Selasa, 8 November 2011

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Malaysia sees homestay growth in Australia

Posted: 08 Nov 2011 10:43 PM PST

MELBOURNE: Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit says the Malaysian homestay market has not reached its potential among Australians and there is significant opportunity for growth with more promotion and product development.

"Australians are showing increasing interest in immersive tourism experiences that allow for an authentic cultural interaction and our homestay products in Malaysia offer this," he said at the four-day 2011 Global EcoConference which began in Sydney on Monday.

"We have also noticed that homestay products which are near a national park and include nature-based experiences are proving most popular, particularly with Australians," Dr Mamit said, adding: "We want to facilitate the developmentof these types of products to create a `community-based eco-tourism' offering."


Of the 2,000 Australians who tried the homestay programme last year, 50 per cent went to Sabah.

Dr Mamit said to increase homestays' appeal, Tourism Malaysia plans to forge strategic alliances between homestay providers and reputable ecotourism operators so that more homestays include nature-based activities and ecotourism experiences.

The Deputy Minister said Tourism Malayia is also developing stand-alone community-based eco-tourism destinations to help local communities createtourism products showcasing the local environment.


Three such products have been created recently in partnership with communities in Sarawak, he said.

"Some mass tourism operators lay claim to the ecotourism label but do not necessarily ensure that the environment is protected.

"By encouraging eco-tourism activities that are community run we can ensure that local communities directly benefit from the environment and are therefore stimulated to protect it," Dr Mamit said.


He said last year the homestay programme attracted more than 45,000 foreigners, and has been popular with Japanese, Koreans and Singaporeans. -- BERNAMA

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Four drug mules busted in KLIA

Posted: 08 Nov 2011 10:28 PM PST

2011/11/09
By Hariz Mohd
harizm@nst.com.my

SEPANG: Four drug mules were detained in 24 hours last weekend, after their attempts to smuggle RM2.3 million worth of drugs through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here, were botched by the Customs Department.

The men aged between 19 and 53, including a local youth and two Europeans, are being remanded for seven days to facilitate investigations.

KLIA Customs Department director Datuk M Govinden said the youth, who just arrived from Hong Kong, was detained about 1.30pm on Saturday after checks using bags scanner machine showed suspicious items in his luggage.


"After a thorough check, the officers found about 5.4kg of white crystal powder, believed to be Ketamine, hidden in 15 carbon packages.

"The drugs were estimated to be worth about RM102,600," he told reporters at the department's office in KLIA here.

He said two Cyprus nationals, aged 42 and 53, were detained about 10.30pm on the same day after they tried to smuggle 8.5kg methampethamine in their luggages.


"These men used new techniques, where the concealed compartment in their bags were made specially to avoid scanner machine's detection.

"However, their suspicious action gave them away. Our plainclothed officers saw them hanging around watching the movement of authorities, before one of them took one of the bags and headed to the exit point.

"The officers put his bag in the scanner machine, but could not see anything suspicious. A 100 per cent check was then conducted before they found the special compartment. Hidden in it was about 4.25kg of crystal powder, believed to be methampethamine worth RM1.06 million," he said.


He said the second suspect, aged 42, saw his accomplice detained by Customs officers and tried to exit without collecting his bag.

However, his tactics could not fool the authorities after checks on his flight ticket found that he came with a luggage.

Checks on the bag also found the same amount of drugs hidden in the concealed compartment.

"The third case involves a Nigerian national, who just arrived from Bangkok, Thailand. He was detained about 12.05am on Sunday after the scanner machine showed suspicious items concealed in his bag.

"Checks found about 0.35kg of white crystal powder, believed to be methampethamine, worth RM87,500 in the bag," he said.

He said the trend of drugs syndicate lately is worrying as mules were sent from different countries, unlike previous cases.

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NST Online: Sports

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Football / Sea Games: Kim Swee set to wield the axe

Posted: 08 Nov 2011 04:09 PM PST

2011/11/09
Reports: K.M. Boopathy, Arnaz M. Khairul, Ajitpal Singh and Devinder Singh
nstsport@nst.com.my


Malaysia’s Saarani Ahmad Fakri (front) battles for the ball with Singapore’s Mohammad Afiq  Yunos  at Gelora Bung Karno  in Jakarta on Monday. The teams drew 0-0.

Malaysia's Saarani Ahmad Fakri (front) battles for the ball with Singapore's Mohammad Afiq Yunos at Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta on Monday. The teams drew 0-0.

IT is not yet a do-or-die mission when Malaysia face Thailand today in a crucial Group A match at the Gelora Bung Karno as coach Ong Kim Swee prepares to shake things up after a dour opening draw against Singapore on Monday.

Kim Swee insists even a draw against the Thais, widely seen as the favourites in this tournament, would suffice in keeping the defending champions' hopes of making the semi-finals alive.

What is certain is that Kim Swee is going to make a few changes after several players put in disappointing performances in the 0-0 draw with Singapore.


"We did not play as well as we should have, especially in midfield in the opening 30 minutes," said Kim Swee when met at the team hotel yesterday.

"They failed to create openings for the strikers, so don't be surprised when I make a few changes.

"The defence played well especially Muslim (Ahmad) who was really outstanding. It is one less thing for me to worry about.


"Thailand are a technically gifted team and we have to be careful especially in midfield and their attacking third. But this game is not just about defending as we need to score goals as well but I would be happy with one point as it is not a do-or-die game for us."

The changes Kim Swee could make include dropping striker A. Thamil Arasu, midfielders K. Gurusamy, Abdul Shukor Jusoh and Ahmad Fakri Saarani.

As Thailand will be playing their first match of the competition, the need for fresh legs could not be more acute.


Kim Swee might throw 17-year-old attacking midfielder Nazmi Faiz Mansor into the fray while midfielder Irfan Fazail and striker Izzaq Faris Ramlan are also due for starts after recovering from injury and illness respectively.

Mahalli Jasuli will be restored to the right-back position to allow Fandi Othman to switch to the left flank in an almost all-new midfield combination.

Kim Swee's disappointment with Gurusamy is especially evident after failing to take control of midfield.

"I don't know what is the problem with him. Maybe it is due to a lack of international competitive action. I've given a lot people chances in friendly matches but it is totally different when it comes to big matches.

"He is one of the more senior players after being in the 2009 squad and should be leading the team here. His performance was just unacceptable," added Kim Swee.

Meanwhile, Thailand are itching to avenge their 2-1 defeat to Malaysia in 2009 which consigned them to an early exit with midfielder Sujarit Jantakol hoping to shake off a slight ankle injury to play.

"I desperately want to play in this match because in the previous Sea Games in Laos, I was in the squad that lost to Malaysia which saw us knocked out," Sujarit told the Bangkok Post.

TODAY -- Group A: Malaysia v Thailand (5pm), Cambodia v Singapore (8pm, both matches at Gelora Bung Karno); Group B: Myanmar v Brunei (5pm), Vietnam v Timor Leste (8pm, both matches at Lebak Bulus Stadium)

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EPL: Bothroyd - City will be champions

Posted: 08 Nov 2011 03:53 PM PST

LONDON: Jay Bothroyd has no doubt QPR were beaten by this season's Premier League champions at Loftus Road.

Rangers could hold their heads up high after the 3-2 defeat to Manchester City. They were the first side to go in front against the Sky Blues this term and then they had the character to fight back after City had turned the match on its head.

Even following Yaya Toure's winner, the hosts came within a whisker of snatching a point when Heidar Helguson struck the bar.


But, according to Bothroyd, City are a class apart this term, a team with the look of champions.

"They are definitely the best side," he said. "They have the best players.

"But it is more than just ability. 'They have an abundance of that but names alone don't make a great team. It is the work ethic as well.


"They have a world-class bench. God knows how many millions that cost, and they are improving.

"They have been in top form all season. They hammered Manchester United, are scoring goals pretty freely and generally, they keep it tight at the back.

"There were plenty who doubted Roberto Mancini during the early weeks of his reign. However, there are few dissenting voices now."


As has become his practice, the Italian left immediately after the final whistle of the final game before the international break to get a flight home to see his family, so he offered no opinion on his side's latest triumph.

It is fair to assume that, after a lethargic start, in which City could have easily fallen more than one goal behind, Mancini was impressed with what followed.

Edin Dzeko scored for the sixth time in four appearances -- taking his overall tally for the season to 13 -- and Yaya Toure sealed victory with a towering header. Once again it was David Silva who caught the eye though.

His dart on to Dzeko's low cross before driving home City's second immediately after the break was the stuff of genius.

Yet the staggering thing is Silva cannot be guaranteed a start when Spain take on England at Wembley on Saturday. With Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas already adorning his team, Vicente del Bosque has an embarrassment of riches.

Yet stand-in City skipper Micah Richards acknowledges Silva is a supreme talent.

"From the end of last season, David has really been unbelievable for us. He is one of my favourite players," said Richards.

"When he first signed people were not sure he could play in the Premier League but he makes everything look so easy. I just stand and admire him sometimes because the stuff he does is amazing.

"It just comes so natural to him. I am happy for him that he is doing well and hopefully he will get a chance for Spain." -- Daily Mail

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NST Online Business Times : latest

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Genting fights Disney, South Beach

Posted: 08 Nov 2011 05:25 PM PST

Genting Bhd's plan for a US$3.8 billion casino-and-hotel complex along Miami's Biscayne Bay has turned into a fight over gambling and jobs pitting the Malaysian developer against Walt Disney Co, local hoteliers, restaurant owners and betting parlors.

Florida lawmakers will take up bills in January to allow three casino licences in Miami-Dade County and Broward County to the north for companies investing at least US$2 billion. Ellyn Bogdanoff, the Fort Lauderdale Republican sponsor of the Senate measure, said it has only a 50 percent chance of passing. Governor Rick Scott, also a Republican, said he'll consider any measure that's "fair" and "locally decided."

Genting, whose 10,000-room Casino de Genting in Malaysia is the world's largest by number of accommodations, began buying about US$500 million of Miami properties even before the bills were filed. The first was the 14-acre bayfront site of the Miami Herald newspaper for US$236 million in May. Las Vegas Sands Corp and MGM Resorts International said they're also looking.

So-called destination resorts, such as the 5,200-room complex Genting proposes, may bring Florida as many as 100,000 jobs, said Jessica Hoppe, the company's general counsel. That may help Scott fulfill a campaign promise to create 700,000 positions over seven years in a state where the unemployment rate was 10.6 percent in September, 1.5 percentage points higher than the national average at the time.

Three Rejections

Florida voters rejected casino permits three times since 1978 in statewide referendums. Now, two factors may favor them: a decision by the First District Court of Appeal on Oct. 6 that may dispense with a state ballot and a Florida economy that's seen tax revenue decline almost 15 percent since fiscal 2006.

Diverting gamblers from the Caribbean, Las Vegas and Atlantic City, New Jersey, would boost the US$63 billion tourist industry, proponents say. Florida is trying to recover from the fourth-steepest decline in economic health of any state over the past five years, according to Bloomberg Economic Evaluation of States Index data.

"What you're talking about is capturing a market of high- end Venezuelans, South Americans, Latin Americans, Western Europeans that love coming to Miami," Representative Erik Fresen, a Miami Republican who sponsored the House casino bill, said in an interview in Tallahassee, the capital.

Florida isn't the only state considering casinos as they try to close fiscal 2013 deficits. The projected gaps are an estimated US$46 billion, according to a June 17 estimate by the Washington-based Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which advocates for low-income families.

States at Work

Massachusetts lawmakers are working on bills that would allow three resort-style casinos. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn supports elements of a bill for five casinos in his state. In New York City, Genting's casino at the Aqueduct racetrack in Queens, which opened Oct. 28, estimates it will contribute US$350 million a year to the state for education.

Florida already allows gambling at seven casinos run by the Seminole Tribe and one by the Miccosukee Tribe of American Indians. It also permits poker at horse and greyhound tracks, jai-alai frontons and other sites. Slot machines are offered at five places in Miami-Dade and Broward.

Competition from operators such as Genting will cost Florida millions in lost revenue from the tribe, say the Seminoles, whose headquarters is in Hollywood, north of Miami. -- Bloomberg

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AirAsia’s boss may start new premium airline

Posted: 08 Nov 2011 06:37 PM PST

Malaysia's AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes will set up a new premium regional airline that will compete head-on with Qantas' upcoming RedQ full-service carrier, the Malaysian newspaper reported today quoting unnamed sources.

The report said Fernandes' new full-service-carrier will likely be called Caterham Jet and has yet to be granted an operating licence by the Malaysian government although it has secured Bombardier CRJ aircraft.

The report quoted a source as saying that the airline will propose to the government that it operates from the Subang airport near Kuala Lumpur and is targeted to start operations in May 2012.

"Some of the proposed routes include Bangkok, Jakarta and Singapore," said the unnamed source.

Fernandes, who is team principal of Formula One racing outfit Team Lotus, in April purchased British sportscar manufacturer Caterham Cars.

AirAsia and Fernandes were not immediately available for comment. - Reuters

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NST Online: StreetsJohor

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NST Online: StreetsJohor


GREEN MARKET

Posted: 07 Nov 2011 09:08 AM PST


Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation offers eco-friendly goods

DAYS before the Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (Jaro) Green Market event last month, passers-by along Jalan Sungai Chat saw the wall mural in front of the Jaro building and started to ask questions.

While environmentalists and "green consumers" appreciated Jaro's initiative to bring together local enterprises in a green market, many curious visitors turned up at the event to find out more.


From 10am, visitors found out about green lifestyle choices as they shopped at the market, chatted with farmers and entrepreneurs, and snacked on tid-bits at the Hijau Cafe.

Jaro was established in 1952 to equip disabled artisans with skills in rattan-weaving, book-binding and tailoring.

The new focus of Jaro Green uses the same traditional skills and materials to create products for customers who want to adopt green living.


At the Green Market, inexpensive cloth shopping bags were sold, along with a wide range of Jaro's handmade environmental-friendly goods.

Customers gained a more holistic view as they met with local farmers such as John Kow from Ulu Tiram who believes in employing responsible farming methods.

Desaru Fruit Farm, represented by a team headed by Henry Goh, sold a wide range of fruits and products, including teas, cordials and snacks.


Homemade specialties such as coconut kaya and vegetable pickles made by Stephanie Fam, and steaming hot idili and gravy made from organic chickpeas by Celine Rayapan were quickly snapped up.

"Go Green Go Organic" was the mantra at the market of farmers using organic fertilisers produced by earthworms.

Alex Kee of Alfabotanics, a green entrepreneur and keen organic gardener, interacted with customers to educate them on the benefits of compost in organic gardening.

The fresh ginger beer he made was served chilled at Hijau Cafe, along with snacks such as the popular fried organic noodles provided by Zenxin Organic Farm.

Consumers concerned about the foods they eat learnt from Thomas Fann about his vision to start a local scheme called Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA).

CSA removes the middleman, allowing consumers to buy directly from farmers for a regular supply of their choice of greens through Johor Green, a non-governmental organisation which represents consumers.

(For details on CSA, visit www.johorgreen.com and complete an online survey, or email queries to info@johorgreen.com).

"I'm interested in solar lamps," said Er Liang Chye, 52, who brought his children, Anthony, 15, Esther, 11 and Andrew, 9, to the market to learn more about the green lifestyle.

He said his family has put into practice some green habits at home. They spend time surfing the Internet and discussing green technologies with retailers such as UgSolar Technologies and Elite Ecomart.

"This is a good way to get to know Jaro better," said Naomi Prasannan, who only recently learnt about Jaro.

She heard a great deal about Jaro and its handmade quality products, and ended up buying several rattan baskets.

She also got a handy Jaro Go Green grocery bag that were chosen by her 9-year-old twin daughters, Nariko and Noriko, and 4-year-old son, Matthew Vivek.

Tunku Shahariah Tuanku Abdul Rahman, who was at the opening ceremony of the Green Market, enjoyed browsing at the market with Patricia Lim, a Jaro committee member.

Besides discovering cold-pressed handmade soaps, made in Johor Baru by the Soap Gallery, they also learnt about 100 per cent unprocessed and untreated wild honey, farmed by The Bee Shop in Segamat and Tangkak.

When passion fruits farmed by Desaru Fruit Farm were cut for sampling, Tunku Shahariah savoured their fragrant sweetness.

"Based on the response to the Green Market, Jaro may consider holding it more regularly," said Lim, when she saw the encouraging number of visitors to Jaro's first Green Market.

Jaro regulars such as Ong Beng Hin and his wife, Adeline, and Mary Fernandez with her grandchildren, Alexis Maria Warren, 7, and Christopher James Warren, 6, were among the excited green shoppers.

Other Jaro regulars Goh Su Lin, Lira Tan and Shirley Cheah said that Jaro was a popular grocery destination for them when their children were young.

They were excited about the new Jaro which is evolving with the times to start the Green Market initiative.

They hoped the event will attract more people and make green converts out of them. Jaro is at 2125 Jalan Sungai Chat. It has retail outlets in City Square and Holiday Plaza. For details, visit http://jarogreen. blogspot.com or call 07-224 5632.

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A passion for serving real Korean food

Posted: 07 Nov 2011 07:00 AM PST


THE restaurant which I own and manage for more than 20 years, Korea House, keeps me busy most of the time. My two children -- a son and daughter -- are grown-ups and live back home in Seoul, South Korea.

My daughter is married with children, while my son runs a business of his own. My family members and relatives often visit me in Johor Baru, and help out at the restaurant.

Other than my family members, I am close with the South Korean and Japanese expatriates who frequent my restaurant. I consider them as friends as I have known them for many years.


Whenever I have guests, I will serve them Korean food. I love serving tea to friends at home and we spend many hours chatting and catching up on each other's life.

There are about 600 South Koreans living and working in Johor. It is a small community, and I am glad to be able to meet some of them through the Johor Korean Association.

I am a longtime member of the association as my late husband, Won Hi Joo, and I had joined it many years ago.


I still attend meetings and take part in various association activities, such as celebrations and gatherings.

My late husband and I had lived in Singapore before moving to Johor. I had followed him to Singapore as he owned a building contracting business in the republic. It was a well-known company among the Singaporean business community, and it grew from strength to strength.

His work had brought us here to Johor Baru, and we later decided to stay here permanently.


To supplement the household income, my late husband and I decided to start a business. While exploring some business ideas, I noticed there was a lack of Korean restaurants in Johor back then.

So we ended up opening one and called it South Gate Restaurant in Jalan Noja, near Jalan Abdul Samad. Later on, I changed the name to Korea House.

I have always liked to entertain guests with home-cooked Korean cuisine.

The recipes at the restaurant were passed down by my mother, and the dishes offered use special ingredients that are brought from South Korea.

Korean food is essentially about balancing opposing flavours in one dish. This is quite similar to the concept of yin and yang, and it can be seen in the ingredients used, the tastes that need to be achieved or even the colours of food presentation.

Koreans eat a lot of vegetables and that's why dishes are served with various types of greens. Most of my dishes at Korea House come with salad leaves or other fresh greens.

Most Korean traditional dishes require hours of preparation. The most famous dish, kim chi, is basically raw, fermented vegetables prepared with its special sauce.

I usually take up to seven hours to prepare kim chi. This side dish can be kept in the fridge for some time.

Another signature dish, ginseng soup takes four hours to prepare.

A typical day starts with me getting fresh ingredients from the Larkin market in the morning, and then preparing for my restaurant's business which starts from 11am to 9pm.

Fridays, and weekends are the busiest time for me as the restaurant is always full of customers.

I also cater to special functions at the restaurant which can accommodate up to 80 people.

I once considered closing down my restaurant after my husband passed away three years ago. I had thought that it would have been too difficult to run it on my own.

However, many friends encouraged me to continue operating the restaurant. They told me that I am good at what I do, and that Korea House is unlike other Korean restaurants in Johor, which number around 20.

Customers and friends tell me the food at my restaurant is tasty and that its ambience is very unique. As the restaurant operates in a house, I have decorated it with some of my personal items.

I am honoured to have served distinguished guests at my restaurant.

The late Sultan Iskandar and his son Sultan Ibrahim were among eminent guests who had dined here.

Johoreans who appreciate authentic Korean food make up the bulk of my clients.

Expatriates, such as South Koreans and Japanese residing in the state, make up the rest of my customers.

Ham An Sun, 64, is the owner of Korea House restaurant.

Interview by Ahmad Fairuz Othman

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