew called the Chai Lian, who would sing a sacred song while making paddling motions with ornamental oars. However, this tradition could not be revived.

“We know the words of the song,” says Lai. “But we are not sure of the tune and the exact rites. Nobody dares to try it out for fear of getting it wrong.”

Instead, five Taoist high priests from Muar will be leading the cleansing rites. They will also be accompanied by mediums, some of whom may have their cheeks or tongues pierced with metal rods, in a manner similar to the rites of Thaipusam (which falls the very next day on Feb 7).

Daniel Ang, 42, a Baba businessman whose ancestors were actively involved in the festival, recalls a traditional pantang (taboo).

“If anyone were to mock or make fun of the boat as it goes through the streets, he may become mute. I was brought up to respect the Wangkang. It’s a very sacred event and we should not play the fool with it.”

The climax will see the boat – and its load of evils – being hauled to the sea at Pulau Melaka where it will be set alight and perish in a huge bonfire.

Lai advises: “When the boat is burning, people are advised to go away and not look back.”

Whatever our beliefs may be, turning our backs on bad luck and evil must surely be the right thing to do in 2012.

WANGKANG FESTIVAL 2012

2012-02-02T03:46:00.001-08:00

Email    Print 02 February 2012 | last updated at 12:51am
Sending a boatload of evil spirits back to hell

By KELLY KOH LING MIN
MALACCA
news@nst.com.my | 0 comments

Rare procession to rid Malacca of misfortune

A Wangkang organising committee member preparing the wooden boat that will be paraded around the streets of Malacca on Feb 6 to collect evil spirits and negative elements.

Pic by Mohd Khairul Helmy
1 / 1
IT is not an annual event like Chinese New Year or Chap Goh Mei, but the Wangkang Festival is nevertheless important in the Chinese calendar, especially for the Hokkien community.

Wangkang is a festival which is believed to have its beginnings 150 years ago and it comes around once in several decades. This is only the fifth time that it is held in Malacca in the form of a boat procession.

The last three Wangkang festivals took place in 1919, 1933 and 2001, and there are no records on when the first was held in the country.

The event is aimed at ridding evil spirits in the state and country. It may be a once in a lifetime experience as it is only held when the medium at the temple gets the command from the heavens.

The 2012 Wangkang organising committee chairman, Lai Poon Pen, 55, said instructions from the "Heaven God" stated that this year is an unfortunate year as Malacca would be struck by disasters.

"It was last year when we got this important message, and I was chosen to carry out the festival."

   It is also known as the King Barge Festival and it is a tradition of the Chinese Peranakan, whose ancestors migrated to Malacca from the Hokkien-speaking provinces of China during the colonial era.

   "The idea of having the Wangkang boat procession around town is to collect evil spirits, wandering souls and other negative elements on the road, and send them away to bring in health, peace and happiness to the people of Malacca.

   "The festival starts with the rising of the koh teng, an oil lamp on a 12m bamboo pole, to send a message to heaven that an important event will be held soon.

   "As for the boat, we have different names for it each year. In 1919, it was called Lian An, meaning united peace while in 1933, the boat was named Ming An, which means people's peace. It was Jia An in 2001, meaning Malacca peace, and this year, it is Chuan An which means total peace," said Lai at the Yong Chuan Tian Temple in Banda Hilir yesterday.

He said the 5.8m-long, 2.5m-wide and 2m-high boat was made of wood by five committee members.

"The RM80,000 boat will be loaded with rice, water, wine, joss paper, herbs, pots, pans, stoves, and supplies for the evil spirits as we believe there should be an equilibrium between heaven, earth and hell."

Lai said the Tourism Ministry gave RM10,000 and the state government provided RM15,000 towards the cost of building the boat.

The rest of the money was collected from the people.

The Wangkang will be paraded in the streets here on Feb 6 -- the last day of Chinese New Year which is also Chap Goh Mei -- before being set ablaze in a bonfire.

Read more: Sending a boatload of evil spirits back to hell - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/local/general/sending-a-boatload-of-evil-spirits-back-to-hell-1.40726#ixzz1lDxA289x

2 NEW HOTELS FOR MELAKA CHINATOWN

2012-01-27T00:09:00.000-08:00

Two new hotels have opened at the Melaka Newchinatown area of Jalan Kee Ann and Jalan Pasar Baru.

Best Western Wana Riverside Hotel has their soft opening in end December 2011. Located just besides the romantic Melaka River, they have deluxe and standard rooms with rates around RM 140.00 and RM 160.00 only.

Best Western is part of the Best Western Group of Hotels around the world which manages 3 Star, 4 Star and 5 Star Chains of hotels.

The other hotel is Prima Hotel Melaka which has 88 rooms. Had their soft launch on 22nd. January 2012 just before the Chinese New Year of the Dragon. Located in front of Kheless Supermarket in Jalan Kee Ann, the building used to be a Malay Bazaar.

The hotel developer has turned the premises in to a 3 star hotel. Room rates is around RM 120.00 per night only.

Very suitable for visitors who want a decent and clean hotel room for their stay in Melaka.

Both hotels are well located as they are within walking distance to Jonker's Walk and the core Heritage area.

Currently, we have Mimosa Hotel, Goldleaf Hotel and Hallmark Inn around the area.

HANG TUAH EXISTENCE DEBATE IS IRRELEVANT

2012-01-26T22:17:00.000-08:00

27 January 2012 | last updated at 02:48am

'Existence debate is irrelevant, focus should be on values'

MALACCA: Malacca Museums Department director Datuk Khamis Abas said the world can debate whether or not Hang Tuah existed "until the cows come home", but it would not benefit anyone even if the contention was proven either way.

Datuk Khamis Abas says whether Hang Tuah is fictitious or not is irrelevant. Pic by Mohd Jamah Nasri
1 / 1
"I believe that Hang Tuah exists, and my beliefs are based on historical facts. This is true for Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu; but it really does not matter," he said when contacted by the New Straits Times yesterday.
Khamis said what the people know of Hang Tuah today was that he was a great commander, warrior and friend who stood for loyalty to duty above all else.

"Hikayat Hang Tuah (metaphorically or historically) spelled an archaic Malaccan landscape, which was prosperous but also under threat from rival nation states at the same time.

"The values held by Hang Tuah illustrate how having certain values could ensure order and peace, and how after his departure Malacca's condition worsened."

Khamis said it was irrelevant whether Hang Tuah was fictitious or not.

"We can juxtapose the highly regarded values held by Hang Tuah then, with the challenges faced by modern Malaysians today.

"If we look into what Hang Tuah can teach us, we can find valuable guidance which can improve us as individuals and then collectively as a nation."

Khamis said the public should adopt a more "progressive" approach in thinking, and should not limit their scope of study.

"We should explore the various qualities Hang Tuah is said to possess, for example understanding Hang Tuah not only as a warrior, but as a manager, politician or strategist.

"Debating on whether Hang Tuah was real or fictitious, handsome or ugly, or whether he preferred one colour over another, will not benefit Malaysians much."

WANGKANG FESTIVAL FROM 1.2.2012 TO 6.2.2012

2012-01-24T23:55:00.001-08:00

If you to witness a unique festival, come and visit Melaka from 1st. to 6th. February 2012.

A Wangkang Festival is to be held during this period. This festival was last held in 2001 and 1933. A procession will be held around the streets of Melaka on the last day i.e. on 6th. February 2012.

The Wangkang will be paraded around the streets before it is burnt in the Melaka Straits at Pulau Melaka.

Come and join in the festivities in Melaka.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR IN THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

2012-01-24T23:35:00.000-08:00

LONG AWAITED MELAKA TRAM TO BEGIN OPERATIONS IN APRIL 2013

2012-01-16T22:47:00.000-08:00

Meanwhile, the much-awaited Melaka Tram, the world's first environmentally friendly tram that runs on a Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) engine, is expected to begin operations in April next year.

The RM272 million project linking Ayer Keroh and Banda Hilir, described as the most effective mode of transport to overcome the traffic woes in the Historical City, would take one year to complete once construction starts in April.

Ali said that details of the project were being displayed at three locations in the state and also at the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) office in Menara Dayabumi, Kuala Lumpur.

"The public can give their feedback after studying the project details at the Melaka Mall and at Wisma Negeri, both in Ayer Keroh, and also at the Tourist Information Centre in Jalan Kota.

The Melaka Tram, a joint venture between Mrails International Sdn Bhd and Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), would have 23 stops along a 40km-route from Ayer Keroh to Banda Hilir, the heart of the historical city.

The tram is a rail borne vehicle, lighter than a train and differed from other forms of locomotion, as the tracks were embedded in the street.

It would be able to accommodate 120 passengers at any one time, cater to the disabled because of its ground-level design and would operate at a speed of 40kmh.

Ticket for the tram ride will be priced at RM2 for a single journey but students and senior citizens could ride for free. A day pass, priced at RM5, would also available.

HERITAGE TAX AT RM 2.00 PER ROOM PER NIGHT FROM 1.4.2012

2012-01-16T22:46:00.001-08:00

RM2 Heritage Tax from April 1

By JASON GERALD JOHN AND HANIS MEKETAB
news@nst.com.my | 0 comments

Malacca hopes to collect RM7m a year from tourists staying at lodging facilities
MALACCA: Come April 1, all guests at hotels, resorts, chalets, apartments and lodging facilities in Malacca would have to pay a Heritage Tax, which would be used to help preserve heritage sites in the city centre.
However, instead of the five per cent surcharge on the published room rate as announced last year, it has been fixed at a flat rate of RM2.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the state hoped to collect about RM7 million annually once the tax comes into force.

"The RM2 Heritage Tax would be collected from 241 premises such as hotels, resorts, chalets, apartments and lodging facilities which currently provide some 12,857 rooms for both locals and foreigners.

"The five per cent surcharge on the published room rate referred to as Heritage Tax was supposed to come into force last September but hoteliers did not agree to it.

"But this time around, the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Malaysian Budget Hotels Association (MBHA) and the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO) proposed to us to set the Heritage Tax at RM2 and we agreed.

"The Heritage Tax is solely for the preservation and conservation of the heritage sites in the city centre which were recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco)," he said after meeting hoteliers at the Seri Negeri Auditorium, here, yesterday.

Ali said that the state was planning to introduce the tax on Feb 1 but had to postpone it to April 1, as local and foreign tour agents have contracts signed with them till March 31.

Ali said visitors staying in the Historical City should consider the surcharge as their contribution towards the conservation of the local heritage sites.

HERITAGE TAX FOR ROOMS FIXED AT RM 2.00 PER ROOM ONLY

2012-01-16T02:06:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2012 17:53 PM
Melaka Abolishes 5 Percent Heritage Charge, Replaces It With RM2 Charge
MELAKA, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The state government has abolished the five percent heritage charge imposed on hotels, lodging houses and homestays and replaced it with a RM2 charge.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the charge was abolished because of objections by hotel, lodging house and homestay operators who felt it had a negative impact on their businesses.

"Discussions were held today with their representatives whereby they have agreed to the new charge," he told reporters after a dialogue on the heritage charge, here today.

Mohd Ali said based on the RM2 charge, guests would only have to add RM2 to their room rates.

He said the RM2 charge which would involve 12,000 hotel rooms, lodging houses and homestays throughout Melaka was expected to be enforced in April.

"The state expects to collect at least RM4 million each year from the charge, which would be utilised for developing the tourism sector.

"Operators must duly settle the charge monthly with the local authorities such as the Melaka Historical City Council, Hang Tuah Jaya municipal council, Alor Gajah municipal council and Jasin municipal council," he said.

He added that a heritage charge implementing committee would be formed to facilitate the process.

-- BERNAMA

NO PROPER JETTY FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS

2012-01-15T22:08:00.000-08:00

Monday January 16, 2012

No proper jetty for cruise passengers

I REFER to K.T. Teh’s “Let’s make Malaysia ‘Best in Asia’ tour destination” (The Star, Jan 11).

I visit the Malacca jetty area almost every week as an agent for the cruise ship calling on Malacca.

Our efforts to get some improvements to the jetty from the state government to attract more tourists have not been fruitful.

The state government has arranged to dredge the river mouth towards the CIQ building that is under construction but the dredging will not in anyway assist in promoting tourism via sea.

There is no proper jetty for these passengers to disembark. The vessels drop anchor near the river mouth and tourists are transferred to the jetty which is congested with fishing/cargo boats and is an eyesore.

The state government has done nothing to improve this.

Though the jetty may be privately owned, the state government’s participation to transform the area is inevitable.

There is a lot of red tape over the dredging, and when we requested for assistance from the government for the jetty they are not able to assist due to the cost factor.

While the Tourism Ministry is doing the promotion on one side, the bureaucracy at the state level is pulling in the opposite direction.

How can tourism be expected to grow?

One officer even had the cheek to say: “We are not interested in your tourists”.

This kind of attitude will kill not boost the tourism industry.

It is high time the ministry steps in to check what is happening in Malacca and come up with a real action plan to boost the industry.

DRAGON MAN,

Port Klang.

CAN MELAKA SUSTAIN 20 MILLION VISITORS?

2012-01-12T22:38:00.000-08:00

A thought just occurred to me recently.

In 2008, just before Melaka was declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO, Melaka received 7.2 Million visitors to our City. In 2009, it jumped to 8.9 Million while 2010 we registered 10 Million. In 2011, the figures showed that Melaka received 11 Million visitors.

Though local Malaysians visited Melaka over the years, foreign visitors have also come to visit us in rising numbers. Most visits are over the weekend where Singaporeans make up the most visitors. Other visitors include Chinese, Indonesians, Thais, Indians, Australians and others.

There is a drop in visitors from Sundays to Thursdays and also hotel rooms are plentiful available during this period except over the weekends.

This means we should have activities to entice visitors to come to Melaka during normal days eg. for conventions, business courses, meetings and other artistic and cultural activities. We cannot just rely on weekend visitors.

In 2011, we received 11 million visitors. If we target 1 million extra visitors for each year from 2012 onwards, we can receive 20 million visitors by 2020!!!

A lot of marketing and concerted effort by all must be done if we were to reach this magical figure.

We need to look into the congestion problems eg. car parking within the historical zones, tram system to allow car parks in zones outside the historical city, hotel rooms for our guests ( both luxurious and budget ), cleanliness, entertainment, services and many other aspects to make our guests fill comfortable during their stay here.

New modes to entice visitors to Melaka must also be done eg. cruise liners, chartered flights to our new Melaka International airport, High Speed train system from Singapore or Bangkok, chartered buses, taxis, private cars etc. Getting into and out of Melaka must be done seamlessly and with ease.

We have to make our expansion sustainable and as green as possible so that more and more visitors will enjoy their stay in Melaka.

NEW YORK TIMES RECOMMENDS MELAKA AS ONE OF 45 CITIES TO VISIT

2012-01-09T02:09:00.000-08:00

Monday January 9, 2012

Malacca among 45 ‘must-visit’ places

KUALA LUMPUR: Malacca has been listed by influential The New York Times as one of the 45 places to visit this year. “With its lantern-lighted canals and silent, narrow streets lined with decades-old ornate temples and shophouses, few places in South-East Asia conjure romantic images of the past as effectively as Malacca,” it said in a write-up which became its second most-read story of the day. Under the heading “

The 45 Places to Go in 2012”, it said that Malacca, as a Unesco World Heritage site, had been captivating “record numbers of tourists lured by its unusual architecture and cuisine, which reflect centuries of foreign influences”. “When you’re not exploring places like the 17th-century former Dutch town hall or Jonker Street’s antique shops, gorge on

Malacca’s outstanding local specialties, like creamy, piquant nyonya laksa at the family-run Donald & Lily’s.”World heritage: According to ‘The New York Times’, Malacca offers tourists unusual architecture and cuisine which reflect centuries of foreign influences.

Other Asian places which it recommended were Myanmar, Tokyo, Lhasa (Tibet), Halong Bay (Vietnam), Moganshan (China), Kerala (India), Koh Rong (Cambodia) and South Korea. Besides recommending the always popular cities such as London (The Olympics! The Queen! Charles Dickens turns 200!), Vienna and Florence, it also recommended a number of places less travelled such as Antarctica. It described Antarctica as “still remote and exotic. Now, luxurious too”.

But the clincher was its suggestion for a trip to space. “It’s not just the imaginings of science fiction geeks. Pretty soon anyone with US$200,000 (RM620,000) will be able to travel to the last frontier.” It noted that Richard Branson founded Virgin Galactic in 2004 with the goal of pioneering commercial flights to space.

“Last year, the company began test-flying SpaceShipTwo, an aircraft that will enable two pilots and six passengers to travel to suborbital space. “Although no launch date has been confirmed (a 2012 date was pushed to 2013), about 450 people from around the globe have already purchased tickets – the first passengers will be (surprise!) Richard Branson and his two children, Sam and Holly.” E-mail this story Print this story

MELAKA RIVER CRUISE

2012-01-01T02:30:00.000-08:00

A cruise worth taking in Malacca I WOULD like to congratulate the Malacca River Cruise for being awarded the Malaysia Tourism Awards 2010/2011 under the Man-Made Attraction category. I have taken the cruise a few times and each time I have come away with great satisfaction.

The cruise itself is a success story which can be used as a point of reference for other tourist sites. I remember years back when Malacca River was nothing more than a dirty river. Visitors to the historical city would never want to look at the dirty, smelly river. Kampung Morten was dimly lit. Mangrove and lalang grew on both sides of the river. Clothes hung everywhere as the river served as a backyard to houses.

Today, throughout the cruise, the river is beautifully and colourfully lit. The stench is no longer there. Kampung Morten is a great example of Malay traditional houses and it glows majestically at night. A jogging track has replaced the mangrove swamp and lalang and pedestrians can now walk along the river that has many benches for visitors to rest.

Many bridges were renovated and upgraded with beautiful sculptures. The laundry has been replaced by creative wall murals painted by art students depicting historical events of Malacca. Wow! What a transformation!

The Malacca River today was rejuvenated through collaborative efforts and hardwork by many departments and also the people of Malacca. Congratulations again to all who were and are involved in this project.

Please continue to further improve this river cruise. I hope to see new things added the next time I take the cruise. Do continue to make Malaysia and Malacca proud! Tahniah.

T.K. TEH, Kuala Lumpur.

MELAKA FAIRYLAND ON CHRISTMAS

2011-12-21T23:32:00.001-08:00

Thursday December 22, 2011
Malacca Christmas fairyland comes alive

MALACCA: Come Christmas, the Portuguese Settlement here turns into a large fairyland. Having hosted the national Christmas open house celebrations twice, no expense is spared to make this time of year special.

Many homeowners have outdone each other in their Christmas decorations, especially lighting.

According to the settlement's regedor Peter Gomez, some have spent up to RM10,000 to decorate their homes.

“We maintain the true spirit of Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ brings light to the world, and want to ensure that visitors who come here are truly captivated,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Malacca Government's Portuguese community advisor Joseph Sta Maria said the community was hoping that a Minister for Minority Affairs would be appointed.

MELAKA BIRD PARK

2011-12-19T18:15:00.001-08:00

December 18, 2011 17:05 PM

Melaka Bird Park To Emulate Singapore's Success - Mohd Ali

From Nasarudin Omar

SINGAPORE, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- The Melaka Government wants the Melaka Bird Park, currently under construction, to emulate the success achieved by the management of the Jurong Bird Park here.

Singing praises of the republic's bird park which has the largest number and species of birds in the world, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said.

"I am fascinated by its natural background, as well as the upgrades made on the bird park over the years.

"This will be a good example for the Melaka Government (to follow).

Speaking to reporters on Saturday after a three-hour visit to the bird park which was opened to the public on Jan 3, 1971, Mohd Ali was given a briefing by Wildlife Reserves Singapore Chief Executive Officer Isabella Loh and Jurong Bird Park General Manager R. Raja Segran.

The Melaka Bird Park will house 300 species on a 1.8 hectare of land in Taman Botanikal, Ayer Keroh, when it is set up by early 2013.

This new tourism product of Melaka is part of the second phase of a landscape and tourism facilities development project spanning 92.5 hectares in Melaka's Botanical Park.

Mohd Ali said Melaka would work with the management of the Jurong Bird Park which had maintained its popularity among tourists since it began operating about 40 years ago.

"I am amused by the performance of a parrot here which can speak in several languages, as well as a scarlet macaw (another parrot species) which is able to fly to deliever a written message," he added.

The chief minister said Melaka was also interested in buying the bird park's monorail, which runs 1.72km, for installation at the botanical park.

"We will see if the monorail is suitable for use," said Mohd Ali, who was informed by Isabella that the Jurong Bird Park monorail would be replaced with a tram.

-- BERNAMA

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 AND GONG XI FA CAI

2011-12-16T01:26:00.000-08:00

In two weeks' time, we will be celebrating Merry Christmas and the end of 2011. We will usher in the New Year 2011 as well. At the same time, by the 3rd. Week of January 2012, billions of Chinese around the world will celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Golden Dragon. All these festivities will be celebrated within 1 month.

As we celebrate X'mas, New Year and Chinese New Year, may we take this opportunity to wish everyone well. May Peace prevail around the World so that everyone can enjoy happiness, wealth and health. Let us usher in these celebrations by sharing with the unfortunate and provide them with warmth and joy as we are One of the Kind in this Earth of ours.

Happy Holidays and Happy Celebrations to Everyone.

www.tourism-melaka.com

MELAKA WILDLIFE THEATRE HAS OPENED SINCE 26.11.2011

2011-12-11T21:36:00.000-08:00

Melaka newest tourist attraction, Melaka Wildlife Theatre, has opened on 26th. November 2011. Located at Pulau Melaka, visitors can come to view their shows at 3.00pm and 6.00pm daily.

Entrance fees are RM 20.00 for Adults and RM 15.00 per person for Senior Citizens and Children.

Drive to Melaka Raya and turn right at the junction in front of Malacca Club. Drive towards Pulau Melaka and turn the first right at the roundabout.

Let us come and join in the fun with the Star Sea Lions and their friends at Wildlife Theatre, Melaka.

ENJOY

MELAKA-SUMATRA POWER LINE PROJECT IN THE WORKS

2011-12-11T21:30:00.000-08:00

December 09, 2011 16:06 PM

Melaka-Sumatera Power Line Project Creates Strategic Partnership - Chief Minister

By Noor Azmi Hamdan

MEDAN, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the RM1.2 billion electrical cable project near Telok Gong, Alor Gajah, would create a strategic partnership in energy usage between his state and Sumatera.

He said the project that involves a collaboration between Malaysia's Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and Indonesia's PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), had been agreed upon by the two parties last year.

It would be implemeted in two phases with the first scheduled to commence in 2014 and completed three years later, he told reporters after the 8th Governor and Chief Minister Forum in conjunction with the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Conference here.

Under phase one, the project would generate up to 300MW of power while phase two 600MW, he said.

"It's one of the master plan programmes between Melaka and Sumatera, and through this collaboration, we don't need to build many electric generating stations because the two regions can share electrical power," he said.

MELAKA CHIEF MINISTER TO LAUNCH OFFICIAL WEBSITEOF WANGKANG FESTIVAL 2012

2011-12-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

On Sunday 11th.December 2011, the Melaka Chief Minister YAB Datuk Seri Mohd.Ali Rustam has been invited to officially launch the official website of the Wangkang 2012 festival in Melaka.

The members of the public are also invited to witness this event.

The event will be held from 1st. February to 6th.February 2012 which the climax of this festival will be the procession of the Wangkang over 20km through the streets of Melaka City. The Wangkang will be burnt off Pulau Melaka at the end of the Festival.

For details, log into : www.yongchuantian.com.

WANGKANG FESTIVAL IN MELAKA FROM 1ST.FEBRUARY TO 6TH.FEBRUARY 2012

2011-12-09T18:10:00.001-08:00

10th.December 2011

After an absence of 10 years, the Wangkang Festival will be held again in the historic city of Melaka from 1st.to 6th. February 2012.

This Wangkang Festival was held in 1933, 2001 and now in 2012.

The Wangkang Festival is of Hokkien origin, and it is held in China, only in Chiang Chew Hoo and Chuan Chew Hoo ( 2 very large districts of the Hokkien province ) and in Malacca.

In the early days, it was also held in Manila, but I don’t know whether it is still being held there or not. I have heard of it also being held in Sarawak.

During the persecution of the Chinese by the Manchus in the Ching Dynasty about 3 centuries ago, a great many Hokkien people emigrated from China and some of them sailed towards Malaya, and the first country they reached was Malacca, where they settled down and worshipped the Ong Yahs as they had been used to in their own country.

As customary, their descendants – the Straits-Born Chinese – followed their footsteps in worshipping five Ong Yahs and this is why Malacca is the only place in Malaya, where the Wangkang procession is held.

This festival was last held in Melaka in 2001 and 1933. Now, a procession ofthe Wangkang through the streets of Melaka City which covers over 20km, will be held on 6th. February 2012 before the Wangkang will be burnt in the Straits of Melaka off Pulau Melaka.

This is a festival for all and all are invited to witness this once a lifetime event. Tourists will be able to witness this unforgettable event and to take part in festival which will be held from 1st. Februaryto6th. February 2012.

For more details and read aboutthis festival, please log into: www.yongchuantian.com.

MELAKA 500 YEARS ON

2011-11-28T02:25:00.000-08:00

Sunday November 27, 2011

500 years on
By N. RAMA LOHAN
star2@thestar.com.my

Yes, we all know the Portuguese came and conquered Malacca in 1511 — but did you know that they tried to take the Sultan’s magnificent bed back to Portugal?

IN the port town of Belem, near Lisbon, a map of the ancient world etched on the ground near the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) has Malacca carefully noted on it. Or “Malaca”, as it’s spelt there. It’s only fitting that this European town on the other side of the world marks our little city/state because it was from Belem that seafaring Portuguese in the 15th and 16th century set off to explore and trade with India and the Orient during the Age Of Discovery – and Malacca’s role during that age was very much more than just a footnote in both Portugal and Malaysia’s history

This year marks the quincentenary of the capture of the famously-rich and thriving port back in 1511 by the second Viceroy of India, Admiral Alfonso de Albuquerque. Of course, anyone who has ever gone through the Malaysian school system will know that date, and the events and consequences of the time the “white man” came to these shores. But behind the sweeping events on history’s stage are intriguing nuggets known mostly to historians or students of history alone. For instance, according to the Portuguese, Sultan Mahmud Shah, the then ruling Sultan of Malacca, was an opium addict! Though the The Malay Annals (Sejarah Melayu) does state that he was also fond of literature and studied religion....

Malacca in the world: In the Mappa Mundi (World Map) etched into the ground in Belem, ‘Malaca’ is about the only location noted for this part of the world (close up, below, right), a sign of the city-state’s influence in the 16th century.
Rocking the status quo

Two years before the landmark events of 1511, though, Portugal and Malacca were already in conflict when Admiral Diego Lopez de Sequeira arrived at the trade-rich entrepot at the behest of Portugal’s king, Emmanuel I, to establish trading ties.

The Portuguese themselves had only then recently rid themselves of Moorish domination within the Iberian Peninsula, a liberation after 800 years. Almost as a backlash, the need to spread their Christian faith grew exponentially, and coupled with the desire to extend its trade dominance, the Portuguese eventually became the first global empire and the longest lasting of the European colonial empires, spanning nearly 600 years.

“Before the Portuguese found their way to India and further to the Far East, the Muslim Moors controlled the spice trade to Europe. Wresting this control was seen as a commercial gain as well as a religious duty – an extension of the crusades the Christians had long waged against the Muslims,” reveals historian Dr Khasnor Johan, who taught history at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia from 1974-1992 and has the book The Emergence Of The Modern Malay Administrative Elite to her name.

Christianity and the Europeans’ trade request were entertained with little courtesy and the reigning Sultan of the time, Sultan Mahmud Shah, egged on by Gujerati Muslim traders who were hard-done-by the Portuguese previously, chose to attack the very first Portuguese fleet to arrive in Malacca.

“The presence of the Portuguese would have been seen as additional competition and a threat to the status quo, so it is not unexpected that they (the Gujerati Muslim traders) would have been unhappy.

“The Muslims would have used religion as an additional factor in making the argument that the Portuguese should not be welcomed, thus persuading the Sultan not to conclude a treaty of peace with the Portuguese,” Khasnor explains.

“It has to be remembered that under the Malacca Sultanate, a system of trade and community relations had already evolved and worked well. The arrival of the Portuguese injected a new element into that system, upsetting the balance in the process,” Khasnor says.

That altercation would condemn Malacca to impending doom and the day arrived when Albuquerque – along with a thousand-odd men, comprising 800 Portuguese soldiers and 300-600 Malabarian mercenaries – sailed into the port town in July, 1511.

The pretext of the visit was to retrieve the Portuguese men held captive from two years before, but Albuquerque was also determined to wrest control of the renowned spice and China trade, in which Malacca played a crucial role.

Following a fierce battle that raged for three weeks, the Portuguese gained control of Malacca and would reap the benefits of the land and the city’s strategic location, controlling access to the Malacca Strait, a vital part of the trade route between East and West until the Dutch arrived to do the same in 1641. The superiority of the Portuguese proved too much for the men of Malacca to defend their port.

The Sultan’s men and mercenaries were reported to have used arrows, blow pipes with poisoned darts, the kris, lances and even guns. Allegedly, cannon were even discovered, some of which were dislodged from the ships of the Gujeratis and used on land.

Following the aftermath of the battle, the Portuguese retrieved 3,000 pieces of artillery and among them were 2,000 in bronze and one very large gun that the Samorin of Calicut (the ruler of a kingdom in South-West India) had sent to the Sultan of Malacca.

The small calibre guns are said to have been made locally, which is truly illuminating of the weapons technology available to Malacca then.

According to Peter Borschberg, an associate professor in the Department of History at the National University of Singapore, it was the Portuguese fire power that allowed them to defeat the defenders of Malacca easily. “Armour, tactics, military training, discipline of the troops would have all contributed,” he says.

Khasnor concurs: “The small arms of the Malays were no match for the Portuguese cannon, whose range was much further. The Portuguese strategy of attacking the bridge, thereby splitting the Malay forces into two, also played a big role in their victory.”

Albuquerque and his men chose to attack the bridge crossing the river that runs through Malacca town, knowing full well that would effectively divide the administrative part of the town from its commercial centre.

Alfonso de Albuquerque’s stature and impressively long beard reportedly had the Malaccan delegation bowing in awe and reverence when they caught their first glimpse of him on board his ship. — Image from Lendas da India, courtesy of Peter Borschberg
Carving up the region

The story of the fall of Malacca is one that is perhaps not necessarily the most unique. Also, it isn’t in the least bit aided by the history books in school painting a vague account of the events of 1511.

While the prescribed school syllabus for secondary schools by the Ministry Of Education mentions the likes of Albuquerque and of course, Sultan Mahmud, it leaves out colourful characters such as Utimutiraja (the rich and powerful Javanese trader living in Malacca who double-crossed both Sultan Mahmud and the Portuguese!), Nina Chatu (the influential Malaccan Hindu trader who aligned himself with the Portuguese) and Rui de Araujo (one of the captives in Malacca who – in a tale that could have come straight out of a modern thriller – relayed intelligence to Albuquerque with help from Nina Chatu between 1509 and 1511).

Whatever weight the school books give to the events of 1511, they were without a doubt among some of the most significant in Malaysia and Malacca’s history, arguably on par with America’s war of independence with the British in 18th century.

But unlike that conflict, which had a positive impact, giving Americans nationhood and setting them on course to world domination, the arrival of the Portuguese in Malacca, on the other hand, put a halt to the potential expansion of the Malay archipelago’s nascent power.

Things took a turn for the worse when rivalry among European powers further led to the carving up of many Asian regions into different spheres of influence.

Malacca’s fame during the 15th and 16th century as a lucrative entrepot in the region was actually unfortunate, as it made the port a target that the Western powers desired to control.

Malacca’s occupation isn’t merely about statistics or interesting stories confined to the history books because we continue to live with some of the consequences today.

“In view of the emergence of the nation states in Europe and the expansion of naval power and shipping, which allowed expeditionary voyages and long distance trade, it seems almost inevitable that Asia would have eventually been exposed to Western domination,” theorises Khasnor.

The control of the Malay archipelago might have begun at the periphery with the Portuguese and the Dutch, but by the time the British arrived, the Western world was taking much more of a hand in events in this part of the world.

“We are therefore still living with the consequences of that domination. For a very long time, our right to determine our own destiny and direction was taken away from us. But on the other hand, it is hard to see how we might have evolved or developed had we not been under Western domination,” adds Khasnor.

Thailand is a prime example. It was never colonised, yet it has developed, economically and politically, in much the same way Malaysia has, even if details differ.

The Portuguese believed Malacca’s position was so strategic that they constructed A Famosa in the port town to protect the trade route between Asia and their homeland. — File photo
Legacies left behind

The colonisation of Malacca may have very well kicked off the start of globalisation in this part of the world, a point observed by Borschberg, too.

“I was recently (in June) at a conference in Frankfurt (Germany) where issues of globalisation were discussed in connection with the Middle Ages. It was fascinating because the discussion traced the transmission of foodstuffs from Asia to Europe in the 6th to 14th centuries.

“But I suppose what made the case of the Portuguese different was the direct contact (not just gradual transmission, as in the Middle Ages) and the shift from overland to seaborne or maritime trade.

“Seaborne trade in the so-called Age Of Discovery enabled more goods to be exchanged and a greater number of people to interact. The real discoveries are not so much the lands of Asia or the Americas, but rather, the sailing techniques and the navigational routes to get to these places.”

The Portuguese capture of Malacca can be viewed as the case of an Asian port that was plundered by all-conquering colonists who exerted their might in the name of commerce and religion. However, the state today isn’t bitter about its past, claims Khasnor.

“The Malays are still proud of the fact that Malacca was once well known as a sultanate and one of the most important centres of trade and commerce in the East. Today, Malays might feel a sense of regret that Malacca was captured by the Portuguese and was never restored to the Malays until the end of British colonial rule, yet, when Malacca, as a state, celebrates its past history and heritage, it includes among the highlights of its existence the Portuguese influence, the unique blending of the races in the Portuguese Eurasian groups, the Baba-Nyonya and Indian Muslim communities and their cultural contributions,” Khasnor shares.

Historians speak of language and linguistic legacies left behind, and with the language came new ideas and concepts, Roman Catholicism, the introduction of foodstuffs and cooking styles, clothing items, architecture and building styles (the A Famosa Fort, among others).

“But influences are rarely a one-way process. More often than not, in the long run, you give and adopt into your own culture. And then there is the fusion of cultural practices – hybridity,” Borschberg adds.

Although the Dutch were also in Malacca, they stayed clear of making changes when they realised how well-assimilated Portuguese culture was, which is why the presence of the Portuguese remains strong in Malacca to this day, even half a millennium later.

In 1641, when the Dutch took hold of Malacca, the Portuguese were allowed to leave – as amnesty in the name of Christianity – but they weren’t allowed to take their slaves with them. So the backbone of the Portuguese community in Malacca was formed by Portuguese-speaking slaves and the few Portuguese who stayed behind, those who married locals and adapted to the way of life here.

“The Portuguese were in control of Malacca for more than a century and in that period, there would have been a small number of Portuguese who stayed long enough to form a community of their own. There would have been no women among them and for that reason, some would have married local women,” Khasnor explains.

Borschberg reckons that the number of Portuguese who stayed back would have been very small. “According to period documents of the time, 52 casados (a married settler) and their families ... all in all, fewer than 300 souls,” he says.

(According to census figures provided by Malaysia’s Department of Statistics, as of 2000, Eurasians in Malaysia – citizens and non-citizens – number 14,108. In Malacca alone, there are 2,176. The latest figures, from the 2010 census, are not available, as they are still being compiled.)

The Portuguese only had around 600 men in Malacca at any given time during their 130-year reign, and because their strength was in naval activity, they never sought landlocked regions, which is why they stuck with only Malacca and didn’t venture beyond to the rest of the Malay Peninsula.

“The Portuguese in Asia generally didn’t want large chunks of land to look after. It’s also a question of having sufficient manpower to control their possessions, and manpower was always short,” says Borschberg.

Of course, one of the greatest gifts of the Portuguese coming to Malacca are the stories left behind, especially the legends, and perhaps the greatest legends among them all is that of the Flor de la Mar (Flower Of The Sea) and her cargo.

The Flor was the largest carrack (three- or four-masted merchant ships) in its time and was used extensively in the Portuguese conquests of Asia. Close to a year after being in Malacca, when Albuquerque finally decided to sail back to Goa, India, he and his men loaded the Flor with the rich spoils of the Malacca sultanate, including jewellery, ornaments, statues and even the sultan’s bed.

Sailing north to the northern tip of Sumatra, the Flor encountered bad weather and was wrecked on some shoals. The ship split in half and lost all of its treasures, which according to treasure hunters, is the most valued shipwreck in the world. Albuquerque himself nearly perished in the disaster but was rescued.

Portuguese domination of Malacca lasted from 1511 to 1641, but though those events go back hundreds of years today, they have been woven into the very fabric of Malaysian society. In general, many of us treat those events as history book material, but think about it, in a strange way, the Portuguese put Malaysia on the world map all those years ago – they brought the Western world to us and made our presence known to the Western world.

All the countries around Malaysia were colonies of Western powers, except Thailand, so becoming a vassal might have been the only way for us to eventually become a modern civilisation. The accuracy of that opinion is open to debate, but we’ll just never know, will we? If you have an opinion – or an alternate history for Malaysia even! – share it with us at star2@thestar.com.my.

MONORAIL BACK IN OPERATION

2011-11-27T03:46:00.000-08:00

Sunday November 27, 2011

Malacca monorail up and running again

MALACCA: The Malacca river monorail service is back on track.

The service, which was suspended after a breakdown on Sept 30, was given the go-ahead by Land Public Transport Com mission (SPAD) to resume operations starting Thursday.

The monorail service, which has suffered numerous technical glitches since last year, now has better safety measures.

A ‘rail’ relief: People boarding the monorail after SPAD gave the green light to the operator to resume its service in Malacca.
SPAD chief operating officer Azhar Ahmad said the commission was satisfied that monorail operator Menara Taming Sari Sdn Bhd had fulfilled all safety and security requirements.

“During our engineers’ inspection on Nov 23, all safety and security measures were in place,” he said.

Azhar added that the China-made monorail line was now equipped with a cherry picker – a hydraulic crane to rescue stranded passengers, should the coach stall.

“Passengers need not come down using a ladder any more,” Azhar said.

The monorail’s operation and service manual, previously in Chinese, had also been translated into Malay and English, he added.

On the monorail’s tyre traction which was said to be weak when it rains, he said a thermal paint was required to provide better traction during slippery conditions.

Azhar said the operator had set a date for this to be done.

Menara Taming Sari chief executive officer Nazary Ahmad said work to apply the thermal paint would be carried out in early January.

“Until then, we will follow SPAD’s instruction to only operate the monorail when there is no rain,” he said.

Nazary said the lifting of the suspension was good news for Malacca’s tourism industry, especially as the year-end school holidays had started.

The RM15.9mil monorail line had experienced 21 service disruptions since starting operations on Oct 20 last year until the suspension on Sept 30. The company suffered losses of more than RM74,180.

The monorail line spans 1.6km from Taman Rempah in Pengkalan Rama to Kampung Bunga Raya Pantai, along the scenic Malacca river.

MELAKA-SARAWAK DIRECT FLIGHTS

2011-11-27T03:42:00.000-08:00

Kuching-Melaka direct flight early next year
by Simon Ingka Crown, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on November 26, 2011, Saturday

KUCHING: A direct flight connecting Kuching and Melaka may commence as early as next month or early next year.

Melaka Chief Minister Dato Sri Mohd Ali Rustam when announcing this yesterday said he was keen to see the flight become a reality, possibly three times a week.

“I am looking forward to see the Sarawak and Melaka state governments collaborate on the direct flight to Melaka in the best interest of both states,” he told a press conference.

Mohd Ali is in the state with the Melaka Foundation (YM) delegation and its board of directors to witness a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Sarawak Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA/Pelita Holdings Sdn Bhd) and YM yesterday.

LCDA was represented by Senior Minister and Land Development Minister Tan Sri James Masing and two Assistant Ministers, Datuk Gramong Juna and Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz.

Also present was Senior Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh who is also mnister of local government and community development, and second finance minister.

Mohd Ali said the route could boost tourism in both states.

“Melaka so far receives a total of 10.4 million tourists in 2010 with 20 per cent of them from overseas: Taiwan, Japan,China, Hong Kong, German, Switzerland and New Zealand.”

He said as of September this year, a total of 8.4 million tourists had visited the historical city, and the number is expected to reach 11 million by yearend. He said the proposed Kuching-Melaka flight could be shortened to one hour, compared to the one-and-a-half hour Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route.

“The flight is shorter than that to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Hence this could be an alternative route.”

At the moment, Melaka is chartering Firefly and Melaka Air flights to Pekan Baru and Medan City on the island of Sumatera in Indonesia. The flight connection had lured many tourists from the neighbouring country to the city.

“Sumatera is a big island and at least 10 per cent of the population are from high income families who choose Melaka as a holiday destination every year,” he said.

Mohd Ali said the Melaka state government was planning to construct a larger theme park to lure tourists.

“We are launching a wildlife park this afternoon (yesterday) and Hang Tuah Village theme park which portrays the era of the Melaka Sultanate.”

The state government would build the largest silat arena next to Hang Tuah theme park. Mohd Ali said the Melaka government would continue to cooperate with the Sarawak government to promote their tourism to the world, especially eco-tourism.

“Sarawak has a lot to offer the world – fantastic natural scenery and many others including the famous Rainforest World Music Festival. Mohd Ali said this was the first time the two governments were working together. I hope this will not be the last but open the way to many more joint ventures between the two states.”

MELAKA BEACH FESTIVAL 2011

2011-11-23T19:19:00.000-08:00

24 November 2011 | Last updated at 01:17AM

100,000 expected at Tanjung Bidara's beach festival
By Jason Gerald John | 0 comments
MALACCA: Some 100,000 people, both locals and tourists, are expected at the Melaka Beach Festival 2011, which would be held at the Tanjung Bidara beach from Dec 9 to 11.
tanjung bidara

The scenic Tanjung Bidara beach will host modern water-sport activities and also traditional games next month.

The festival's organising committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Karim Sulaiman, who is also the Tanjung Bidara assemblyman, said the event would involve both modern water-sport activities and also traditional games.

Among the activities which would be held during the three-day beach festival are sailing competitions, pillow fights, climbing the slippery pole, tug-of-war, beach volleyball and soccer, duck catching competition and mountain bike racing.

"Besides these activities, we would also be organising a beach run, fishing competition, kite flying competition, karaoke competition and also the Big Bike Charity Wash," he said recently.

Karim said the event, which is organised by the State Tourism Promotion Board and the Alor Gajah Municipal Council, would also see a career opportunity and exhibition by the Armed Forces.

"Pos Malaysia Bhd will host a photography exhibition and a sepak takraw competition at the event.

"This event would be a huge hit among visitors to the state as it is one of the year-end programmes which had been included in the 2011 Melaka Tourism Calendar.

"I hope people from all walks of life from in and out of the country would join us for the three days of fun, games and family outing, especially during the school holidays.

"I am sure there would be something for all family members and visitors to participate in and it would surely be a memorable experience," he said.

Read more: 100,000 expected at Tanjung Bidara's beach festival - Central - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/100-000-expected-at-tanjung-bidara-s-beach-festival-1.10102#ixzz1eaajkhmv

MELAKA TRAM ON TRACK

2011-11-17T06:08:00.000-08:00

Email Print 17 November 2011 | last updated at 01:06am
Tram project on track

0 comments

MALACCA The proposed RM272 million Melaka Tram project linking Ayer Keroh and Banda Hilir is the most effective mode of transportation to overcome the traffic woes here, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said yesterday.
"We have already obtained the green light from the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) for the project.

"In October, the state had written to the Federal Government, through Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, for approval," he said.

"We are now awaiting the approval from the prime minister.

"Once it is obtained, we will exhibit the letter together with complete details of the project.

"This is to show the public that the project would bring great benefit to them."

The Melaka Tram project is a joint venture between Mrails International Sdn Bhd and Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI).

The service would have 23 stops along a 40km-route from Ayer Keroh to Banda Hilir, the heart of the historical city.

It is estimated that 250,000 passengers would use the trams monthly.

Annual revenue would be in the region of RM20 million.

The tram would go through Bukit Baru, Peringgit, Jalan Munsyi Abdullah, Bandar Hilir and Taman Melaka Raya.

Ali Rustam was speaking to reporters when he was asked to comment on the unsuccessful bid by Betty Chew Gek Cheng (DAP-Kota Laksamana) to have the Melaka Tram project shelved through a motion she had tabled at the Malacca State Legislative Assembly.

The motion was rejected by the house.

Ali Rustam said the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Melaka Tram had also been completed and the necessary approvals had been given.

"Studies have also shown that the Melaka Tram would be used by 109,559 people from Monday to Friday.

"The figure is expected to soar to 210,160 during the weekends," he said.

PORTUGUESE CELEBRATING 500 YEARS IN MELAKA

2011-11-16T22:59:00.000-08:00

17 November 2011 | Last updated at 09:08AM

Marking the date the Portuguese came a-calling
By ADRIAN DAVID AND JASON GERALD JOHN
MALACCA
streets@nstp.com.my

Portuguese culture was splendidly displayed over four days of pomp and gaiety to commemorate the 500th year of the arrival of the former European naval power in Malacca.

The Trez Amigos comprising Emile Mossinac (left), Horace Santa Maria (with walking stick) and brother Arthurs Santa Maria(right) after receiving their merit award from MPEA president Michael Singho (in suit).
Portuguese

The Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir in the former Straits Settlement saw a hive of activity with cultural activities, music, dances, and dining during the celebrations last month.

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Ali Rustam launched the event on Oct 28, with the official dinner and dance held the following day.

The latter event was attended by state police chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Datuk Chua Ghee Lye and Malacca Portuguese Eurasian Association president Michael Singho, who was the event organising chairman.

Performances were given by local groups, as well as those from Portugal, Timor-Leste, Selangor and Federal Territory Eurasian Association, Penang Eurasian Association, Australia Eurasian Association of Western Australia, Sarawak Eurasian Association, Kedah Eurasian Association, Perak Eurasian Association and the Eurasian Association of Singapore.

People of Portuguese descent from Lisbon, Australia, India, East Timor, Indonesia and Singapore joined their Malaysian counterparts to mark the anniversary of Alfonso d'Albuquerque's arrival to Malacca on Aug 24, 1511. The Portuguese navigator came from Goa, India, with 18 ships and 1,200 men.

The celebration, themed Our Roots... Our Heritage... Our Home, attracted tourists and foreign media. They tasted traditional dishes such as belacan (shrimp paste), cincalok (fermented shrimps), acar (pickles) and debel curry. They also got acquainted with cultural activities such as dances and songs.

The event also saw an exhibition of contemporary items.

There were cooking demonstrations by famous local chefs, handicraft demos by cottage industries, and local fishermen pitting their offshore skills such as the sewing and repairing of nets. Fairs which sold souvenirs, costumes and handicrafts, and indoor and outdoor games were added attractions.

There were songs and music aplenty from a legion of musicians. Not to be missed were the branyo folk dance and cultural performances that made the celebrations a truly Portuguese affair. The event is a reflection of how the settlement has become the bastion of Portuguese-Eurasian heritage and culture.

Most of the hymns at the mass at the settlement's chapel were sung in Cristang, the local Portuguese dialect.

The celebrations ended with a float parade of replicas of the 16th-century Portuguese ship, Flor de la Mar (Flower of the Sea), the fort A' Famosa (The Famous), fishing boats, costume-clad revellers, musicians and cultural group performances.

It was in 1641 that the Dutch conquered the Portuguese to take control of Malacca.

Read more: Marking the date the Portuguese came a-calling - Central - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/marking-the-date-the-portuguese-came-a-calling-1.6877#ixzz1dwYmjiTO

SUBMARINE MUSEUM TO DRAW TOURISTS

2011-11-16T22:54:00.000-08:00

November 13, 2011 16:01 PM

Submarine Museum To Draw More Tourists To Melaka

MELAKA, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- A decommissioned Royal Malaysian Navy submarine converted into a museum submarine will be opened for public tours for 10 days from Nov 22 at the 1Malaysia Square, Klebang here.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the submarine berthed yesterday and would be raised from the dock on Wednesday and transported to the exhibition site through a makeshift jetty three days later.

He said the French made SMD Ouessant (Agosta 70 class) submarine, which was built in 1979, had been handed over to the state government.

The submarine museum project costing RM12.6 million is expected to draw more tourists to Melaka, he told reporters during a site visit here today.

Tickets for the exhibition are priced at RM3 for adults and RM1 for children while senior citizens will get a 50 per cent discount, he told reporters at the Submarine Museum here today.

The Agosta submarine was used for the training of the first Malaysian submarines crews from 2005 to 2009 following a contract signed by Malaysia for the acquisition of two French Scorpene submarines in 2002.

The submarine was transported on a floating dock back to Malaysia on the first week of October and handed over to the Melaka government.

-- BERNAMA

MELAKA AIR TAKES OFF

2011-11-13T18:49:00.000-08:00

MELAKA AIR MAIDEN FLIGHT ON 11.11AM ON 11.11.11

2011-11-09T19:46:00.000-08:00

A milestone for humble airfield
2011/11/10

After celebrating 500 years of Portuguese culture recently, Malacca is looking to create excitement on a new front tomorrow, at 11.11am, to be precise. JASON GERALD JOHN reports

11.11AM on 11-11 is the scheduled time and date of departure for Melaka Air’s maiden flight to Medan. The flight will depart for Medan via Penang from Melaka International Airport (MIA) where a RM131 million runway extension was completed last year.

Aligning numbers is just one component of a sound business strategy.

Around 70,000 foreigners seek medical treatment in Malacca annually, and the state economic planners are all for flying them into the state directly without having to go through Kuala Lumpur International Airport or the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang, Selangor.

And the number is just 0.1 per cent of the seven million middle-class population in Sumatra, Indonesia.

“With the new Melaka International Airport, we hope more patients from Sumatra will come here,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.

The airport was formerly known as Batu Berendam Airport.

Emphasising the Sumatra angle, four of the seven Melaka Air des - tinations are on the Indonesian island — Medan, Pekan Baru, Padang and Palembang.

The others are Penang and Kota Baru in Malaysia, and Hat Yai in Thailand.

Melaka Air is a joint-venture between Kuala Lumpur-based NN Flyers and the state-owned Melaka Foundation, with a paid-up capital of RM20 million.

The sole airline using the airport until now was Wings Air, which had been operating three weekly flights from Pekan Baru to Malacca since last year.

The airport handled 21,687 passengers last year. According to Wings Air representative Ridho Kosasih, around 80 per cent of the passengers travelling on his airline that year were Indonesians seeking medical treatment in the historical city.

Melaka Air will be using AT R - 7 2 turboprops, which are loaned from FireFly at a cost of US$190,000 (RM570,000).

Malacca, which is listed as a United Nations Economic, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage City, saw the arrival of 10.4 million tourists last year. This figure is expected to jump to 11 million by year-end.

Tunku’s historic arrival THE airport in Malacca is wellknown for receiving histor ic flights.

Fifty-five years ago, on Feb 20, 1956, the Merdeka Mission led by Tunku Abdul Rahman landed at Batu Berendam Airport (now renamed Melaka International Airport).

They had just arrived from London via Singapore, and a teeming crowd had gathered at Banda Hilir to listen to Tunku’s historic announcement.

Tunku, travelling from the airport in a Morris Minor, later announced that the Merdeka Agreement had been signed on Feb 8, 1956, and that the country would achieve independence on Aug 31, 1957, to shouts of Merdeka from the crowd.

Read more: A milestone for humble airfield http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Amilestoneforhumbleairfield/Article#ixzz1dGqCZl00

CRUISING DOWN VENICE OF THE EAST

2011-11-09T19:35:00.000-08:00

Go: Cruising down Venice of the East
2011/11/09
PHILIP LIM
traveltimes@nstp.com.my

The history of Malacca is about 700 years, perhaps older. PHILIP LIM goes on a river cruise and enjoys vistas of the ancient and modern

IF you are new to Malacca, one of the most pleasant ways of getting acquainted with the Unesco World Heritage Site (since 2008) is to take a river cruise.

I have been an absentee local visitor for the past 11 years. So a revisit to the city was long overdue. A friend told me that one of the nicest attractions in Malacca at present is to board a boat from the Quayside Heritage Centre and take a 45-minute cruise of Malacca River.

Much has happened in the years between the time when the river was an eyesore and it’s in fairly pristine condition now.

It has been about six years since the Malacca River was given a makeover and its murky waters had been treated and rendered visually presentable. The river boat jetty took about two years to complete.

A la Venice

The time spent on the boat is equivalent to a cruise along any of the big rivers in Europe. It is not a coincidence that Malacca in its golden era was nicknamed the Venice of the East.

The only difference is the temperature. The Malaysian weather on the day of our river boat trip is almost perfect.

The sky is a clear blue with only traces of clouds drifting above. There’s a gentle wind which caresses our cheeks as the boat skims the surface of the calm waters.

At last count, there are 26 river boats cruising the Malacca River ferrying passengers across a distance of about nine kilometres. These fibreglass boats are capable of sailing beneath the numerous bridges even at high tides.

At its lowest, the tide is still 0.8 metres which is manageable by the river boats.

A visual count during the river cruise reveals the presence of eight bridges.

They are Tan Kim Seng, Chan Koon Cheng (Ghostbridge of Malacca), Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Kampung Jawa, Kampung Morten, Old Bus Station and Pasar.

The river route has been deliberately designed and engineered for visitors to catch glimpses of river bank flower gardens, a Malay kampung, a windmill, a fort and the Christ Church of Malacca.

Excited cruisers
With us on the boat tour is a family of 10 tourists. They are quite enthusiastic and animated vocally at the novelty of seeing so many unfamiliar scenes outside their country.

Their loud conversations in Cantonese only add to the merriment of the occasion. At one stage of the cruise, the boatman spots a 150cm long monitor lizard lazing on a mangrove branch near the water edge.

One woman loudly exclaims in Cantonese: “This is so big, not even a family of 10 can finish it on the dining table!”

Those of us who understand her can only smile nervously. There are two young Caucasian women on board the boat as well. It would have been interesting to watch their reaction if they had understood the comment.

As far as I am concerned, it is the monitor lizard’s lucky day. It could have been born in another country, lived on another river and might have suffered the unfortunate fate of being the main course on a distant family’s evening menu.

A therapy of sort
The last boat ride ends around 11.30pm. A night cruise along the river is an exhilarating experience altogether because passengers can soak in the sights and sounds of a nocturnal Malacca.

Many of the trees lining the river cruise route are decorated with lights and the old buildings and ancient structures exude an aura that tell of bygone days that once made the city one of the busiest trading ports for hundreds of years.

The human body is susceptible to the lull of lapping waves and the concrete attractions by the river side at every turn and corner give your entire being a sense of high.

The Malacca River cruise is scheduled at a 30-minute interval beginning from 9.30am. Adult fare is RM10 and for children below 12 years, it is RM5. If you are organising a group tour, the Malacca River Cruise office can make arrangements for RM100 per boat.

Call 06-281 7322.

Fast Facts
Before the 15th Century, Malacca was just an ordinary fishing village. It began to flourish under the reign of Iskandar Shah (Parameswara). Before long, Arab traders began to call on the port city.

In the mid-15th Century, Chinese Muslim Admiral Cheng Ho paid a courtesy call on Malacca. According to historical records, Malacca soon became a vassal State of Ming China.

In 1511, the Portuguese seized Malacca and brought it under their control. One hundred thirty years would pass before the Dutch mounted an attack on Malacca and ousted the Portuguese. The year 1641 marked the beginning of the Dutch rule.

For the next 150 years, the Dutch presence in Malacca was supreme. In 1795, Holland (Netherlands) was conquered by the French and consequently the Dutch lost control of Malacca.

The Dutch absence was soon replaced by the British who took over after the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824.

Malacca was first governed by the British East India Company. It was only later that it became a British Crown Colony. Together with Singapore and Penang, Malacca became part of the British Straits Settlements.

Read more: Go: Cruising down Venice of the East http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Go_CruisingdownVeniceoftheEast/Article#ixzz1dGni1IT6

WHAT TREE DID PARAMESWARA SEE WHILE RESTING BESIDES THE RIVER

2011-11-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

Saturday November 5, 2011

What tree did Parameswara really see in Malacca?
INTERACTIONS
By FRANCIS NG

IT is taken as a historical fact that Malacca was founded by Parameswara, who named it after the melaka tree. Parameswara, in the legendary account of the founding of Malacca, actually had no idea what the tree was.

He had seen a mouse deer kick one of his hunting dogs and, inspired by the fighting spirit of the mouse deer, he asked his followers “What is the name of the tree under which I am standing?” His followers replied “It is called melaka, your Highness”. Nobody said “Wait, let us check this out.”

I would like to present evidence that Parameswara was wrongly advised. Before anybody questions whether I am qualified to change history, let me explain that my comments are based on botany, and I am, after all, a qualified taxonomic botanist, one who deals with the naming and classification of plants.

The melaka tree, known in Sanskrit as amalaka', has an ancient and venerable history in Sanskrit culture and medicine.

What’s in a name? Phyllanthus pectinatus is native to Malacca but is often mistaken for Phyllanthus emblica from which Malacca is believed to have gotten its name.
When the Swedish founder of modern plant classification, Carolus Linnaeus, gave this tree its scientific name in 1753, he Latinised amalaka' to emblica' and placed it within the genus Phyllanthus. Hence the melaka tree became known in science as Phyllanthus emblica. Phyllanthus emblica is now planted all over Malacca as the state's iconic foundation tree.

However, what Parameswara saw must have been another species, Phyllanthus pectinatus, which has a superficial resemblance to Phyllanthus emblica.

Phyllanthus pectinatus was first described and named by Joseph Dalton Hooker in 1890, based on specimens collected in Perak, Malacca and Singapore.

I first became aware of the possible mis-identification when I planted melaka' trees in FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia), some from seeds collected in a forest, and some from seeds collected from a garden.

When the trees grew and produced flowers and fruits I found that they represented two utterly different species. These differences are obvious when specimens of the two species are placed side by side for comparison.

In Phyllanthus emblica, the fruits are clustered at the base of rather robust leafy shoots whereas in Phyllanthus pectinatus they sway in the wind at the ends of the finely feathery leafy shoots.

Inside the fruit is a hard stony structure containing the seeds. This stony structure is sharply 3-angled in Phyllanthus pectinatus but rounded in Phyllanthus emblica. There are also differences in flower structure and in the appearance of the bark.

In trying to figure out the relationship between the two species, I checked the specimens of melaka' preserved at the herbarium of FRIM.

A herbarium is a place in which specimens collected by plant explorers are permanently preserved for scientific study and reference.

The FRIM herbarium serves as the national herbarium for Malaysia and it has specimens from all over the country, collected by botanists and foresters during the past 100 years of forest exploration. All the specimens of melaka' in FRIM were of Phyllanthus pectinatus.

When I had the opportunity to visit the world herbarium at Kew, I examined the collections from all over Asia, including the specimens seen by Joseph Dalton Hooker. I also went to the Botanic Gardens Singapore to check the specimens in its herbarium.

Putting all the information together, the picture that emerged was that Phyllanthus emblica has its natural range across India, Burma, Thailand, Indo-china and South China.

In contrast, Phyllanthus pectinatus has its natural range within the Malay Archipelago, especially in Sumatra, Malay Peninsula and Borneo. In their natural state, there is no geographical overlap between the two species.

In brief, Phyllanthus pectinatus is a true forest tree of the Malay Archipelago and it is particularly common in the forests of Malacca state.

In contrast, Phyllanthus emblica occurs only as a planted garden tree in the Malay Peninsula and the rest of the Malay Archipelago. It has never been able to escape and establish itself in our forests.

The best place to see Phyllanthus pectinatus is in the recreational forest of Ayer Keroh just outside the city. This area is now being redesignated as a botanical garden, but its core area is maintained as natural forest.

In this forest, there are many natural trees of Phyllanthus pectinatus, prominently mislabelled as Phyllanthus emblica. Just outside the forest, the true Phyllanthus emblica has been planted prominently in various locations for visitors to see.

Nobody has noticed that the native trees in the forest are a different species from the planted trees outside. What Malacca needs is a botanist, ideally a taxonomist cum horticulturist, to manage its botanical garden.

Malacca may have to accept that it has two iconic foundation trees: the tree that Parameswara saw and misidentified, and the tree it got mistaken for.

To me, the native tree is the more attractive of the two.

● Botanist and researcher Francis Ng is the former deputy director-general of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia. He is now the botanical consultant to Bandar Utama City Centre Sdn Bhd and the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre. (fng@pc.jaring.my)

MELAKAKAD LAUNCHED

2011-11-08T00:50:00.000-08:00

Melaka launches MelakaKAD for tourist spots

Posted on November 8, 2011, Tuesday

MELAKA: Melaka has launched the MelakaKAD, an electronic card that will enable residents and tourists to make payments at tourist spots in Ayer Keroh and Bandar Hilir.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said tourists, who use the facility, would enjoy a first class service.

He said the MelakaKAD could be obtained from a minimum deposit of RM10 up to RM2,000 by producing MyKad or passport at the Taming Sari Tower Tourist Information Centre, the Taming River Cruise office and the Melaka Planetarium.

“Cardholders could redeem the cash balance or top it up,” he told reporters after launching the MelakaKAD here recently.

The card, which used smart chip technology, would be accepted for payments of about 130 bills using the MEPCASH account through PosOnline at www.posonline.com.my. — Bernama

PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENT CELEBRATES 500 YEARS OF HERITAGE

2011-11-01T03:43:00.000-07:00

Visitors take delight in Portuguese music, food

2011/10/31
By Jason Gerald John and Adrian David
news@nst.com.my

Musicians from the Portuguese Settlement in Malacca enchanting the crowd at the celebration of the 500-year anniversary of the arrival of the Portuguese in Malacca recently. — NST picture by Rasul Azli Samad

MALACCA: Visitors to the celebration of the 500-year anniversary of the arrival of the Portuguese in Malacca were captivated by the rich culture and tradition preserved by the community.
The four-day celebration, which ended last Saturday at the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir, was a huge success, said organising committee chairman Michael Singho.

Catia Barbara Dias Candeias, 29, one of the 15 visitors who flew in from Portugal, said Malacca did not feel like it was very far from home.

"The culture here in Malacca and back home is very much similar.

"We have the importance and the speciality of music in our blood. I'm very happy that this culture has not been forgotten here for the past 500 years."

Finnish student Hedvig Moetzfeldt, 22, said the rich cultural diversity in Malacca was unique as all the different races were living in a vibrant community.

"When I came to Malacca, I met a few other backpackers and I was told about this 500-year celebration in the Portuguese Settlement.

"I had a very good time here and I very much enjoyed the music, food and wonderful hospitality."

Besides foreign tourists, the celebration also attracted a number of locals outside Malacca.

Shamala Devi, 24, a student at Limkokwing University, also enjoyed the food while civil servant Azlina Mulup, 43, from Terengganu, spent most of her time shopping at various stalls in the settlement.

"The handicrafts are just awesome and I bought beads and other accessories to match a wide collection of my dresses," Azlina said.

Musician Jerry Singho, 51, said music was a big passion for the Portuguese community and it had always been a part of the community's culture not only in Malacca, but also around the world.

"I hope that the younger generation will carry on this passion in their hearts and keep it treasured. This celebration of 500 years is very special indeed.

"It took us just over a month to practice the songs that had been played.

"I'm glad that everyone enjoyed this event as there's a smile plastered on everyone's face here."

For senior settlement resident Augusta Pereira, 80, watching the community evolve in her lifetime had brought her great pride.

"I am very happy to have witnessed this celebration.

" The Portuguese culture is very unique and beautiful, and it is definitely felt by those who came for this wonderful event.

"I have 14 grandchildren and I hope that they, too, will carry on this tradition," she said.

INCENTIVES FOR HOTEL INVESTORS

2011-10-20T19:51:00.001-07:00

Special Incentives Await Hotel Investors
In Melaka

MELAKA, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- About 70 per cent
of income tax exemption will be given to
entrepreneurs who invest in four and five-star
hotel development in Melaka.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said
60 per cent of investment tax allowance would
also be given within five years to encourage
investment in the hotel industry.
"The state government will continue to focus on
building more hotels, resorts, chalets, homestay
and hostels to meet the needs of tourists
coming to the state.
"We are also targeting about 11 million tourists
to Melaka, and up to July this year, we have
received a total of 6.6 million tourists... and I
believe it could be achieved by the end of this
year," he told reporters after launching The
Heritage Melaka in Bandar Hilir here Saturday.
Mohd Ali said, so far, Melaka had a total of
12,857 rooms, adding that 15 new hotels would
be built with an addition of 3,542 rooms.

MELAKA SULTANATE AROUND SINCE 1200s?

2011-10-18T00:22:00.001-07:00

Published: Monday October 17, 2011 MYT 7:14:00 PM

Malacca Sultanate around since 1200s not 1400: Ali Rustam

MALACCA: The Malacca Sultanate began in 1262 and not 1400 as widely believed, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.

He said a group of historians, through the Malaysian Institute for History and Patriotism Research (IKSEP), managed to prove the earlier existence of the sultanate.

"The discovery of this fact is proven through the writings of Raja Bongsu in the book, 'Salatus Salatin'.

"It is also proven by our historians that we have a high civilisaton," he told reporters after opening a seminar in conjunction with the 749th anniversary of the founding of Malacca here.

Profesor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim, who presented a paper titled "Melaka, Mother of Malaya" at the seminar, said the present generation had little knowledge on the country and its society.

"This phenomenon is worrying. History does not just focus on the olden days but also on developments until the present day," he said.

Mohd Ali said the lack of history knowledge and appreciation have made the people lose their true identity and become materialistic.

He said the country should continue producing historians or social scientists as they were important in helping to raise self awareness and in developing a true identity among Malaysians.

"The action by certain universities to reduce the intake of students for the arts and social science stream is not appropriate," he said.

MELAKA COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO MALAYAN INDEPENDENCE TALKS AND CHINA REVOLUTION 100 YEARS AGO

2011-10-13T05:11:00.000-07:00

10th. October 2011

Most Malaccans may not know the fact that the Malaccan community contributed financial donations to the Chinese revolution in 1911 headed by Chinese leader, Sun Yat Seng.

When I first visited China in 1988 especially to Quongchou, in the Sun Yat Seng Park, there is a monument erected there that showed overseas Chinese contributions to the Chinese republic cause then against the Ching dynasty. The top contributor to the Chinese cause was the Community of Malacca. I was surprised to see the granite block on top of the monument! Malaccans did their part in contributing to the setting up of the Republic of China 100 years ago.

Without the financial support of overseas Chinese residing all over world, the political world map will be very different today.

During the quest for Malayan Independence in 1950s, at one of the Town Hall meeting at Malacca Meng Seng Charitable Hall, a spontaneous fund raising event was carried out to raise funds for Tunku and his delegation to travel to England for negotiation with the British for independence of Malaya. Malaccans responded at once with whatever they had then. As the saying goes, the rest was history.

Some points to ponder about the inter-related world we live in today.

HAPPY DEEPAVALI TO ALL HINDUS

2011-10-12T18:25:00.001-07:00

As Deepavali, the Festival of Light nears and to be celebrated by all Hindus on 26th. October 2011, Tourism Melaka likes to express our Happy Deepavali greetings to all our Hindu friends from all over the world.

May the Light shine through any Darkness and lead us to a brighter future.

HAPPY DEEPAVALI

Tourism Melaka

MELAKA LITTLE INDIA RENOVATION WORKS

2011-10-12T05:30:00.000-07:00

Wednesday October 12, 2011

Facelift works in Malacca’s Little India to be completed before Deepavali
By R.S.N. MURALI
murali@thestar.com.my

MALACCA: The Festival of Lights is set to shine brighter on the business community in Malacca’s Little India following the resolution of a controversy over its facelift works.

State Suburban Development and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk R. Perumal said work on the site would resume and be completed before Deepavali, which falls on Oct 26.

“We have settled all the hitches surrounding the contractor’s ap pointment. Work has commenced and will be completed as scheduled,” he said in an interview here yesterday.

Dissatisfaction over the appointment had brought the RM2mil project, which was supposed to emulate Jonker Walk’s success, to a standstill for over a week.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam had directed Perumal to sort out the dispute over the appointment, which was made in September.

Perumal said although the disgruntled group accused the state of cronyism when it awarded the job to a reputable contractor here, the tender had gone through normal procedure.

“The selection board granted the job to only the qualified bidder without any favouritism,” he said, adding that the state government wanted to ensure that the project was implemented smoothly.

“We managed to explain the rationale for the appointment of that particular contractor to the unsuccessful bidders. Finally, it was accepted,” said Perumal, who is also state MIC chairman.

He said the state was stringent in awarding the job and some of those who bid for the contract did not even meet the requirements set by the tender board.

Perumal said the job involved designing and building as well as installing ornaments for the stretch from Padang Nyiru, and along Jalan Laksamana and Jalan Bunga Raya that was within Little India.

He added that the contract for the project was managed by the State Development Board on behalf of the Tourism Ministry.

MALACCA STRAIT BRIDGE DESIGN READY

2011-10-12T00:53:00.000-07:00

Malacca Strait Bridge Design Ready

The bridge will accommodate ship traffic by elevating its height to 76 meters.
Rabu, 12 Oktober 2011, 13:39 WIB
Hadi Suprapto
(Strait of Malacca Partners Sdn Bhd)

VIVAnews - The Riau Administration in Sumatra teams up with Malaysia to build a bridge over the Malacca Strait to Malaysia.

In the proposal submitted by a Malaysian investor, Strait Of Malacca Partners Sdn Bhd, the Malacca Strait Bridge is planned to span at 48.69 kilometers. However, due to the lack of infrastructures in Rupat Island, from which spot the bridge will be constructed, 71.2 km of new road and a new secondary bridge will be erected in Dumai, Sumatra land.

The Malacca Strait is known as the busiest commercial shipping lane in South-east Asia. Huge ships bearing thousands of tonnes of weight used to passing through the waters. For this case, the bridge will accommodate ship traffic by elevating its height to 76 meters.

As an alternative, the bridge will be combined with tunnels, which, unfortunately, can only be used by trains.

Given the bridge-tunnel combination, the construction would be started in Rupat Island

Although under-sea tunnel is possible, the briddge would allow two gateways installed at certain posts through which ships would able to move onward.
• VIVAnews

MELAKA BIRD PARK TO BE READY IN 20 MONTHS

2011-10-04T21:07:00.000-07:00

Melaka to have one of the largest bird parks in Southeast Asia

2011-10-05 10:27

MELAKA, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- A bird park which will be among the largest in Southeast Asia with 6,000 birds from 300 species will be built on a 1.8 hectare site at the Botanical Garden in Ayer Keroh here.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said this latest tourism product in Melaka was part of the second phase of the landscape development and tourism facility project located within the 92.5 hectare Botanical Garden.

"Apart from the bird park, other projects include a watch tower, renovation of chalets and landscaping upgrade of the Botanical Garden. A fountain will also be built at the garden," he told reporters after performing the groundbreaking ceremony for RM30 million bird park here today.

He said the project was scheduled to be completed in 20 months and the bird park was expected to give the Jurung Bird Park of Singapore a stiff competition.

MELAKA BABA NYONYA ACTOR DIES OF HEART ATTACK

2011-10-04T20:59:00.000-07:00

Wednesday October 5, 2011

66-year-old Baba Nyonya actor Chee Hood Siong dies
By MICHAEL CHEANG
newsdesk@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has lost one of her most beloved television icons. Chee Hood Siong, of the popular 1990s comedy Baba Nyonya, passed away on Sunday of a heart attack.

He was 66, and left behind wife Gladys Ong Keng Wah and two children.

Chee was best known for his role in TV1's Baba Nyonya, in which he dressed in drag to play Ah Chim, a Peranakan woman together with his long-time partner Kenny Chan, who played “her” best friend Bibik Kim Neo.

The series is recognised by the Malaysian Book Of Records as the longest-running TV series in the country ever, lasting from the late 80s till 2000, with 509 episodes in total.

Chan, who now owns a restaurant called King's Caf in Malacca, said that Chee would be sorely missed.

The pair of close friends had worked together in show business for more than 30 years.

“He was a very versatile actor. He could take on whatever role you gave him,” Chan said.

“We've gone through thick and thin and travelled all over the world together.”

The pair was most recently seen in the local box-office hit Nasi Lemak 2.0, directed by Namewee, in which he and Chee played a Baba and Nyonya couple who taught Namewee's Chef Huang character how to make a good nasi lemak sambal paste.

Fred Chong, producer of Nasi Lemak 2.0, said it took him and Namewee two months to convince Chee and Chan to come out of retirement and appear in their movie.

“Uncle Chee had already retired, and did not want to do the show without Kenny. We finally convinced them to do it after they learnt about the message of social unity that we wanted to convey,” said Chong.

“When they finally came on the set, they were amazing! They had so much chemistry that only about 50% of their scenes and dialogue were scripted. The rest was done impromptu!”

According to Chan, Chee was initially reluctant to take the role because he did not want to act as a woman anymore.

“I had to convince him to take the role by becoming my husband instead!” he said.

“I was glad that we took part in that movie, but I am also sad that it was to be his last movie.”

Webmaster: Baba Chee and Baba Chan have promoted Peranakan culture and cuisine in Melaka and all over the world over the years. Sad that Baba Chee has passed on but his legacy lives in all of us, Malaccans. May he find Nirvana and our condolences to the family of Baba Chee.

MELAKA TRADITIONAL HOUSES

2011-10-02T23:36:00.000-07:00

Opening Homes for Heritage's Sake.
By Corinne Wan ~ Web in Travel
Sunday, 2nd October 2011
When I was approached to be a judge for this year’s Melaka Tourism Awards and to choose the 'Best Tourist Attraction - Traditional House', my first question was 'What’s a traditional house? Aren’t all the houses in Malay kampungs (villages) traditional?'.

(Pictured: Kampung Padang Sebang,Photos courtesy of the writer)

The answer: "Come and see for yourself as the traditional houses in Melaka are a class of their own".

With that ringing in my head I arrived in Melaka to be immediately whisked off by my three charming minders in a four wheel to start my tour of the five houses I had to judge.

And, in the process, I discovered Melaka "hidden gems", not much publicised and oft skipped by visitors as they are not on the itinerary of the usual "must visit" attractions, such as Jonker Walk,The Stadthuys or the Malacca River Cruise.

A pity really as they are buildings of unique architecture and beauty as I found during my journey of discovery.

A typical traditional Melaka house stands on 12 to 16 main pillars (about two metres high).

Its most striking feature is the decorative flower-motif tiled steps, which also serve as the house’s main entrance. (pictured above the steps of Kampung Duyong)

The houses are very colourful. Villa Sentosa (pictured below) has a pink driveway and red tiled steps, Kampung Bukit Palah is in brilliant yellow, while the others are in various hues.

There is no entrance fee. Visitors can just wander into the house and a member of the family, who stays in the house, happily shows them around. If they wish, the visitors can make a donation, with the contributions going to the upkeep of the house.

Full story: www.webintravel.com//blog/opening-homes-for-heritages-sake_2029

FIREFLY TO START FLYING ON 1.11.11

2011-09-29T01:28:00.000-07:00

LOSS AND FOUND BUT SOLD OFF

2011-09-27T01:09:00.000-07:00

Wednesday September 21, 2011

Ancient treasure found – and sold
By R.S.N. MURALI
murali@thestar.com.my

MALACCA: Agents of scrap metal dealers have been selling old Portuguese coins, bullets and religious amulets that were unearthed during a recent landslip along the banks of the Malacca River to antique brokers from Singapore.

The artefacts, the most valuable of which found so far was a cannon ball that fetched RM500, were discovered after an ancient jetty at Stadhuys collapsed in May.

The artefacts are believed to be about 500 years old.

A scrap metal agent, Rafi, 38, said the find also comprised Chinese porcelain pieces and religious paraphernalia from the Malacca Sultanate as well as those from the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial periods.

National heritage: These priceless coins have been unearthed by agents of scrap metal dealers from the Malacca River and sold to brokers from Singapore.
“Also unearthed were bullets and cannons. For the past few days, I have joined six others in combing the river sediment for treasure.

“We have hit the jackpot! There are piles of these artefacts for our picking,” he said, adding that he made about RM1,000 a day by selling the items. Apparently, the brokers are from Singapore.

At the peak of the Malacca Sultanate and when the port was colonised by the Portuguese and Dutch, the river would have seen trading vessels from various countries, some of which could have capsized with their treasures.

Rafi said he was only armed with a ladle and hoe for his search, adding that although the relevant authorities “were aware of the find, nobody had stopped them from digging”.

“I know we should not sell these items but the offer is too tempting,” he said.

“We found mostly items from the Portuguese era. Despite being 500 years old, the coins are well-preserved with their carvings still visible. We have also discovered coins used by the Dutch East India Company.”

Expressing his regret that no effort was made to preserve these historical items, Portuguese-Eurasian Association president Michael Singho said it was ready to buy the artefacts and conserve them at their settlement in Ujong Pasir here.

“I will embark on a fund-raising drive to obtain the items back,” he said.

State Tourism, Culture and Heritage Committee deputy chairman Chua Kheng Hwa said he would bring up the discovery to Chief Minister Datuk Mohd Ali Rustam.

“The items are supposed to be handed over to the museum authority but these people are only interested in making a fast buck.”

RARE CRAB RETURNS TO MELAKA

2011-09-27T01:04:00.000-07:00

Tuesday September 27, 2011

Rare crab re-appears in Malacca
By R.S.N. MURALI
murali@thestar.com.my

MALACCA: The re-appearance of a rare species of crab along the shores here has caused a stir among the people, especially Christians, due to a cross-like mark on its shell.

The crustacean, with the scientific name Charybdisferiatus, is a species of Malacostraca and is mainly found in Malaysian and Indonesian waters.

It was reportedly last seen in the Straits of Malacca in the 1960s.

Sparking frenzy: A fisherman holding the rare crab (left) next to a normal crab. The rare crab was reportedly last seen in the Straits of Malacca in the 1960s.
The species is different from another commonly found species in the state and which also has a cross on its shell.

A fisherman from Tengkera here hauled a dozen of these crabs on Sunday, sparking a frenzy among locals who rushed to buy the crabs.

The fisherman, who only wanted to be known as Man, 65, said the crabs were considered scarce.

He claimed that the crab was last caught in small numbers in the late 1960s.

“Only minimal quantities of the crabs were caught. Many locals don't buy them to eat, but to preserve the shell as it's considered sacred,” Man said.

State Rural Development and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk R. Perumal said the state would ask the Fisheries Department to record and monitor the landings of the rare crab.

“We may conserve the crab by breeding it,” he added.

A marine biologist, who declined to be named, said the crabs became rare after rapid development along the state coastline led to the deterioration of the mangrove swamps where the crabs thrived.

Legend has it that Saint Francis Xavier was sailing to Malacca from an Indonesian island sometime in the 16th Century when he was caught in a storm in the Straits of Malacca.

He then dipped his crucifix into the sea and prayed to God to calm the raging storm.

However, the crucifix slipped from his grip and fell into the sea. He prayed that he could get it back.

When he reached the shores of Malacca safely, St Francis saw a crab crawling on the beach and clutching the same crucifix between its claws.

Surprised, St Francis knelt down and recovered his crucifix.

He blessed the crab and the sign of a cross then appeared on its back.

PORTUGUESE HERITAGE HAS IMPACTED MELAKA

2011-09-23T23:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday September 24, 2011

Centuries of Portuguese heritage has impacted state greatly, says Mohd Ali
By R.S.N. MURALI
murali@thestar.com.my

MALACCA: Five centuries of Portuguese heritage in Malacca has turned the state into a “melting pot of the world,” according to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.

He said the legacy left by the Portuguese had greatly impacted Malacca in terms of cultural diversity and also provided an impetus for the local tourism industry.

“I would like to compliment the Portuguese community for their relentless commitment to place Malacca in the world map as a unique state with cultural extravaganza.

“Malacca is the birthplace of a community with mixed European and Asian parentage, commonly known as Eurasian,” he said in an interview ahead of a four-day celebration to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Portuguese conquest of Malacca.

Celebrating 500 years: The Portuguese community celebrating the Feast of St Peter on a gaily decorated boat at the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir, Malacca. It has been 500 years since Alfonso d’ Albuquerque arrived here from Goa.
The event, themed “Our Roots, Our Heritage, Our Home”, will be organised by the Malacca Portuguese-Eurasian Associa-tion (MPEA) from Oct 26 to Oct 29 at the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir.

There will be traditional food fairs, live music and band performances, cultural and performing arts presentations, traditional games, beauty contest, a football tournament, cottage industries promotion and a handicraft exhibition.

Mohd Ali said the existence of the Portuguese community here was significant as it brought about a new kaleidoscope, turning Malaysia into a colourful multi-cultural paradise.

He said the state would continue to safeguard the community's status as a minority group.

He added that the state would also protect their welfare besides conserving the rich heritage and customs inherited from their ancestors.

Mohd Ali said Malacca had prospered as a nautical haven since Alfonso d' Albuquerque arrived from Goa with an entourage of 18 ships on Aug 24, 1511.

NEW TOWNSHIP FOR MELAKA PROPOSED

2011-09-17T02:30:00.000-07:00

New township plan for Malacca

2011/09/17
By Jason Gerald John
jasong@nst.com.my
Share |

MALACCA: Plans are under way for an integrated township development to turn Malacca into a major destination for the Malaysia My Second Home programme.
The project, combining heritage, culture and nature, will be undertaken by Malaysia Land Properties Sdn Bhd (Mayland) and is expected to be carried out in either Ayer Keroh or the Bemban area.

Mayland founder Tan Sri David Chiu, a Hong Kong-based hotelier and property developer, said the project would kick off once the land was identified and approvals obtained from the authorities.

"We are looking at an investment of between RM500 million to RM1 billion for the new township development project which would be implemented in stages over a period of seven years.

"The integrated township will create its own environment and with Malacca's greenery, hills and coastline, the investment will be worth every single sen.

"Malacca has an exciting and vibrant environment and I feel the state will attract foreigners to make it their second home under the Malaysia My Second Home initiative.

"I was in Malacca about 10 years ago and I returned three months ago, only to be mesmerised with the soothing environment and its excellent lifestyle," said Chiu after having lunch with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam in Seri Bendahara here yesterday.

Also present was Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Chiu said the new township would be a hit among the rich in China, Singapore and Australia.

Dr Ng said 12,000 people had participated in the Malaysia My Second Home programme.

"There is a huge potential for Malacca which is rich in culture, heritage and also its greenery. I feel that this development plan would be a hit among Europeans, especially those in Russia and countries such as Finland where the winter is quite long. Another reason for Malacca to be a preferred choice for those seeking to make Malaysia my second home is the healthcare facilities.

"Malacca currently has three medical specialist centres and with the new resort-like specialist centre, the Hang Tuah Jaya Resort Hospital, scheduled to be opened in 2013, foreigners will prefer to come to a state with a first class medical facility."

Ali said the investment would not only boost the state's economy, but also provide the people of Malacca with an opportunity to generate more income.

"I also proposed to Chiu the possibility of investing in an underwater world or aquarium in the state, especially in the reclaimed area in Klebang."

BRING BACK OUR FAVOURITE LONDON BUS IN MELAKA

2011-09-15T01:55:00.000-07:00

Getting London bus back on the road

2011/09/14
By Kelly Koh Ling Min
streets@nstp.com.my
Share |

One of the two London buses that used to take tourists on a tour of Malacca city that is being repaired at a cost of RM100,000. — Picture by Rasul Azli Samad
MALACCA: One of the two double-decker red tour buses which were brought here from London three years ago and temporarily placed in the State Transportation Museum would cost RM100,000 to be repaired.
However, it would not cost its owners, the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council, a single sen as Mamee Double Decker (M) Bhd has come to the rescue.

The Malacca-based snacks maker is forking out the money needed to get the bus plying the roads of the historical city again as it takes tourists on tour.

Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council president Sapiah Haron said the repairs would take a month or two, depending on how soon the spare parts from London can be obtained.

The bus had been out of service and made a museum exhibit since last September.

The other bus, which is undergoing repairs at a workshop in Sungai Udang, is owned by the Malacca Historical City Council.

It is expected to resume operations soon.

The buses, which are also known as the Panorama Bus, were brought to Malacca from London in 2007 at a cost of RM200,000 each.

The London Bus, as they are known by locals here, started its services on Aug 14, 2007.

It makes 13 stops, including shopping and leisure areas. The buses are operated by Panorama Malacca Cultural & Tourism Sdn Bhd.

INDEPENDENCE MEMORIAL(FORMERLY MALACCA CLUB BUILDING) DRAWS VISITORS

2011-09-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

September 13, 2011 22:32 PM
Proclamation Of Independence Memorial A Big Draw Among Visitors

MELAKA, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- A total of 633,608 people visited the Proclamation Of Independence Memorial at Bandar Hilir last year to get a clearer picture of the country's struggle for independence.

The memorial's manager Datu Royniehashim Datu Pindatun said 550,204 of them were domestic visitors, 70,621 foreigners, 12,542 students and 241 researchers.

"Meanwhile between January and August this year, domestic visitors numbered 204,375, foreigners 36,608, students 5,422 and 117 researchers," he told Bernama here.

Datu Royniehashim said the foreign visitors were from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Britain, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Switzerland, Portugal, Japan, Netherlands, Africa and the Middle East.

The memorial placed in a building built in 1911 was officialy opened in 1985 to commemorate Malaysia's struggle to achieve independence from British colonial rule.

-- BERNAMA

PORTUGUESE CELEBRATING 500 YEARS IN MELAKA

2011-09-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

Portuguese to put on show
2011/09/12
By Adrian David
news@nst.com.my

Malaca will commemorate the arrival of the Portuguese here in 1511 where they built the Fort A’Famosa (above).

Malacca Portuguese-Eurasian Association president Michael Singho says the event is expected to attract thousands of tourists

KUALA LUMPUR: Historical city Malacca will hold a cultural extravaganza next month as it relives the arrival of the Portuguese here in 1511.

The 500th anniversary of Portuguese history and heritage celebrations will be held at the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir from Oct 26.

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Rustam has been invited to launch the four-day event.

Malacca Portuguese-Eurasian Association president Michael Singho said the fiesta, themed "Our roots.. Our Heritage.. Our Home", would culminate in a commemorative dinner and awards night on Oct 29.

"There will be a fair, exhibitions, demonstrations, traditional events, sale of souvenirs, costumes and handicrafts from cottage industries here, culinary delights, a branyo demonstration, soccer matches involving the Eurasian community, indoor games including darts, chess and carroms, cultural dances and music.

"Day One will open with a mass in church in the evening.
On Day Two, there will be a heritage run, a beauty contest and a cristang song competition. The official opening ceremony by the chief minister will be on Day Three," said Singho.

The fiesta will recapture the moment Afonso d'Albuquerque arrived from Goa, India, with 18 ships and 1,200 men and set foot on Malacca shores on Aug 24, 1511.

The Fort A'Fomosa was built to defend Malacca as a strategic base for Portuguese expansion in the East Indies until 1641 when the Dutch took control.

Singho added that the fiesta was expected to attract hundreds of thousands of tourists, including Eurasians from the Asean region, Australia and Portugal.

"The pulsating beat will complement the ambience of the Portuguese Settlement to provide the ideal atmosphere for a grand get- together," said Singho, whose family of musicians included the famed Os Pombos.

Tourism Malaysia, the Malacca state government and the Portuguese embassy based in Bangkok, Thailand, are offering their support.

For enquiries, call the association's secretariat at 016-2505309; Singho at 017-2244653; association secretary Philomena Singho at 016-2505309; vice-presidents Regina Sta Maria at 012-3657263 and Lawrence Stephen at 016-3356617.

Read more: Portuguese to put on show http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/23rebne/Article#ixzz1Xnt9oSwn

MELAKA POPULAR DOUBLE DECKER BUSES UNDER REPAIR

2011-09-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

MALACCA: The two double-decker red tour buses which were brought here from London slightly more than three years ago are no longer plying the tourist belt in the historical city.

Both the buses are out of service for now and Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam had announced recently that one of them would be made a temporary exhibit at the Malacca Transportation Museum in Ayer Keroh while awaiting repairs.

The bus which would be placed temporarily at the museum belongs to the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ).

The other bus, which is undergoing repairs at a workshop in Sungai Udang, is owned by the Malacca Historical City Council (MBMB). It is expected to resume operations soon.

MPHTJ's bus had been out of service and left idle at the MBMB compound since last September as the replacement parts were costly and difficult to get as they had to be imported from England.

Ali said it was better to make the bus part of the museum's exhibits than to leave it idle while waiting for the spare parts to arrive.

"We have to think carefully about what to do with the bus due to the costs incurred and we have to ensure that we make a pragmatic decision when ordering the replacement parts," Ali said.

The buses, which are also known as the Panorama Bus, were brought to Malacca from London in 2007 at a cost of RM200,000 each to take tourists around historical sites in the city.

The London Bus, as they are known by the locals here, started its services on Aug 14, 2007.

It made 13 stops, including shopping and leisure areas.

The buses are operated by Panorama Malacca Cultural & Tourism Sdn Bhd (PMCT).

The bus owned by MBMB is undergoing repairs at a cost of RM140,000 while the other, owned by MPHTJ, is scheduled to be sent to the workshop soon.

MPHTJ is expected to cough up RM40,000 for the repair of its double-decker bus.

Mayor Zainal Abu confirmed the cost incurred to repair MBMB's bus was RM140,000 as the replacement parts had to be imported.

Meanwhile, MPHTJ president Sapiah Haron confirmed that RM40,000 would be allocated for the repairs on its bus.

NEW INTERESTING EATING PLACES IN MELAKA

2011-09-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

Go to this blogsite to view some interesting eating places in Melaka. Worth browsing this blogspot.

Enjoy.

New interesting eating places in Melaka

DOWN MEMORY LANE IN MELAKA DURING MERDEKA

2011-08-31T21:14:00.001-07:00

Wednesday August 31, 2011
Walking down memory lane
By MICHAEL CHEANG

Heritage enthusiasts Colin Goh and Josephine Chua are passionate about preserving the history of their beloved city.

HIDDEN away in the shadow of a massive shopping complex in Malacca is an almost forgotten part of Malaysia’s history. It is a small mosaic-covered pyramid with a large ‘M’ in the middle, and it marks the beginning of Malaysia as we know it.

Once the focal point of Malacca’s Padang Merdeka, the Merdeka Monument commemorates the day that Malaya declared its independence. That’s not all. Most people forget that it was in Malacca on Feb 20, 1956, Tunku Abdul Rahman announced the glorious news that the British Government had finally agreed to grant Malaya independence. So in a way, Malacca is inextricably linked to Merdeka.

“It is such a shame that an important monument to such an important event in our country’s history is so downplayed today,” laments Colin Goh, 65, a retired civil servant and one of my tour guides for the day.
Colin Goh and Josephine Chua at the Merdeka Monument.

Despite being the second smallest state in Malaysia, Malacca has always been at the centre of Malaysia’s history – ever since Parameswara founded the settlement in 1409. This once important and strategic port in the Straits of Malacca was where the Portuguese, Dutch and British once had their strongholds. Some old Portuguese maps even referred to the entire Malayan peninsula as Malacca. Therefore, it was fitting that Tunku chose Malacca, the place where it all began, to announce the birth of our nation.

Goh was 10 years old when Tunku came to town, and according to him, the atmosphere leading up to the days before his arrival in Malacca was electrifying.

“Everyone was fired up about independence at the time. Everyone in school and on the streets was shouting ‘Merdeka! Merdeka!’ even though they didn’t really know what it meant,” Goh recalls. “Back then, this was just a sleepy hollow. But when word got out that Tunku was coming here to make the announcement, people arrived on buses from everywhere just to hear what he had to say!”

Walking encyclopaedia

Today, Goh is a walking, talking, living history book, an encyclopaedia of Malaccan history. He and his long-time friend and fellow heritage enthusiast Josephine Chua are taking me on a whirlwind tour along the heritage trail of Malacca.

They will be showing another side of Malacca’s history, one that you would not read about in books.

Chua, 55, who is on the Malacca Historical Resource Society committee, is equally passionate about preserving the history and heritage of Malacca. Her roots go all the way back to the very early days of Malacca – her grandfather was one of the founders of the iconic 17th century Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, which is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia.
The historical A Famosa fortress, a landmark of Malacca.

The walk around Malacca’s heritage zone is as much a walk down memory lane for Goh and Chua as it is a walk down Malacca’s chequered past.

Starting out from the St. Francis Xavier Church, we enter the designated Heritage Zone via the row of distinctly red pre-war shop houses along Jalan Laksamana to the central town square (with its iconic red clock tower), then up Jalan Kota towards the Merdeka monument. From there, part of our route includes the one that Tunku Abdul Rahman took in 1956 after making the Merdeka announcement, when he went across the Tan Kim Seng Bridge to MCA founder Tun Tan Cheng Lok’s home on Heeren Street (now Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok) for tea.

Besides its obvious historical heritage (the ancestral homes of many influential Chinese and Peranakan families are still located here), Heeren Street also holds special significance for both Goh and Chua – they were born on the same street in adjoining buildings, at 54 and 56 Heeren Street respectively.
Ban Onn Silversmith on Jonker Street (now known as Jalan Hang Jebat), is one of the few remnants of a more idyllic, less commercial era.

As we walk along the street, Chua excitedly points out the various homes she’s lived in, and tells vivid stories about the denizens of the street.

“My aunt used to live across the street from us when I was little. During Merdeka Day, she would wave to me from across the road and I’d shout ‘Merdeka!’ from our window,” Chua recalls.

One of the most remarkable parts about being brought on a tour by Goh and Chua is that they can point out little details that you would normally have missed. For instance, at one end of the Tan Kim Seng Bridge, concealed behind a garish and completely out-of-place Dutch windmill (despite being colonised by the Dutch, Malacca never had windmills), is an engraved plaque commemorating the opening of the bridge by the British governor at the time. It also honours the contributions of prominent merchant Tan Kim Seng, who donated the funds for the construction of the bridge

Treasure trove of knowledge

You’ll also hear stories about things that happened in everyday life as well. Pointing out a prominent building on Heeren Street, Goh relates how it used to be the home of a good friend who was murdered in her own home. Passing by another building, he explains how it used to be called The Black House because it was occupied by a coal trader.

Stories like these are what make Goh and Chua so unique. They may not be historians or tour guides by profession, but they conduct private tours on a voluntary basis, usually for special occasions or selected guests, because they are driven by their passion for the city they grew up in, as well as the wealth of history and stories within its walls and along its streets.

Goh and Chua are treasure troves of knowledge on Malacca’s history, dispensing historical facts with stories from their childhood, as well as insights into how Malacca has changed.

“The first time I took somebody on a tour of Malacca was in 1965. I found myself getting more and more interested in Malacca’s history. So I started to pick up more books and articles and kept them for reference,” says Goh.

It’s not all warm and fuzzy memories though.

Goh and Chua are equally adept at pointing out the less savoury side of Malacca, which includes the over-commercialisation and over-development of the heritage area, inadequacies in the preservation of heritage buildings and even blatant disrespect of the city’s proud heritage and buildings.

As we walk along Jonker Street (now known as Jalan Hang Jebat) amid the cacophony of tour buses, trucks and motorcycles whizzing past, Goh points out, “This place used to be a thriving community. Everything you needed in everyday life was here – there were tailors, blacksmiths, laundry cleaners, electrical shops, silversmiths. But when it was turned into the Jonker Walk night market to attract more tourists, all the old residents packed up and left the area.”

“It’s become a commercial community now – everything being sold here now is catered for tourists,” Chua adds.

“Many of the things being sold here aren’t even Malaysian, let alone Malaccan!”

Yet, amidst all the tacky tourist traps and blatant commercialisation, some remnants of the old Jonker Street community remain.

For instance, Ban Onn Silversmith is one of the few traditional silversmiths left standing in Malacca. And directly opposite is The Royal Press, a 75-year-old printing press that is still going strong.

“They (The Royal Press) recently had to move from the store next door to the current one; and when they did, they arranged all the furniture and equipment in the exact same positions as they were in the previous store,” says Chua proudly.

Nevertheless, one gets the feeling that these are the dying embers of Malacca’s old history, and that they will soon be gone unless something drastic is done to preserve these heritage treasures.

In fact, oral historians and ordinary Malaccans like Goh and Chua should also be treasured, and commended for the work they have done.

For the pair, it is frustrating and sometimes painful to see the city they grew up in being exploited in the name of development and tourism.

According to Chua, acclaimed historian Tan Sri Mubin Sheppard once said that Malacca was the only place where you got a feeling of antiquity when you drive into town.

“This should have been the main motto in all our conservation projects for Malacca. How important is Malacca? Before anyone even dreamed of Malaysia or Malaya, there was Malacca,’’ she says.

From a certain angle at the Merdeka Monument, you can see the entire history of Malaysia - the iconic Porta de Santiago gate of the A Famosa fortress, the Malay sultanate palace, and the Bastion House. They represent the Portuguese, Dutch, British and Malay Sultanate eras of Malacca.

There can be no doubt Malacca is the cradle of Malaysia.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA ADILFITRI AND MERDEKA

2011-08-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

As Muslims celebrate Adilfitri today, we want to wish Selamat Hari Raya Adilfitri to all Muslims. Maaf, Zahir dan Batin.

Take care on the roads and drive carefully.

For all Malaysians, Happy 54th Independence Day on 31st.August 2011.

TOURISM MELAKA WEB PORTAL REACHES 1 MILLION VISITORS

2011-08-25T01:16:00.000-07:00

24th. August 2011

Today is a milestone for our Tourism Melaka web portal site as the number of visitors to date reached 1,000,367.

We reached this important figure on 24th. August 2011. We started our website in 2001 as a website to promote Melaka, our home state. Visitors to our site started off slowly but two years later, our website was selected by Tourism Malaysia as the website to feature Melaka. Visitors started to visit our site since then. When Tourism Malaysia revamped their website, visitors still visited our site for information and news.

The next boost was when Melaka was declared a World Heritage Site under UNESCO in July 2008. Since then, visitors tend to search our site for news, developments, events and deals in Melaka.

From 2001 to December 31st. 2006, we received 250,000 visitors over 5 years. But from 1.1.2007 until 24.8.2011, 750,367 visitors graced our site, thus overtaking the 1 Million figure.

We at Tourism Melaka web portal will like to express our appreciation to all our visitors, both local and overseas, for visiting our website. Your support has given us the inspiration to strive higher. We want to continuously update and inform you about happenings in Melaka as and when they occur.

For your part, we want you to email us suggestions, ideas, comments (good and bad) and feedback so that these suggestions and comments can be read by citizens of Melaka including the government agencies. Without constant feedback and suggestion, we cannot improve ourselves.

A Big Thank you to all for your support and do come to Melaka over and over again if you have the opportunity and time.

Melaka is for all the citizens of the world for generations to come.

Tourism Melaka Web Portal Team

TOURISM MELAKA REACHING 1 MILLION VISITORS

2011-08-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

As of 21st. August 2011, our Tourism Melaka web portal site that Connects Malaccans and Melaka to the World, is just a whisker to break the 1 Million visitors milestone. We need another 1,600 visitors before this figure is breached. This will happen in about 3 days time pending there is no breakdown of the website on the server end.

When we hit this mark, we will be creating our own history. Created in 2001 as a website to promote Melaka our home state, we never dream of reaching 1 million. Started off on a snail pace at the beginning, as years go by, our website was recognised as a gateway to our historical Melaka. Currently, our main page welcomes about 500 to 600 visitors per day on average. We want it to reach 1,000 visitors per day as our new target.

For new visitors, you will read about Melaka - World Heritage City UNESCO while returning visitors can read about new happenings and offerings. We want you to come to Melaka over and over again so that you can enjoy our hospitality, food, cultures, shopping and cruises.

We want to hear and receive your feedback so that Melaka can achieve greater heights in attracting more visitors. Melaka hosted 10 million visitors in 2010 and we aim to reach 11 million in 2011. Well, Melaka should aim to host 20 million visitors by 2020 if we can get our act together.

Tourism Melaka
Web Portal Team

BEST WESTERN RIVERSIDE HOTEL, MELAKA TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER,2011

2011-08-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

Recently an official hand over of keys to the premises of the renovated Plaza Inn renamed as Best Western Riverside Malacca was carried out.

Soft opening of this well known hotel chain will be in September 2011.

With the opening of this hotel, more visitors are expected to come to Melaka via the marketing effort of the Best Western Hotel group of hotels worldwide.

CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCE AT CHENG KOON TENG TEMPLE, MELAKA

2011-08-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Untiring commitment for Cantonese opera
MyKampung 2011-08-05 12:49

Performing for the first time in Malacca’s Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Qian Qiu Le Cantonese opera troupe members are giving the audience a stunning performance. Photo courtesy: Sin Chew Daily
1 of 6
Translated by Chan Li Lin
Sin Chew Daily

MALACCA, July 17 – Applying heavy make-up before unleashing their full potential. Settling into respective roles before skillfully and freely expressing their emotions in a world of fantasy. These pretty much sum up the career and lives of Cantonese opera performers.

For the artists, it doesn’t matter whether 10 years, 20 years or 30 years of their lives have been spent performing on stage. Their untiring commitment and passion for the art are what it counts. Unless the members of audience have grown tired of their faces and performances, they will not change the course of their career.

Are Cantonese opera actors concerned that the number of their audience is declining? According to them, even if there are only three spectators, they will still happily put on a good show.

This is the charm of opera. Those who are interested in it will remain so for the rest of their lives. They will not easily grow tired of it.

The so-called “tuk tuk qiang” opera was at its pinnacle in Malaysia between the 40’s and 70’s. In the eyes of youngsters nowadays, however, it is nothing more than “antique”, or a show dedicated to God.

Qian Qiu Le Cantonese opera troupe started performing on July 16

For the current generation, there is not much difference between Cantonese opera and Taiwanese opera.

In recent years, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple has been making arrangements for Cantonese and Taiwanese opera troupes to perform in its premise. The shows manage to bring back memories for the older generation, as well as spark the interest in the art form among the new generation.

In view of this, Qian Qiu Le Cantonese opera troupe was, for the first time, invited to perform at Cheng Hoon Teng Temple from July 16-19. The cast included performers from Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

He Bo: Response from audience is the best reward

According to He Bo, a Cantonese opera actor from Hong Kong, he could still play the role of a 20 year-old although he was almost 60. He enjoyed settling into different characters and performed on stage after applying make-up.

“The ability to take on different roles is the biggest joy of performing and I’ll remain happy even after the shows have come to an end. Having so many scripts to memorize, I certainly will not contract Alzheimer’s disease too,” he said.

For He, the experience of being part of Cantonese opera was invaluable. He loved the shows and the response from his audience is the best reward for him.

Previously working as an officer in the Hong Kong Identification Services Bureau, He joint the Cantonese opera troupe when he was 40 years old. 20 years had since passed and he still enjoys tackling various roles, including those of a male, female, ugly man, crazy man and young scholar. Embracing his work and passion with professionalism, he sports a big smile whenever he talks about Cantonese opera.

He had previously performed in Malaysia but it was the first time he put up a show in Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. The beautiful stage with carvings has deeply impressed him.

Intense competitition in Hong Kong

He said, Cantonese opera troupes are facing stiff competition in Hong Kong and there is no shortage of demand for this kind of performance. In Singapore, it remains popular while in Malaysia, the shows are commonly found in Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur.

“The invitation has gifted us another opportunity to perform. The size of the dressing room is not an issue,” he said.

Actors have no age limit

Zhang Qian-hui, the leader of Qian Qiu Le Cantonese opera troupe started to get involved in Cantonese opera when he was 13 years old. In the beginning, he only took the roles of “extra” but managed to get increasingly important roles later and subsequently took over as the leader of the troupe.

He said, there is no age limit for opera actors, as they can be part of the shows for as long as they want. If the spectators have grown tired of the performers, they can switch roles or even work behind the scene.

“Though the life on stage is not easy, there shouldn’t be any problem if you have the interest,” Zhang said, adding that he hoped his troupe could have a nationwide tour in Malaysia to promote the art of Cantonese opera. No matter how remote the places are, the troupe would still perform there as what it valued the most were audience acceptance and interest in it.

Show will last for more than three hours

Zhang said, the show will last for over three hours with a 10-minute interval, when actors could change their costumes and apply make-up.

He said, male actors needed 20-30 minutes to apply make-up while female performers needed some 45 minutes.

He hoped that the troupe could give a wonderful performance in Malacca, which was gazetted as a world heritage site.

Anticipating crowd with the same passion

Xu Pei-shan, an experienced opera artist who performs in Singapore and Malaysia said, she performed in Malacca more than a decade ago. The show received overwhelming response but she was not sure if her upcoming show was going to generate the same effect.

Having previously performed in Batu Gajah, Ipoh, she also performs in Singapore on a regular basis. On the shows in Singapore, she said they managed to attract the interest of senior citizens, middle-aged group, as well as youths. By performing in Cheng Hoon Teng Temple this time, she hoped the troupe could give a wonderful show and spark the interest in Cantonese opera.

Costumes are “prized possession”

Xu loves being part of the opera shows. In the two decades of her acting career, she, along with each and every other performer, had given their best efforts no matter how many spectators had showed up to watch them perform. This is the fighting spirit of the artists.

When travelling, the performers would take good care of their prized possession – their costumes, which were custom-made in Hong Kong or China. They were bright in colours and seamlessly made.

When asked if it was difficult to remember the script, she said she had memorized it before going on stage. Besides, she had struck a chord with her fellow artists and co-operated well with them.

16 FLOORS HERITAGE HOTEL UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2011-08-02T00:17:00.000-07:00

A new 16 floors Heritage Hotel is now being constructed opposite Equatorial Hotel, Melaka.

As the location is in the buffer zone and outside the heritage zone area,the developer can build 16 floors instead of 8 floors.

Seems Melaka is getting a lot of investments in boutique hotels, 5 star hotels and budget hotels lately. Competition for hotel guests will surely mount and hoteliers must be innovative to attract guests otherwise there will be empty rooms instead.

More festivals and cultural events must be organised professional so that Melaka can attract long staying visitors. Brazil has her Annual Samba festival that draws millions to her shores. In Italy, Venice holds her Venetian Festival annually for locals and guests.

Melaka can use her various cultures, music, dances and food to draw in crowds annually or half yearly. For this to happen, the Melaka state government must work hand in hand with hoteliers, tour agencies, cultural troupes, community organisations and related agencies to make the festival a reality. More importantly, this festival must be held annually so that people remember the event.

SELAMAT BERPUASA AND SELAMAT HARI RAYA ADILFITRI

2011-08-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

With the holy month of Ramadan started yesterday, Tourism Melaka will like to wish our Muslim friends in Malaysia and around the world, Selamat Berpuasa.

When the Puasa month ends, you will be celebrating the Hari Raya Adilfitri. May we take this opportunity to wish you all Selamat Hari Raya.

Have a safe month and look forward to the Hari Raya celebrations.

Tourism Melaka web Team.

FIREFLY-MELAKA AIR TO TAKE OFF ON 11.11.11

2011-07-29T04:44:00.000-07:00

07/28/2011 | 10:21 pm

FIREFLY TO START NEW SERVICES FROM MELAKA

Firefly entered a collaboration with Melaka Air today to provide air services out of Melaka International Airport from November 11, 2011.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Firefly by its Managing Director, Dato’ Eddy Leong and Melaka Air CEO, Sharabudin Kudus, witnessed by Melaka Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam.

The agreement paves the way for Firefly to station an ATR72-500 aircraft in Melaka and mount new flights out of the historical city of Melaka to Batam, Pekanbaru and Medan in Indonesia and from Melaka to Penang and Kota Bahru in Malaysia.

Leong said: “We had intended to start our operations in Melaka earlier but we had to wait for the expansion of our aircraft fleet. Now we are in a position to support the Melaka Chief Minister’s vision of expanding tourism accessibility into the state.

“In November, we will take delivery of our 11th and 12th ATR aircraft, of which one aircraft has been specifically designated to be stationed in Melaka. We will also set up a full operation support services in Melaka which will include aircraft maintenance, ground-handling and fuel services. Soon, there will also be an airport ticketing office in Melaka.

“If this collaboration with Melaka Air proves to be successful, we have the capability to also offer in the future our Boeing jet aircraft which has a larger seat capacity of 189.”

The ATR 72-500 aircraft to be stationed in Melaka is a brand new carrier. Currently, Firefly has 10 ATRs servicing domestic routes and neighbouring countries out of Firefly’s hubs in Subang and Penang. Firefly’s ATR services offers an average of 92 flights a day and it has been in operation since late 2008. The aircraft is a 72-seater, single class configuration. It offers incredible value with low fares. This includes 20kg check-in baggage allowance, assigned seating, complimentary in-flight refreshments and city airports as hubs.

Leong added that Firefly was targeting different market segments on different routes. He elaborated: “We are targeting the Health Tourism and Business Events segments especially from Pekanbaru, Medan and Batam in Indonesia to visit Melaka.

“Our thrice weekly flights from Melaka to Penang will connect two UNESCO World Heritage Cities. The convenience of affordable air travel is certain to attract more domestic and foreign tourists to visit both destinations. Melaka and Penang share more than just a rich, colonial historical past, but also diverse cultures and good food. It is also a good combination for leisure tourists who are keen on combining a historical city with a beach holiday. With the Melaka – Kota Bharu route, we hope to attract traffic from the business, leisure and visit friends and relatives segment.”

Leong said the airline would also work closely with Melaka Tourism and its tourism players to promote all the new destinations originating from Melaka.

Earlier this afternoon, Firefly’s special chartered flight flew in a full load of 72 people, comprising travel agents and media from Medan and Malaysia, Yayasan Melaka delegates and Firefly staff to witness the collaboration between Firefly and Melaka Air.

The chartered service, utilizing the ATR72-500 aircraft, left Subang Skypark Terminal at 3.15pm and arrived at Melaka International Airport an hour later. Upon arrival, passengers were warmly greeted by the Malacca Chief Minister himself, Datuk Seri Hj Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam, State EXCO members and Firefly’s managing director, Dato’ Eddy Leong.

Also at the airport this afternoon eagerly waiting to get onboard the return flight to Subang Skypark, departing 5.15pm were 40 orphans from Rumah Yatim Al-Zaharah Melaka and four accompanying adults. Their trip to Kuala Lumpur was a treat organised by Yayasan Melaka.

Ticket sales from Melaka to Kota Bahru and Penang will be available from tomorrow. Online purchases can be made from Firefly’s website (www.fireflyz.com.my), from travel agents and from Firefly’s booth at MATTA Fair Melaka, from July 29 to 31.

RM300 MILLION INVESTMENT IN MELAKA

2011-07-25T23:53:00.001-07:00

July 25, 2011 19:07 PM

Plentifield Invests RM300 Million In 'Best Western Premier Melaka'

MELAKA, July 25 (Bernama) -- Property firm Plentifield Marketing Sdn Bhd is building a five-star hotel and commercial centre called "Best Western Premier Melaka" involving RM300 million investment in the Ayer Keroh Botanical Park here.

Its managing director, Dr Teoh Lian Hong, said the nine-storey hotel and five commercial blocks were expected to complete by end of 2013.

"The project is being developed on a 2.8ha site with modern and green technology features.

"It will house, among others, entertainment centres, shoplots, halls, corporate offices and meeting venues on par with those in luxury hotels overseas," he told reporters after the project's groundbreaking ceremony today.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam officiated the ceremony. Present was Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council President Sapiah Harun.

Teoh said the hotel, near the Melaka International Trade Centre, Melaka Zoo and Melaka Wonderland Theme Park, would have 301 rooms.

"This project is Plentifield's first in Melaka and we see it has a big potential in view of its location within a tourist area," he said.

The five commercial blocks will also have 506 business suites and 166 retail lots.

Plentifield's previous development include a RM220 million project comprising a three-star hotel and commercial lots in Sandakan and RM300 million commercial lots in Shah Alam.

Meanwhile, Mohd Ali said he welcomed Plentifield's investment because the state had a shortage of five-star hotels.

Plentifield had also agreed to build another five-star hotel on a 4ha site near Kolej Yayasan Saad in Ayer Keroh, he added.

-- BERNAMA

TOP CREATIONS BUYS LAND IN MELAKA FOR PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

2011-07-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

TIDMTOPC

RNS Number : 8805K

Top Creation Investments Limited

22 July 2011

Top Creation Investments Limited

("TCIL" or the "Company")

Acquisition of Malaysian property

Issue of equity

The Company is pleased to announce that it has agreed to invest RM14m (approximately GBP2.8m), in the purchase of a 2.1429 acre site in Negeri Melaka, Malaysia (the "Land") for a mixed use development which will comprise a shopping mall, car parking, facilities centre and home office service suite (the "Project").

The Company has agreed to acquire the Land from Empire Property Sdn. Bhd. ("EPSB"), a company in relation to which TCIL's investment manager is a director and in which he has a significant shareholding. The consideration for the acquisition is RM5.0m (approximately GBP1.0m) for the Land, and a further RM9m in respect of development work undertaken to date (approximately GBP1.8m). Of this total, a deposit of RM1.4m, comprising a deposit of RM0.5m and 10% of the RM9m development costs, is payable immediately, with the balance being paid on completion, which is expected to be in September 2011.

In addition, the Company has raised GBP1,033,500 through subscriptions of 49,214,286 new ordinary shares at 2.1p per share (the "Subscription").

Overview of the Property and Project

The Land is located within the Melaka Tourism Development Belt ("MTDB") stretching from Dataran Phalawan to Melaka Esplanade and to Klebang where the Malacca Gold Coast is located. This location is part of the growth area for tourism activities for which the Melaka state is focusing its attention. The MTDB already contains a couple of existing tourist related facilities, however it is very much in its infancy and there is still a lot of growth potential. The success of the MTDB is expected to derive from the unique proposition of Melaka as a renowned tourist attraction, which helps attract constant flows of consumers for its shopping, medical tourism and tourism-related facilities, which elevates its residential and commercial potential.

Sub-structure works were completed by EPSB on the Land in 2008, and the Company proposes to continue with EPSB's Project, which will comprise:

(i) 3 floors of shopping mall;

(ii) 3 [1/2] floors of parking lots (with 613 parking bays);

(iii) 1 floor of facilities centre; and

(iv) 510 home office serviced suites, spread over 17 floors.

The Director's believe that the Project's concept is new to the area. Currently, along the Klebang coastal area, there are no such developments where service suites come with other facilities, e.g. retail/shopping malls and food and beverage outlets, therefore the Company's directors believe that there is a need for this type of development as local residents and tourists currently have to travel down town for shopping and other needs.

The Company expects that:

(i) the professional team will be engaged by the end of July 2011;

(ii) the acquisition of the Land is expected to be completed by the end of September 2011;

(iii) such building/planning approvals as are necessary to commence construction will be obtained by November 2011;

(iv) construction of the buildings will commence in November 2011 at the latest; and

(v) practical completion of the Project will be achieved by November 2013.

The total project costs are expected to be approximately RM185m, including the RM14m investment by the Company being announced today. The Company expects to fund the additional costs through advanced sales of units, which are anticipated to commence during Q3 2011. Marketing of the units will mainly focus on China, as the Chinese represent the largest group of investors looking for investment opportunities in Melaka.

Issue of Equity

Although the Company does not anticipate the Project requiring debt financing, the Company needs to raise funds for working capital to pay for consultancy fees, local authority fees and contributions to various local authorities for utilities, totalling GBP1,033,500. To that end, the Company has received subscriptions for 49,214,286 ordinary shares of GBP0.001 each in the Company at a price of GBP0.021 per share (the "Subscription Shares").

Application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the Subscription Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM and it is expected that admission will occur on 28 July 2011.

Following admission of the Subscription Shares ("Admission"), the Company's issued share capital will comprise 549,964,286 ordinary shares of GBP0.001 each. This figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, Top Creation Investments Limited, under the FSA's Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules.

Furthermore, immediately following Admission, Jade Global Investments Limited, a shareholder of the Company, will hold 95,637,500 ordinary shares of GBP0.001 each, representing 17.39% of the Company's issued share capital.

Ends

Enquiries:

  Top Creation Investments Limited  Wong Yu Sun, Finance Director     Tel: 006012 2778972    Daniel Stewart & Company plc  Antony Legge/James Felix          Tel: 020 7776 6550    Threadneedle Communications  Graham Herring/Robyn McConnachie  Tel: 020 7653 9850

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

MSCRTMRTMBTTMJB

MELAKA MUSIC FESTIVAL IN FUTURE?

2011-07-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

Thursday July 21, 2011

Promoting Malacca through music festival

TOURISM Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen was recently quoted as saying that her Ministry would assist Malacca to organise an international music festival with heritage as its inspiration.

Taking the cue from the runaway success of Sarawak’s World Rainforest Music Carnival (WRMC), I wish to applaud the move simply as a way to promote the tiny state’s Unesco World Heritage status.

However, the organiser must be cautioned that the intended music festival should be clearly defined and creatively expedited so as not to run off-track, as what the WRMC is facing now after many years of staging.

It recently concluded its 14th edition, bringing fame and tourism revenue to Sarawak and the country.

Sadly, the WRMC which was initially proposed to be an ethnic music gathering, using ethnic instruments, has slowly become like a rock concert spiced with folk songs.

Malacca should learn from the experience of Sarawak in defining its true objectives.

WRMC’s popularity as a world-class music carnival is mainly due to its aim of staging under one roof, a congregation of world ethnic music.

It is a perfect vehicle to position Sarawak and the rest of Borneo at large because of the strong ethnic presence against the backdrop of the world’s oldest rainforest.

Malacca, needs a booster to make known its Unesco World Heritage status, now entering its third year.

Malacca may be more famous than many of the states in terms of tourism but it still needs that wow factor.

So how can Malacca stage an international music festival that can stand on its originality and yet be successful in luring the tourists by the numbers?

Malacca’s cultural potpourri comprising various races and minority etnicities, provide the perfect setting for a music festival which can garner an international standing.

Already the three major races, comprising the Malays, Chinese and Indians are a sight to behold, what more with their sounds of music.

To top it up, the Kadazans, the Ibans, the orang asli, the Javanese and Arabs, the Babas and Nyonyas, not forgetting the Portuguese and the Dutch, the Punjabis as well with their own brand of ethnic music.

Together with some international guests, the stage is set for an event listing on the country’s tourism calendar.

We are certainly not short of tourism products that can woo visitors to our shores.

However, let’s make sure that every state has its own unique product to show its true colours to the world.

ZARI MALAYSIANA,
Petaling Jaya.

HIGH SPEED TRAIN BENEFITS

2011-07-19T01:58:00.000-07:00

Monday July 18, 2011

High speed train will move economy

IT is time that the Government revived the High Speed Rail (HSR) service proposal to connect Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. In fact an HSR service should link Singapore and Butterworth in Penang.

All over the world countries see HSR services as the best mass transportation option between cities. China and South Korea are the leaders in the construction of HSR service networks for their people. China holds the record for the longest HSR network in the world.

On July 1, China launched an HSR service between Beijing and Shanghai. The train can reach a maximum speed of 300 km/hr, and travelling time between the two big cities – 1,318km apart – is less than five hours.

However, in Malaysia we are still debating whether or not to carry out such a project. Many views were put forward by the critics of this project, who see it as wasteful, and by transportation players, who look at it from their business point of view.

In time, the highways will not be able to cope with the number of vehicles on the road. More highways will need to be built. But this is not the best solution.

I think an HSR project will benefit Malaysia more than Singapore if we can align the route to take in the denser populated towns in Malacca and Johor.

The route from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore should pass through Seremban, Simpang Empat, Air Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat, and Iskandar.

This will not affect the KTMB double tracking project as people in Seremban, Tampin, Segamat, Gemas, Yong Peng, Kluang and Kulai will still need reliable and safe inter city transportation.

By passing through Air Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat and Iskandar these towns will benefit in terms of tourism and property values. Singaporeans will start to buy landed properties in these towns for investment or as their second home.

The northern towns stretching from Air Keroh to Penang will benefit from tourism, as travelling by HSR is more reliable and safer. There are many places in Johor, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Perak and Penang that can be promoted for tourism.

Also, there will be no need for Singaporeans to then drive into Malaysia.

In the next five to ten years, the Government will see a significant increase in GNI (Gross National Income), and the construction activities will add to Gross Domestic Product initially, as well as GNI in the latter years, from tourism and property transactions.

Coastal towns in Johor and Malacca will reap the benefits as weekend tourists spur business activities there. In this way, the Government will spread the economic cake to many parts of the country and achieve the high income target for many homes by 2020.

Therefore, the Government should re-look the proposal on this project and take in KTMB as a partner.

A decision has to be made quickly for the benefit of all Malaysians.

ESA ADAM,
Subang Jaya.

TRAM SYSTEM FOR MELAKA

2011-07-18T18:57:00.001-07:00

Rail transport system to help tackle congestion in Melaka

News

2011-07-18 17:43

ALOR GAJAH, July 18 (Bernama) -- The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) plans to overcome Melaka city's worsening traffic congestion by setting up a rail transport system.

SPAD chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said they found that the high volume of private vehicles entering the city contributed to the problem.

"We will look at whether the state government is interested in implementing a tram system to be developed through a privatised project," he told reporters after launching Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Hang Kasturi's Patriotism Month celebrations in Masjid Tanah, near here today.

Syed Hamid, who is also Kota Tinggi Member of Parliament, said bus and taxi services also need to be improved to encourage locals and tourists to take advantage of public transport to get to the city.

"I see that congestion in Melaka in bad, and it takes time to reach tourist spots because of the traffic volume," he added.

Over 10 million tourists flocked Melaka last year and this year an estimated 11 million are expected to visit the state.

MELAKA MATTA FAIR ON 29TH JULY 2011

2011-07-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

July 18, 2011 17:53 PM

Melaka Mits Matta Fair Targeting For 40,000 Visitors

MELAKA, July 18 (Bernama) -- Melaka Mits Matta Fair 2011 will be held for three days at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) here, beginning July 29 with a target of attracting between 35,000 and 40,000 visitors.

State Executive Councillor for Tourism, Culture and Heritage Datuk Latiff Tamby Chik said the fair, organised jointly by the Melaka International Tourism Show (MITS) and the Malaysian Association of Travel and Tour Agencies (Matta), offered considerable discounts for various tourism-related products.

"A total of 120 operators are expected to take part in the fair," he told reporters, here today.

Latiff said among the overseas organisations taking part would be the Macau Tourism Office, Korea National Tourism Office, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Taiwan Visitors Association and VIG Group and People Committee of Khanh Hoa, Vietnam.

He said visitors would also have the opportunity of participating in various activities such as lucky draws, tourism quiz, and enjoying various cultural performances and tourism exhibition.

-- BERNAMA

TOURISM MELAKA WEB PORTAL TO REACH 1 MILLION VISITORS

2011-07-15T02:40:00.000-07:00

Our Tourism Melaka web portal is surging ahead to reach another milestone i.e. breaching 1 Million visitors.

Our website attracted about 250,000 visitors from 2001 to 2006 but it increased to 730,000 visitors from 2007 to date. Now, we are just another 20,000 visitors away before we hit 1 Million visitors. Certainly, this figure was not imaginable when we first started our web portal in 2001. Now, this figure is just a whisker away.

Since Melaka was announced World Heritage City with Georgetown, Penang on 7th. July 2008, visitors have increased.

We want to thank all visitors to our web site for making this possible. Without your support, new and repeat visitors, we will not be able to do so. We hope you have enjoyed the contents in our website so that you can be updated constantly on the development of Melaka over the years.

Our website has news, current and archived, so that you can read during your visits. Some articles remain unchanged or undeleted as they are there to record Melaka's development.

As we reach our magical level of 1 million visitors, we also want feedback from our visitors be it good or bad. Without your constructive comments, Melaka cannot develop into a vibrant yet historical city for generations to come.

Thank you for your support.

MELAKA CELEBRATED 3rd ANNIVERSARY AS WORLD HERITAGE SITE

2011-07-09T23:08:00.000-07:00

Malacca celebrates 3rd anniversary as World Heritage Site

BERNAMA

Saturday, July 9th, 2011 16:08:00

MALACCA: Malacca Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob, several other state dignitaries and some 3,000 people attended the third anniversary celebration of the declaration of Melaka City as World Heritage Site, held at the Independence Memorial in Bandar Hilir, here, last night.

The celebration this time took them back to the historic pre-independence days where in Febuary 1956, the people welcomed back the Malayan delegation seeking independence for the country led by the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.

"The situation then and now, and the harmony and cooperation among the people of various races is a fine example in creating universal peace," said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam in his speech at the event.

He said multiracial unity, peace, cooperation and tolerance had brought prosperity to Malaysia compared to the turbulent situation in some countries due to ethnic strife or sectarian violence.

"By preserving peace, prosperity and harmonious living will prevail which will help us create a stronger nation," he added.

Malacca and George Town, Penang were declared World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) on July 7, 2008.

In conjunction with this year's celebration, 42 events have been lined up for the whole month of July covering culture, arts and heritage.

MELAKA RIVER BEAUTIFICATION WORKS EXTEND TO MELAKA SENTRAL

2011-07-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

July 07, 2011 20:54 PM

RM135 Million Sungai Melaka Tourism Project Extended To Melaka Sentral

MELAKA, July 7 (Bernama) -- The second parcel of the Sungai Melaka Beautification Project will be extended up to Melaka Sentral including the popular shopping complexes at Aeon Bandaraya and Tesco, here.

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas said the project stretching about four kilometres would start at the end of the year and expected to be completed in mid-2013.

He said that overall, five zones would be developed under the project which would have a footpath, bicycle lanes, observation tower and main passenger terminal at the Melaka Sentral and the two shopping complexes.

"This is my ministry's commitment to improve the Sungai Melaka which has a good potential as a tourist attraction," he told reporters after listening to a briefing on the project at Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh, here Thursday.

Earlier, Uggah, who is on a day's visit to Melaka, went on a river cruise with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam from Taman Rempah up to Melaka Sentral.

Sungai Melaka now offers a river cruise service either on a boat that can accommodate between 20 and 30 passengers or a water taxi that can take 16 passengers for a distance of four kilometres from Taman Rempah up to the Quayside at the historic river mouth.

Meanwhile, Mohd Ali said the state government planned to build a floating market in the river after Hang Jebat Bridge as a new tourist attraction.

In another development, Uggah said he would study the request by Mohd Ali to construct a water breaker to prevent coastal erosion at Pantai Kundur, Pantai Puteri, Pantai Tanjung Bidara and Pantai Kemuning.

-- BERNAMA

GRAND 500 YEARS CELEBRATION AT PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENT

2011-07-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

Michael Mikey Teo Just as a matter of interest, thought that you lot might like to know that there is a Grand 500 Year Anniversary Celebration at Mcca Portuguese Settlement from Oct 26th to 29th, 2011. Cheers.

ARAB CITY MELAKA READY BY END 2011

2011-07-05T03:30:00.000-07:00

July 05, 2011 16:00 PM

Developer Expects Arab City Melaka To Be Ready By Year-end

KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 (Bernama) -- Golden Corporate Heritage Sdn Bhd, the developer of Arab City Melaka, expects the project with a gross development value of RM75 million to be completed by year-end.

Its director, Dr Salim N. Al Gudhea, said the project, located at Pulau Melaka, Melaka, started in January this year and is currently 68 per cent complete.

"Arab City is an opportunity for business growth and retail positioning. With over 123 retail spaces for lease, the project will certainly provide good business prospect for us," he told reporters after signing an agreement with Benalec Sdn Bhd here, Tuesday.

He added that the soft launch of Arab City would be around January next year while its targeted opening for the public will be in March.

Meanwhile, under the agreement today, Benalec, an integrated marine construction solution provider, will develop the Arabian Oasis, a recreation centre, on a 1.62 hectares reclaimed land at the sea front of Arab City.

The "oasis" is expected to be completed in 16 weeks.

-- BERNAMA

Website of Arab Melaka City

YOUNG BREED OF TRISHAW OPERATORS IN MELAKA

2011-07-05T00:14:00.000-07:00

MELAKA, July 5 (Bernama) -- Weekend nights at Bandar Hilir Melaka exude an atmosphere of merriment, thanks to the hundreds of visitors from outside Melaka who congregate there.

The cacophony from the activities and traffic is drowned out, sometimes, by blaring music in numerous languages and genres from passing rickshaws.

The rickshaws, embellished with various motifs, and lit up grandly, are a statement of their owner's creativity.

These rickshaws or trishaws, without the decorations seen on them today, were a ubiquitous mode of transport in towns in the 1960s and 1970s, and evoke nostalgic memories of a bygone era.

People recall the sight of rickshaw men on streets, using all their energy to pedal the three wheelers for a token sum. The impoverished rickshaw man was immortalised in the film 'Penarik Beca', with silver-screen legend, late Tan Sri P Ramlee, playing the role of a poor rickshaw man, Amran.

Nowadays, however, rickshaws only serve visitors who wish to experience the unique ride. The rickshaw owners of Bandar Hilir Melaka are eager to provide their passengers with the excitement of a ride.

WOMEN IN THE TRADE

Outside the Menara Taming Sari ground, a number of lit-up rickshaws wait in a line for passengers. One three wheeler stood out because of its rider.

Meet Nor Hasliza Hanafi, 20, one of the few women in the rickshaw trade, and among the increasing number of young people who are adopting a trade that is slowly disappearing.

What convinced Nor Hazliza, a former employee of Giat Mara, to adopt a trade most would shy away from?

"It is not because I had no other choice, but because I wanted it. As a rickshaw rider, I have the opportunity to met lots of people, including dignitaries like Melaka's Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.

"Here, I serve as a little ambassador, narrating the history of Melaka and the places I bring them to. Previously, I did not know much history, but after taking up this trade, I now have the history at my fingertips.

"I have met all sorts of people, and took the opportunity to promote Melaka to tourists. This is an honourable undertaking," she told Bernama, recently.

NOTHING TO BE SHY ABOUT

The trade is not new to Nor Hazliza. Her father, too, was a rickshaw rider.

She recalled that, during her school days, her school-mates would to make fun of her father's occupation, as it was associated with uneducated and marginalised people.

Nor Hazliza, however, finds the life of a rickshaw rider to be far better than people's conceptions of it. Today, many graduates have adopted what was previously considered an unenviable vocation.

Most of these graduates, who have taken up the trade on a full-time or part-time basis, have at least one family member in the trade, already.

"Even I was embarrassed with my father's occupation during my younger days. But after a meeting with the rickshaw riders, it dawned upon me that one can earn a living through this vocation as long as they are ready to work hard.

"That is when I made up my mind to stop work and take up the rickshaw trade. I have to admit that I was initially shy. But I overcame the apprehension over time.

"What's more, there was a time when I earned up to RM1,000 a day due to my hard work," she said proudly.

A one-hour ride from Taming Sari to Pokok Melaka, A Farmosa and Jonker Walk on the rickshaw costs RM40.

HURDLES FOR A WOMAN RIDER

However, a woman rickshaw-rider faces several challenges.

There is a general perception that it is unsafe for women to ride at night, and that they might not possess the physical strength to pedal a rickshaw.

Nor Hazliza, the second of four siblings, brushes aside these beliefs, saying her male counterparts never underestimated her ability, and even extended their cooperation.

In fact, rickshaw riders work together in a group to promote Melaka.

"Even passengers ask me whether I can endure (the effort) or not, but after seeing how far I could go, they don't ask anymore questions.

"On the dangers, this work goes on till late hours, and I once stayed up until 1.30 am. So far, nothing bad had happened, except I was once shortchanged by a customer.

"I'm proud of what I'm doing. A living proof that women too can take up the rickshaw trade," she said.

RICKSHAW RIDERS OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION

The growing number of young rickshaw riders today augurs well for this trade. Rickshaw riding was previously considered a vocation for the older generation, and it was feared that the trade would go extinct.

When questioned about young rickshaw riders, Nor Hasliza responded with a grin, "Yes, many youngsters are taking up the rickshaw trade, part-time of full-time, like me".

"Now it is a trend. The youngest, 14 years old, maybe wants to help his father supplement the family income, after school.

"The way I see it, it is better for them to work as rickshaw riders, rather than loiter around. At least they can earn an income. I once advised a friend to stop loitering and work temporarily as a rickshaw rider before landing another job.

"In the end, he too ended up as a rickshaw man," she said.

Another young rickshaw rider is Mohamad Hidier Abd Muttalib, 24, who has been in the trade for the last five years. He rides the rickshaw at night to supplement his income.

"During the day I work as a mechanic; at night I take up the rickshaw trade."

RICKSHAWS TO STAY FOR GOOD

The president of the Kota Melaka Rickshaw Rider's Association, Arman Saleh, said the participation of the younger generation bode well for this trade, and would keep it alive.

Welcoming this development, Arman said he hoped this vocation would keep young people away from social ills.

"Since the last three or four years, the younger generation has shown an interest in this trade. "At present, there are about 194 rickshaw riders in Melaka, with 80 to 90 of them being young men," he said.

-- BERNAMA

MELAKA CASA DEL RIO HOTEL AT MELAKA RIVER MOUTH

2011-07-04T21:19:00.000-07:00

Since early 2011, Melaka newest luxurious hotel, Casa del Rio, opened for business. Located just opposite the Melaka River Cruise terminal and at the Melaka River mouth, it has rooms facing the historic Melaka river.

The low rise hotel certainly blends into the landscape and does not intrude the skyline of Melaka.

PROPOSED JALAN KILANG PROJECT IN MELAKA

2011-07-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

Some architect firm has proposed a concept development of the land at Jalan Kilang, Melaka.

Jalan Kilang used to be a place where small and medium scale industries had their factories. However, in late 1980s, they were asked to re-locate to Malim Jaya by the Melaka Council.

Some were compensated while others had to resort to class action for compensation.

Now, after more than 10 years, the area is ready to be developed. Whether anything concrete will take place in the future, remains to be seen. A park within any new development will be good for Malaccans as there are too much development without taking into consideration of open spaces.

6 MONTHS TO REMOVE RAIL TRACKS IN SINGAPORE

2011-07-01T20:14:00.001-07:00

6 months to remove rail tracks
New Straits Times
Sat, Jul 02, 2011

SINGAPORE - Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad will strip the entire stretch of its railway track between Tanjong Pagar and Woodlands in Singapore and bring them home within the next six months.

That is the time frame KTMB has been given by the Singapore authorities to undertake the mammoth job of removing the tracks.

The track removal will pave the way for the republic's authorities to commence with either development projects that have been intended along the stretch, or maintain it as a heritage site or green corridor as suggested by environmentalists.

KTMB will release a tender notice soon to get a contractor to handle the job. The track spans over 23km from Tanjong Pagar in southern Singapore to Woodlands in the north.

KTMB president Dr Aminuddin Adnan told the New Straits Times that the job to remove the tracks was expected to be completed in several months, adding that the contractor could either be from Singapore or Malaysia, depending on who submitted the best bid.

He said part of the track would be showcased in KTMB museums as a historical exhibit while others would be kept for future use on KTMB tracks throughout the country.

"The first museum to display part of the track is the former Johor Baru railway station, which will be transformed into a museum soon.

"Other stations with plans to set up a museum will also be given part of the track as exhibits."

The Tanjong Pagar station became part of KTMB's history following the departure of the last train piloted by the Sultan of Johor at 11.03pm on Thursday.

As the bells sounded, followed by the heavy sound of the locomotive, the train slowly left Platform 1 of the station, with the sight and sound of well-wishers at the platform slowly fading away as the train disappeared into the dark.

The KL-bound train ride was by invitation only, and passengers comprised of KTMB staff and their family members, and newsmen from both sides of the Johor Straits.

As the train snaked its way towards the Woodlands checkpoint just before the Causeway, well-wishers lined up at both sides of the track at Bukit Timah and Bukit Panjang, among other locations, waved, and shouted "bye-bye".

Onboard the train, a host of activities was held, such as the singing of Auld Lang Syne, photo-shoots and press interviews.

The train transported home 16 carriages of passengers, who arrived in Johor Baru at 12.15am with sweet memories.

While the neo-classical style Tanjong Pagar railway station had been gazetted by Singapore as a heritage building, it remains unclear about the fate of the rail land stretching from the station to Woodlands, although environmentalists had called the republic's government to turn it into a green corridor.

Checks yesterday showed that the compound of the station including the parking area had been fenced off yesterday, and security guards were manning the building.

MELAKA NEW CUSTOMS, IMMIGRATION AND QUARANTINE COMPLEX AT MELAKA RIVER MOUTH

2011-06-30T02:27:00.001-07:00

Mohd Ali showing the construction of the complex in Malacca during a visit recently.

CIQ Complex to be completed in 2012

MALACCA: Construction of the state’s recently revived Customs Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex is expected to be fully completed by March next year.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the government had strived hard to ensure the project was restored after the initial construction hit a snag due to technical hitches on the part of its previous contractor.

“We have commissioned a second contractor and up to now 38% of the project is completed and if all goes well, we could anticipate the RM73mil complex to be operational by mid-2012,” he said at a site tour recently.

Once completed, Mohd Ali added the complex could accommodate 15,000 visitors arriving from neighbouring countries on a monthly basis.

“This will certainly be a boost for Malacca in terms of the tourists arrivals,” he said.

The CIQ will complement the Batu Berendam International airport as a major gateway to the state and also to expedite the entry process for foreign tourists.

Mohd Ali said once the CIQ was completed, the state could also attract tourist boats from Singapore and Batam to enter the local waterway.

He added that frequency of the current ferry services from Bengkalis and Dumai in Indonesia could also be doubled with the new facility.

The increase, could turn the Malacca port as an optional hub for ferry services from neighbouring countries.

On another matter, Mohd Ali said the government hoped to introduce a tram car to ferry city folks to several selected destinations.

He said the tram service would help alleviate traffic congestions at the city-center while the monorail service was also expected to resume soon and would serve several populated areas here.

BEST WESTERN RIVERSIDE, MALACCA IN 2012

2011-06-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

The former Plaza Inn located at end of Jalan Pasar Baru, Melaka will open in 2012 under the world renown brand of Best Western.
Best Western International operates and owns thousands of hotels around the world.

This is good for Melaka in general and Melaka Newchinatown in particular as the hotel is located near the core Melaka Heritage area. BWI sees the potential of Melaka as a heritage city. With the hotel located besides the Melaka River, visitors can enjoy the clean up Melaka River and take romantic walks along the river at night.

Details of the Best Western Riverside, Malacca as follows:
No. 2, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, 73420 Malacca.
Toll free number: 1 800 88 1838 | Pre-opening office number: +603 2166 1336
Email: enquiry@bestwestern.com.my
Star rating: 3 Star
Opening 2012

Best Western Riverside, Malacca

MELAKA SUNKEN TREASURE THEFTS

2011-06-27T02:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday June 26, 2011

Malacca probes sunken treasure thefts
By R.S.N. MURALI
murali@thestar.com.my

MALACCA: The state Museum Authority has been ordered to get more evidence on reports that hundreds of underwater artefacts from dozens of shipwrecks off the Tanjung Tuan coast here have been stolen by relic hunters.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the evidence was crucial for the state government to file a police report on the alleged theft of these submerged treasures.

“I will ask the relevant authorities to conduct a probe in a bid to get more proof for the police and also to execute legal action against the culprits.

“There were reports that irresponsible individuals had gone underwater to take away the national treasures that are worth billions.

“But information on such thefts remains vague due to lack of eye-witnesses,” he said after flagging off participants of the Perodua Eco-Challenge 2011 at the Melaka International Motorsport Circuit in Ayer Keroh here yesterday.

A special night vision camera will be mounted at the top of the lighthouse in Tanjung Tuan to prevent more of these relics from being stolen, said Mohd Ali.

There were claims by maritime industry players that hundreds of these undersea artefacts had been looted since the late 1990s.

One mariner, who only wanted to be identified as Toh, said treasures such as Chinese blue and white porcelain, brassware and coins were stolen from the shipwrecks.

Last month, the state government announced a billion-ringgit offer to salvage companies to retrieve treasures from sunken ships along the Malacca coastline.

There were no takers and Toh believed the lukewarm response was due to the fact that not many priceless artefacts were left.

At least 13 merchant and war vessels are known to have sunk in the Malacca sea on the Spice Route more than 500 years ago.

MAHKOTA MEDICAL CENTRE IN MELAKA TO EXPAND

2011-06-23T02:18:00.001-07:00

Mahkota Medical Centre to expand

KUALA LUMPUR: Mahkota Medical Group, a unit of Singapore-listed Health Management International Ltd (HMI), will spend between RM250 million and RM300 million to expand the Mahkota Medical Centre in Malacca.

The medical centre, which is now a 280-bed facility, wants to add another 220 beds. The expansion is expected to be ready by end-2014.

"We are in midst of planning and should start development in mid-2012," chief executive officer Timothy Chang said, adding that it has 1.22ha of undeveloped land located next to the hospital and across the road from the hospital.

"We are targeting to have a total of 500 beds," Chang told Business Times in a phone interview.

Chang said the 500-bed capacity will be able to cater for the needs of the hospital for between 10 and 15 years.

The investment will include equipment.

Currently, the average occupancy at the hospital is around 65 per cent. It is fully occupied during the peak months of medical tourism.

Mahkota Medical is centrally located within the Malacca city and now has some 40 clinics. As it expands, it hopes to have 100 clinics and to handle more complex cases.

The hospital aims to establish itself as a one-stop medical centre with centres on sub-specialties. The population in Malacca alone will not be able to support the hospital.

Accordingly, it is eyeing patients from Negri Sembilan and the northern part of Johor.

Chang, meanwhile, expects the return on investment (ROI) on the new wing to take half the time that a new hospital will normally take. New hospitals, generally, take eight to 10 years to recover their ROI.

However, the Mahkota Medical Centre expects to see ROI within five years as it is already an established hospital.

Moreover, since the opening up of its beds will be done in stages, some of the space may be temporarily used as lodging for relatives accompanying the foreign patients.

Mahkota Medical Centre started operations in 1994 under the Lion Group.

Lion, which restructured and sold its non-core businesses during the 1997/98 financial crisis, sold the hospital in September 2001.

Mahkota Medical Group is 48.95 per cent owned by HMI, while Bumiputera group Maju Medik Sdn Bhd holds 38.42 per cent and 12.36 per cent is held by doctors located all over Malaysia.

MAHKOTA MEDICAL CENTRE IN MELAKA TO EXPAND

2011-06-23T02:18:00.000-07:00

HARD ROCK CAFE IN MELAKA

2011-06-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

June 10, 2011 12:59 PM
Hard Rock Cafe Melaka Eyes Sales Of RM1 Million A Month
MELAKA, June 10 (Bernama) -- Melaka's new tourism product, Hard Rock Cafe, which will be built on the World Heritage Site in Jonker Walk, is expected to generate sales of RM1 million a month.

Chairman of Hard Rock Cafe Enterprise (M) Sdn Bhd, Tan Sri Syed Yusoff Syed Nassir, said the cafe was expected to attract between 360,000 and 480,000 patrons a year.

"The cafe's profit is expected to amount to 60 per cent of what the Hard Rock Cafe Kuala Lumpur generated," he said, declining to reveal the figure.

Syed Yusoff said this at a media briefing after the groundbreaking ceremony officiated by Melaka Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, here Thursday.

He said the cafe, which would cost RM17 million to build, would be able to accommodate 180 patrons.

The cafe would be operational by year-end 2012, he said.

Syed Yusoff said prior to the launch of the cafe, a souvenir shop, named 'Rock Shop' would be opened to sell exclusive Hard Rock Cafe products.

He said the company picked Melaka for its third Hard Rock Cafe because of its strategic location in Jonker Walk.

"Another factor is that number of tourists visiting the state has reached 10 million a year," he said.

Syed Yusoff said the cafe would offer various local and Western food, entertainment, and sales of exclusive Hard Rock products.

"The big guitar, an icon of Hard Rock Cafe worldwide, would also be a big attraction for the local and foreign tourists," he said.

Earlier, Mohd Ali said the Melaka government planned to instal closed-circuit television cameras at all historical sites in the state to prevent thieves carting away valuable artefacts.

He was commenting on reports of the theft of wheels from ancient Portuguese cannons on top of St John's Hill at Bandar Hilir on Wednesday.

-- BERNAMA

HISTORICAL SITES SECURITY TO BE ENHANCED

2011-06-09T18:43:00.001-07:00

Friday June 10, 2011

Malacca to boost security at historical sites, says CM
By R.S.N. MURALI
murali@thestar.com.my

MALACCA: The state government has initiated measures to protect its historical sites following the theft of wheels from ancient Portuguese cannons on top of St John's Hill at Bandar Hilir on Wednesday.

Describing the theft as a threat to the state's artefacts, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said he would immediately see to it that all historical sites in the state have CCTV facilities.

“We have to seriously consider beefing up security at these sites after the recent theft including placing guards, especially at sites in the World Heritage Zone,” he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for Malacca's Hard Rock Cafe yesterday.

Mohd Ali said he would direct the relevant authorities to secure outdoor artefacts with locks and chains to prevent thieves from carting away items like cannons.

Lighting up: Workers conducting immediate remedial work to light up St John’s Hill after Wednesday’s theft.
He said CCTVs should be installed inside museums and other enclosed historical sites to prevent such occurrence in the future.

“This (thefts) should not have happened in the first place but I believe it's the work of drug addicts,” he said.

He said the state would work with the police to nab those responsible for the theft.

“I hope scrap metal dealers will inform us or the police if they come across anyone attempting to dispose of these wheels,” he said.

Twenty solid cast iron wheels that supported five ancient Portuguese cannons on top of the hill went missing on Wednesday each cannon with four wheels weighs between 500kg and 600kg.

Malacca has several historical sites, including the A Famosa, Stadhuys, St Paul's Church, Bukit Cina, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Dol Said's Grave, Hang Li Poh and Hang Tuah wells.

This is the second theft involving state artefacts.

In March 2008, eight Malay keris and three Dutch-era pistols were stolen from the Malacca Ethnography Museum.

HISTORIC CANNON WHEELS STOLEN AT ST. JOHN'S HILL, MELAKA

2011-06-09T04:09:00.000-07:00

hursday June 9, 2011

Cannon wheels stolen
By R.S.N. MURALI
murali@thestar.com.my

MALACCA: Several thieves have made off with the 20 solid cast iron wheels that supported five ancient Portuguese cannons on top of St John's Hills in Bandar Hilir here.

State Housing, Local Govern-ment and Environment committee chairman Datuk Md Yunus Rahmat rushed to the historical site where maintenance works have been going on after being told of the theft.

Each cannon, with its four wheels, weighs between 500kg and 600kg.

“This is a great loss. The perpetrators must be nabbed.

State Local Housing, Local Government and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Yunus Rahmat inspecting a cannon with missing wheels (shown inset) on top of St John’s Hill in Bandar Hilir in Malacca. Twenty solid cast iron wheels of five ancient Portuguese cannons were discovered missing yesterday
“This is the first time such heavy artefacts have been stolen,” he said after visiting the site yesterday.

He said the wheels were solid cast iron and some had been reproduced in the 1980s to replicate the originals that had been damaged over the years.

The five cannons were originally used by the Portuguese to repel attacks from the sea and land in the 1500s.

Md Yunus said contract workers carrying out the maintenance works at the hilltop discovered the theft at about 8am.

He said the contractor informed Malacca Historical City Council officials who referred the matter to the Chief Minister's office.

Md Yunus said the wheels could have been stolen on Tuesday night as council workers had seen them that morning.

“This could be the work of the scrap metal thieves but it is premature to comment on this. We will leave it to the police to investigate,” he added.

He said the National Heritage Department would lodge a police report today.

He added the state government would also lobby the department to station security guards at St John's Hill.

Md Yunus said security measures at St Paul's Hill should be given priority.

Police officers have been combing St John's Hill and are expected to haul up several workers involved in the maintenance works to facilitate investigations.

MELAKA RIVER MONTH LONG CARNIVAL TILL 30.6.2011

2011-06-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

MALACCA RIVER FIESTA (until June 30) Malacca City.

The month-long event is packed with activities like kebaya nyonya beauty contests, river games and other competitions — all organised beside the scenic Malacca River.

Call 06-281 4322.

SMOKEFREE ZONES IN MELAKA FROM 15th. JUNE 2011

2011-06-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

June 05, 2011 16:56 PM
Five Zones Declared Smoke-Free Areas In Melaka
MELAKA, June 5 (Bernama) -- Five areas measuring a total of 338 hectares in Melaka were declared as smoke-free zones beginning June 15, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.

He said the areas are the Melaka world heritage city, Melaka Raya, Melaka International Trade Centre and the Alor Gajah and Jasin town centres.

Anyone caught smoking in any of the zones could be fined the usual RM300 although the maximum compound was RM5,000, he told reporters after opening the World Without Tobacco Day in Bandar Hilir, here on Sunday.

However, Liow said, any premises or areas in the five zones that were owned by individuals would be exempted from the ban.

He said Melaka, being the first state to gazette a large smoke-free area, showed that the state government and the ministry were serious to protect the public from the dangers of cigarette smoke especially women and children.

Liow said the ministry had gazetted 21 non-smoking areas such as in hospitals, in public transportations, educational institutions, shopping malls and stadiums.

He added that the ministry was also embarking on a campaign against non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart attack and various types of cancer that were caused by smoking.

Liow hoped that the implementation of the smoke-free zone could attract more tourists to Melaka.

He also said that almost RM1 million in compounds were issued from January to April this year for various offences under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004, where RM756,988 had been paid by the offenders.

-- BERNAMA

KAMPUNG HULU MOSQUE OF MELAKA

2011-05-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

Kampung Hulu Mosque's 283 years of history
Features My Kampung 2011-05-28 18:12

Kampung Hulu Mosque in 1910s. Photo courtesy: University of Singapore
1 of 3
Translated by LIM YAN TING
Sin Chew Daily

MELAKA: Kampung Hulu Mosque was built in the year 1728 during the Dutch colonisation. It is one of the oldest and yet still fully functional mosque in the country, the other one being Peringgit Mosque.

Kapitan Dato Shamsuddin Along, leader of the Malay community, was the one who built this 283-year-old mosque.

It has been said that the Kapitan was originally from China and was also called Sun Shih-Lin. He met a shipwreck on his way from China to Melaka and vowed that he would embrace Islam if his life was eventually saved.

A blend of cultures

Kampung Hulu Mosque boasts a combination of architectural styles including those from the Netherlands, Sumatra, China, etc. It has an Indonesian style three-tiered square roof, with the corner of the roof slightly raised.

There are floral designs decorated with shoal rock and glass chips, as well as a solid yet curvy octagonal round tower that looks more like a lighthouse but is actually the tower of light in Islam that summonses the faithfuls to pray five times a day.

Bricks were added to the Kampung Hulu Mosque to reinforce the structure in the year 1892.

Postcard 1: Black roof tiles of 1910s

One of the postcards shows the Kampung Hulu Mosque with the black roof tiles in 1910's. In the picture we can see that the rooftop of the mosque was covered with tiles, the sliding door with brick wall. Rickshaws and attap-roofed bullock-carts could be seen on the road.

However, from the picture taken from today's angle, we can clearly see that the wall has been expanded; and changes were made to the original door. The Chinese style round roof behind the mosque has been torn down and replaced by a squarish modern building.

Postcard 2: White rooftop covered with zinc

From another postcard, the Kampung Hulu mosque with a white rooftop could be more recent than the one on the previous postcard. We can see that the roof of the mosque was covered with zinc, and there were vehicles on the road that looked much more modern than the bullock-carts.

You can also see the Melaka River not too far away from the front of the mosque. The building on the left behind has disappeared and changed, whereas some buildings on the right behind the mosque have been demolished.

From the most recent picture, it can be seen that on the left hand side of the river are a row of four-and-a-half storey buildings built about 30 years ago.

Kampung Hulu Mosque's appearance is still pretty much the same today as two centuries ago, only that the surroundings have changed drastically over the years.

The 283-year-old mosque remains an important place for Muslims to visit and offer their prayers.

MELAKA RIVER EMBANKMENT IN FRONT OF STADTHUYS COLLAPSES

2011-05-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

A sorry sight: The embankment along Sungai Melaka was ruined after the soil underneath the pedestrian pathway gave way and collapsed near Stadhuys on Wednesday.

Friday May 27, 2011
Malacca river bank collapses

MALACCA: Part of an embankment along Sungai Melaka here, believed to have been built during the early days of the British colonial era, has collapsed.

The over 100-year-old structure, which collapsed on Wednesday night, could have become weakened following heavy overnight rain in the city.

The rain also triggered a landslip along the river bank.

Malacca Historical City Council's mayor Zainal Abu, who visited the site yesterday, said remedial work on the damaged portion would be carried out at once.

He said the embankment was believed to have collapsed between 8pm and 9pm.

“We will get a contractor to assess the damages and the cost of reconstructing the structure,” he said, adding that the materials used in the earlier construction would be retrieved in a bid to preserve the original structure.

“We will do our best to maintain all the past structural elements that crumbled due to the soil erosion,” he said.

Three stalls operating along the damaged site would also be temporarily relocated until the reconstruction had been completed, added Zainal.

The Star

PROPOSED MELAKA PROJECTS

2011-05-25T00:42:00.000-07:00

Melaka proposes four infrastructure projects under budget 2012
Business News 2011-05-23 15:30
MELAKA, May 23 (Bernama) -- A coastal highway between Melaka and Port Dickson and a flood mitigation project are among four infrastructure projects proposed by the Melaka government in Budget 2012 to be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Oct 7.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the other projects were upgrading of the Ayer Keroh expressway and a drainage and sewage project.

"These projects are crucial to provide better facilities for the people and accommodate the rapid development in Melaka," he told reporters here after a visit to Pekan Bukit Baru here today.

He said the existing infrastructure, like drains, could not accommodate the rapid development in the state, resulting in flash floods to occur.

Mohd Ali said the upgrading of the Ayer Keroh expressway, which would involve construction of a flyover at the intersection of the Melaka International Trade Centre and at the Istana intersection near the Pantai Hospital, was vital as it served as the main entry point to the state.

"I will also request to have a tram service between Ayer Keroh and the Melaka town center to reduce congestion on the Ayer Keroh expressway," he added.

In another development, Mohd Ali said the state government had spent RM4.9 million to pay compensation to owners of 26 houses and shops in Pekan Bukit Baru to make way for new development at the site.

The site would be developed with the construction of a three-storey building comprising 43 shops and work on the project would begin in August, he added.

MySinchew 2011.05.23

HAPPY WESAK DAY TO ALL BUDDHISTS

2011-05-16T04:30:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is Wesak Day for all Buddhists. Wesak is the birthday,Enlightment day and Death date of Gautama Buddha who preached
Buddhism to the world more than 2,500 years ago.

May we extend our Wesak greetings to all Buddhists on this auspicious occasion. It is our time to remember the Teachings of Buddha and practice the Middle Path so that we can reach Enlightment in our own lives.

Let us remember that our lives in this physical world are transient. Our lives are not permanent but we should strive towards Enlightenment so that we can break the vicious cycle of Rebirth. Being Born is suffering and to end our suffering, we must work towards Nirvana where we can break our Rebirth.

Don't be afraid of Death, Beware of Birth.
Death is the beginning of rebirth
Living is on the way to death.
Cessation of suffering means no rebirth.
This is the Truth of no Rebirth (Nirvana)

HAPPY WESAK.

FIREFLY-MELAKA AIR TO TAKE OFF ON 11.11.11

2011-05-15T04:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 14, 2011

FireFly-Melaka Air will boost state as tourist destination
BY R.S.N.MURALI
murali@thestar.com.my

MALACCA: The Batu Berendam International airport here is poised to get a stimulus with a new airline interested in turning the facility into its air transportation hub.

Servicing seven air routes between Thailand, Indonesia and local sectors, the FireFly-Melaka Air is expected to make its maiden flight on Nov 11, 2011, symbolising the favourite numbers for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak - (11/11/11).

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said NN Flyers, a aviation company based in Kuala Lumpur who holds an equity of 90% in the company will collaborate with state-owned agency, Yayasan Melaka, who owns a 10% share in the airlines.

Affordable air travel: Budget carriers like Firefly is making transit time faster for busy people.

“NNFlyers will lease the ATR-72 aircraft from MAS affiliate FireFly with the cost of USD190,000 where the collaboration will be known as Firefly-Melaka Air,” he said after chairing the weekly Exco meeting here on Wednesday.

Mohd Ali added that the airlines will serve Medan, Pekan Baru, Padang and Pelembang in Indonesia, Hatyai in Thailand while Penang and Kota Baru are the two local routes.

The frequency of flights are between three to four times in a week while the ticket prices are expected to be announced later.

Mohd Ali said he had calculated the maintenance of each aircraft at RM800,000 including the salaries of crew members of the new airline.

“We anticipate the revenue of the new airline to be lucrative considering that Malacca is a top tourist destination,” he said.

He also noted that two other airlines Wings Air and Riau Airlines that have landing rights at the airport here would not be affected by the debut of the new service.

The airt transporation providers currently serves Pekan Baru-Malacca-Pekan Baru with frequencies of three flights, a week.

On a separate matter, Mohd Ali announced that foreigners will be granted to procure properties here that cost more than RM200,000 but with the condition that they have to fork out a levy of 2%.

He said the new ruling will take effect immediately where the revenue collected from such levies would be used to aid the needy in the state.

Mohd Ali added that the collection will be channelled to state Public Aid Fund where the fund would be wisely utilised to aid the locals who are in need of financial assistances.

He said the state hoped to yield some type of revenue due from the property boom in the state, especially with the overwhelming demand from foreigners, especially Singaporeans who are keen to own properties here.