Lada issues list of fares for taxi drivers

LANGKAWI: The Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) has issued a list of fares for taxi drivers here, which must be complied by them.

Its chief executive, Tan Sri Khalid Ramli said the list covered fares for over 30 destinations.

 

"The list is important to ensure that tourists know the actual fare for each destination. This is an effort to improve the quality of public transport services in Langkawi," he told reporters after launching the sticker for rented cars and the list of fares today.    

 

Pulau Langkawi currently has more than 1,000 taxis.     "We hope all taxi drivers will comply with the fares listed for the convenience of tourists," he said.

 

Lada held a discussion with taxi drivers before the list was issued, he added. -- BERNAMA

Read more: Lada issues list of fares for taxi drivers - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/lada-issues-list-of-fares-for-taxi-drivers-1.56036#ixzz1p3nSPxAU

AL :-

This just mean one thing.. More transparent with regards to the fares for the tourist..

I support the motion..

Let's keep Langkawi magical

Last week’s brutal attack on a German couple must be the last

Hubert Heiler and his wife Mariah Hease vowed this would be their last visit to Langkawi after a terrifying assault.

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DURING my first visit to Langkawi more than 15 years ago, I met several Europeans who were "returning visitors" to the island. Some were even conversant in Bahasa Malaysia.
There were others already speaking in the northern dialect.

I understood why they chose to stay, or to make regular visits to Langkawi. The island, despite the fast-paced development, has retained much of its pristine quality. Besides, the locals are friendly.

All this must have been why Hubert Heiler, 70, and his wife Mariah Hease, 66, kept returning to Langkawi every year for the past 18 years to spend two months away from the cold winter of their native Germany. But this will be their last visit. They are not coming back. Neither would you if you were brutally attacked by machete-wielding men.

Last weekend, the couple was having an after-dinner stroll when they were set upon by three men along the main road to their hotel in Pantai Tengah.

Heiler and Hease were slashed on their arms and all five of Hease's fingers on her left hand were almost severed. Heiler also suffered similar injuries on three of his fingers.

The injured couple were rushed to hospital by passers-by.

Heiler said they would fly home to their hometown in Bielefeld, Germany once they were discharged.

Langkawi police chief Superintendent Harrith Kam Abdullah said they had arrested a suspect -- a local youth who is a drug addict -- in connection with the case.

I'm not sure whether or not the attack-cum-robbery was the first such incident in Langkawi.

 If it was, then it is the responsibility of the police to prevent a recurrence.

I'm sure the couple's story is big news among the residents, in particular visitors -- in the island. They must be worried because if the robbers are not caught, then a similar incident could occur, perhaps with a worse outcome. Anyone could be a victim.

Langkawi is internationally known, not just as a tourist attraction but a favourite venue for international conferences.

Although Langkawi is not unfamiliar to people the world over, if you're a prospective visitor, you'd still want to know more.

You'll find a website  describing the scenery of "magical Langkawi".

You'll be told it's "relatively a very safe place to visit" with "problems that come with being a developing area".

Also that the only major crimes are petty thefts "because there is a great contrast of wealthy tourists and poor locals".

Visitors should not avoid a trip, but take certain precautions "to ensure a safe visit" like not carrying large amounts of money, not wearing expensive jewellery or not looking flashy.

They also should not draw "un-needed attention" to themselves and try to blend in with the crowd.

Other complaints mentioned were car break-ins, rental car "scams" and cheeky monkeys that "regularly mug tourists for fruit, ice cream, etc".

At press time, I've not confirmed whether the Heilers have left Langkawi.

 They might have promised to not return but who knows, after they've got over their ordeal, they may remember the good things about the mystical isles in the sun. For now, I'd like to think that the Langkawi police would have intensified their search for the three men. Round up suspects if they must.

The Heilers have a horrific tale to tell when they get home. Let's hope it is not the only tale people will remember of Langkawi.

The authorities, including the police as well as the community, in Langkawi, should subscribe to the maxim -- a sensible response to a senseless crime.

Act swiftly to send a message that no one tolerates such brutality before Langkawi begins to assume a different reputation.

If what happened to the Heilers is consigned to the cold files, even loyal visitors from the Britain, Germany and elsewhere as well as Malaysians themselves may avoid the island like the plague.  Not even the friendly locals can beckon them back.

Read more: Let's keep Langkawi magical - Columnist - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/let-s-keep-langkawi-magical-1.41741#ixzz1mXviDJwA

AL :-

A sad but true event. Its a shame event for Langkawi tourist have to get thru this incident. Eventhough the event happen last month. But for a local langkawian i need to give it a highlight. Not good for tourist but to aware the authourities, tourist & locals on what can happen to this magical island. Hopefully the culprit captured already & but them in bars..

Lack of real-time updates dent Langkawi's plans to boost tourism

THE important role played by the social media in crisis communications for the travel and tourism sector in Langkawi this week could not be better highlighted last week.
This paper reported that repeat German visitors to the resort island, Hubert Heiler and his wife Mariah, were badly injured following an attack by machete-wielding robbers in Pantai Tengah.

As the couple, who spend at least two months a year on the island, now recover at the Langkawi Hospital and ponder on whether they wish to ever return to Langkawi, the incident does little with the government's efforts in trying to lure more tourists especially high-end spenders to the island.

Apart from spooking travellers that they may wish to consider other destinations where public safety is not compromised, business people are probably also nervous on how an isolated incident of this kind can damage their operations, especially in an age where all it takes is a Facebook status update, tweet, text message or email to cause irreparable damage.

The government last December unveiled a very ambitious five-year tourism blueprint meant to improve the economic fortunes of the tax-free isle, which once was a thriving spot on the world tourism map.

Several investors have already committed to ploughing in significant amounts of money via new hotels and other forms of offerings, existing hoteliers are in the midst of injecting more funds to upgrade and rebrand their dated products and a new sense of hope is in the air that the good times will return and the island, which was left to languish for a few years, will wake up from its slumber.

The dissemination of facts, messages and opinions through social media vehicles like Twitter, Facebook and other platforms have gained important prominence in recent times, especially when the need arises to communicate in times of emergencies, accidents and other catastrophes.

Random checks on various websites and blogs currently do not show a single official and authoritative point of Internet reference for a visitor to Langkawi.

The www.tourism.gov.my portal for instance, is nothing but a virtual promotional brochure for Langkawi.

The same applies to the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada).

Lada, which is tasked with overseeing Langkawi's development, also lacks real-time and critical updates for visitors.

Just how is Langkawi expected to get its buzz back as an international tourist spot if the basics are not even seen to?

With social media having the ability to make a negative piece of news go viral in seconds and cause sometimes irreparable damage to reputation, the authorities tasked with Langkawi's future fortunes must be mindful that they no longer have a choice but to manage their reputation and closely guard the value of their "assets".

With projections from the new blueprint that RM5 billion worth of investment in tourism projects are set to pour in to Langkawi during the five-year blueprint term spanning 2011-2015, strategic communications, which includes social media is no longer an option, but a must-do that has to be seen to without further delay.

Failure to effectively communicate during good and bad times with the correct messaging will have effect in realising goals such as welcoming three million visitors to Langkawi by 2015, creating thousands of new jobs or convincing investors to consider the island.

While tourism portals, blogs and other forms of media are being operated by Langkawi's tourism players to promote their own products and services, the need for an effective system of communicating to the public and media must take off, before another negative or untoward incident further mars the image of the "Isle of Legends".

Read more: Lack of real-time updates dent Langkawi's plans to boost tourism http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/kawie/Article/#ixzz1m5anUOj9

AL :-

Cant agree more. LADA or tourism should have a specific website for updates on events in Langkawi. Anything from news to promotion. Be prudent & honest on news.. 

Blog like mine sometimes depends on the writer to update from time to time. :)..

Timely boost for Langkawi

NO doubt Pantai Cenang in Langkawi has many food outlets that can delight most palates. But hidden in Padang Mat Sirat, very near  the airport, is a curry house that the regulars pay homage to.

Located next door to a private clinic, the curry house goes by the name of Kalut. You won't find the name on any signboard, but everyone knows it. Or at least the regulars do.

 I don't know how the outlet got its name, but it's been there for a long time. With all the development around Padang Mat Sirat right up to Pantai Cenang, Pantai Kok and Burau Bay, Kalut has survived the test of time.

 Kalut has many meanings, one of which is crazy, or disorderly. I recall customers rushing for food at the stall in the early days, which could have prompted the name.

 In fact, it survived very well. The house specialty is fish curry cooked to order.   You can select the fish you want and it'll be served piping hot.  Add freshly fried ikan kembong or tenggiri, and you have a finger-licking dinner.

 Share a plate of ulam  with really spicy sambal belacan and you have a dinner to remember. I know friends who time their arrival at the legendary island to coincide with Kalut's opening time --  around 6pm.

Read more: Timely boost for Langkawi - Columnist - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/timely-boost-for-langkawi-1.26166#ixzz1iBZ1w9IT

AL :-

In-fact what the article said its true. The island was negleted for nearly 2 terms by former PM. Well, hopefully it will change in the future. With the start of the boost from Federal Government. LADA should not be so haste on using the fund. Apart from infrastructure the money should be channel to train local tourist guide who is not only knows to bring people around but knows how to explain to the tourist in terms of History, Culture & Nature. This 'ilmu' will only be available if training is provided.

 

More jobs with Lima 2011 deals

Local companies to ink agreements with foreign companies at maritime and aerospace exhibition

The upcoming Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) next week will see a collaboration between local technology services and solution company, ProXcel Sdn Bhd, and two other companies, to provide and enhance systems solutions capabilities.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony by ProXcel Sdn Bhd,  will firm up the collaboration with Unmanned Systems Technology (UST) Sdn Bhd and Canadian-based Lumen Systems Ltd.
The signing is expected to be witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib  Razak and Felda chairman Tan Sri Isa Abdul Samad.
ProXcel chief executive officer Christoph Zilian said in a statement yesterday that the tie-up with UST, a subsidiary of Composite Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTRM), was aimed at developing and delivering Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)-based sensory services to enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness in the agricultural sector.

Read more: More jobs with Lima 2011 deals - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/local/general/more-jobs-with-lima-2011-deals-1.14166#ixzz1fTFMrSSp

AL :-

More deal signed mean more jobs.. Kudos.. 

Well one thing for sure it will not be more jobs in Langkawi

'Trepang' breeding project in Langkawi

LANGKAWI: The Fisheries Department is breeding trepang, a species of sea cucumber (gamat), via a research and development project in the waters of Langkawi.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum said it was to diversify the species of sea cucumber bred at Teluk Yu, Ayer Hangat here.

"Trepang has many other benefits and comes in the form of gamat oil. It is used in producing cosmetics and food," he said at a Merdeka Raya celebration with fishermen at Pasir Hitam here.

A flotilla of 80 fishing boats hoisted the Jalur Gemilang in a procession from Pasir Hitam to Teluk Yu.
Johari also released 40 trepang in the breeding area at Teluk Yu.

Increasing demand for trepang had pushed the price to as high as between RM150 to RM350 per kg.

"We have identified areas in Kuala Temoyong and Pulau Tuba for expansion of the project and we also plan to increase fish breeding grounds."

Johari said the Fisheries Department was considering building a jetty at Pasir Hitam for the benefit of more than 150 fishermen. -- Bernama

Read more: 'Trepang' breeding project in Langkawi http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/34bred/Article/#ixzz1Z4rluRh8

AL :

Trepang @ bronok sama ka?

Langkawi: Do more to unlock island's potential

THE island of Langkawi has offered two things in the past -- it gave birth to many popular legends, including Mahsuri, Dayang Bunting, Telaga Tujuh and Mat Chingchang, and it also welcomed refugees fleeing from the then Kedah-Thailand wars.
Later, our leaders acted wisely to preserve this past steeped in legend and transformed the island into the international tourist paradise that it is today. It is also renowned for hosting exhibitions, conventions and dialogues.

As a result, we now have the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) show, the Langkawi International Regatta and the Langkawi International Dialogue (LID). But what's next?

Firstly, tourist arrivals have dwindled. Standards at our hotels and convention centres have not matched international standards.
The most critical problem is the lack of the "maintenance culture" as seen in such public places as the cable car complex. Confusion over the duty-free status of the island has not been addressed.

Furthermore, according to tourists interviewed, the hotels are just too expensive. Yet, the authorities are going ahead with plans to build more five-star hotels.

Secondly, access to the island leaves much to be desired. Langkawi's location at the northern part of the country could have been the catalyst for more international air carriers, ferry and helicopter transport services.

Langkawi could well become the tourist destination and the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) hub if a strategic plan for this could be finalised, taking into account the potential of the many islands both on the Malaysian and Thailand side.

Thirdly, the local knowledge dimension has yet to be properly packaged and presented.

Both the tangible and intangible aspects of Langkawi's heritage, including the Geo-Park, which is recognised by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), must be widely promoted.

Read more: Langkawi: Do more to unlock island's potential http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/18lanhs/Article/#ixzz1T0txZlnD

AL :-

Agree with the writer.. More potential can be unlock if more prominent figure can lead LADA.. Or special attention to Langkawi like Tun Mahathir.. Maintaince & marketing need to be at the top level to unlock the islands potential..

Travel: Savvy traveller

THIS WEEK’S WINNER : ABDUL MALIK SIKKANDAR in Oriental Village, Langkawi

MUST DO
Oriental Village is the entrance to the famous Langkawi Cable Car. Don’t leave the village without trying this thrilling ride. The cable car is a remarkable engineering feat that brings people to the top of Gunung Mat Cincang. The views include the magnificent forest below as well as Telaga Tujuh waterfalls. Get down at the middle and top viewing stations to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Andaman Sea and Langkawi Island from an altitude of 700m above sea level.


Then brave yourself to walk on the amazing 125m long suspension bridge to experience the feeling of walking in the clouds!

When you’re back on the ground, check out Oriental Village’s latest attraction — Tiger! Tiger! Gallery & Exhibit. Other attractions include paddle boat rides, elephant rides, deer park and playground for children to enjoy.

AVOID
Don’t shop before taking the cable car ride. It’s difficult to lug around bags while embarking and disembarking from the small cable cars that can only comfortably accommodate six adults each. Furthermore, it may take up to two hours from the moment you buy the ticket to riding the cable car. The entire ride and viewing on the mountain-top stations may take some time too. Also, visit the washroom at the base station near the ticket counter before taking the ride.

GOOD EATS
Snacks are aplenty at Oriental Village. There are also proper dining places with a choice of Thai, Japanese or local fare. Snacks and burgers are sold at the top station but at slightly higher prices.

TOP SHOP
The shops are quite good, especially during sale season, with almost everything from beachwear and handicraft to branded goods. There is also The Zon duty free shopping chain where you can get chocolates and many other items at lower prices.

INSIDER TIPS
There is a huge discount for MyKad holders for cable car rides and other attractions. So do remember to bring your MyKad, even for your children. As for the cable car ride, it can be quite tiring to queue for hours but sometimes, solo travellers or small groups of two or three persons may be grouped to fill empty seats. So keep an ear out for these ad hoc announcements. You may just be lucky and enjoy the ride earlier than you thought you would!

Read more: Travel: Savvy traveller http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/2011031711163020110317111630/Article/#ixzz1GvrJ7jie

AL :- 

Great tips for travelers to Langkawi. 

April date for solid waste deal ~ Incinerator In Langkawi.

ALOR SETAR: The privatisation of solid waste management system will take effect this April even though several states have yet to agree to the move, said Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung.

He said the full privatisation would be carried out under the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleanliness Act 2007 that will come into force in April.
On another matter, Chor said the ministry hoped all state governments would collect the assessment arrears for solid waste management amounting to RM384mil as the money could be used to improve the garbage collection system in the states.

Chor said that in Kedah, the ministry had agreed to upgrade the facilities at four dumpsites to reduce pollution.
He said the dumpsites were in Semeling in Sungai Petani, Padang Cina in Kulim, Belanga Pecah in Langkawi and Jabi, here.

Chor said the ministry has also built an incinerator in Langkawi to treat 100 tonnes of solid waste daily.
The incinerator that could provide 1MW of electric power would be in operation by the middle of this year, he added.

NST  

AL :-

Its about time the dump-site in Langkawi will be upgraded. In-fact the incinerator will help reduce pollution & at the same time generate electricity to the public. Kudos..  

Panorama Cable Car Langkawi to widen revenue sources

LANGKAWI cable car operator Panorama Langkawi Sdn Bhd (PLSB) is targeting a 14 per cent revenue increase this year from the RM13.2 million it chalked in 2010.

The company's chief operating officer Ebi Azly Abdullah said while the bulk of the revenue is from the cable car fares, the company, owned by Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd, will look at non-fare revenue sources to boost earnings.

Read more: Panorama Langkawi to widen revenue sources http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/kebal/Article/#ixzz1CVBv1nYL

AL :-

Hopefully the strategy to widen revenue does not means increasing rental of current shops rates & fares for the cable car. 

'Mangrove Flora of Langkawi' to educate public

LANGKAWI: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has launched a book in its bid to educate the public on the importance of mangrove conservation.Mangrove Flora of Langkawi was launched by Prof Emeritus Dr Abdul Latif Mohamad.

Latif said the 150-page book took six years to complete and contained detailed information and over 100 photographs of 76 mangrove species in the country including those endemic to Langkawi.

"The book is based on extensive research at Lembangan Kilim, Selat Kuah and Gunung Machinchang by a team of students, lecturers and experts.
"Among the species explained in the book include bakau minyak, bakau kurap, bakau nyireh batu, bakau nyireh merah, bakau langadai, bakau boros and bakau api-api," he said at the launch held at Mutiara Burau Bay Resort here.

He co-authored the book with four others from UKM -- Dr Wan Juliana Wan Ahmad, Dr Norhayati Ahmad, Ahmad Damanhuri Mohammed and Mohd Razali Salam. -- By Hamzah Osman

Read more: 'Mangrove Flora of Langkawi' to educate public http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/gobook/Article/#ixzz1BlLCwG9c

Anaklangkawi :-

A must have book for Langkawi Nature Lovers..

Langkawi all geared up for 2.5m visitors

LANGKAWI: The Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) is targeting 2.5 million local and foreign visitors to the island.

Lada tourism manager Megat Shaharul Azman Abas said recently that the target could be achieved in view of the various national and international events to be held on the duty-free island this year.

He said more than two million tourists had visited Langkawi last year.

Read more: Langkawi all geared up for 2.5m visitors http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/13lang/Article/#ixzz19zHG31Dd

Timbermad :-
Yes we target 2.5million local & foreign visitors to the Island this year. The question is weather we are ready to cater that number of tourist. Is our amenities complete & ready to cater that number of tourist.. There's a lot of room for improvement.

Bid to make Langkawi waters jellyfish-free

LANGKAWI: Thanks to a group of some 100 volunteers from various agencies and non-governmental organisations, the waters at this idyllic tourist destination are fast becoming clear of jellyfish.
During a day-long outing, they helped to collect the deadly sea creatures during a gotong-royong at Pantai Chenang here yesterday.

Organised by the Langkawi Development Authority, 200 box jellyfish of various species, including the common Carybdeid Morbakka, were caught by the group using the common fishing nets.Langkawi Recreational Club president Datuk Mansor Ismail said the event would be held regularly to make Langkawi waters jellyfish-free and safe for tourists.

"A total of 150 cases involving stinging by jellyfish were reported this year. The move (to remove) should trigger more frequent collaborative effort between various agencies as well as the public.

“Perhaps, catching the jellyfish can be turned into a competition to popularise it.”
Universiti Sains Malaysia marine biology unit officer Sim Yee Kwang, who supervised the event, said samples of the caught jellyfish would be sent to the university laboratory for further research.

He said the jellyfish’s presence in Langkawi waters was not alarming compared with other areas in the peninsula, such as in other parts of the Straits of Malacca.
Read more: Bid to make Langkawi waters jellyfish-free http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/BidtomakeLangkawiwatersjellyfish-free/Article#ixzz18qc4S343

Anaklangkawi :-
I do agree on the suggestion to make catching the jellyfish as a competition. Perhaps once a year with sponsored by local authorities & LADA. Make it an official event & awareness program to the people. Invite authorities such as the Hospital representative to talk about 1st aid treatment when encountered with the jellyfish. Perhaps Langkawi should have a guideline on know how to treat this jellyfish issue.

Make it as a compulsory for Hotels near the beach to have staff who knows how to treat tourist which effected by jellyfish sting.

Police move in to end beach resort stand-off

LANGKAWI - Things are beginning to go back to normal at the Beach Garden Resort here after police finally stepped in and ordered a group of people who had laid "siege" to the resort to disperse or face the consequences.

Police arrived on Monday night and ordered the group to disperse besides directing them to remove the plastic tape they had used to seal off the resort in Pantai Chenang.

They also detained two men who caused a commotion when they tried to prevent workers from reconnecting water supply to the resort.

However, the duo were released the next day after their statements were recorded.

Resort general manager Wolfgang Sauer yesterday expressed relief and thanked the New Straits Times for highlighting the problems faced by the resort as it helped in getting police to put an end to the chaos.

"The police finally put an end to the stand-off on Monday night, five days after the group disrupted our operations. We now have a peace treaty and the problem should not recur.

"The situation has finally been brought under control by the police, and water supply has been restored. Our guests and those of the island in general will be able to enjoy their holidays without fear of any further disturbance."

Sauer said the group had also assured the management that they would clear piles of red earth that had been dumped at the resort's entry and exit points since last Wednesday.

It was reported in the NST that a group of local residents, identified as members and sympathisers of seven families who co-own the plot of land where the resort stands, had resorted to disrupting operations at the resort by unloading truckloads of red earth at the entry and exit points.

They also sealed off the resort by putting plastic tape around the perimeter before harassing and threatening guests, workers, suppliers and neighbouring resorts who tried to help out by giving water to the resort.

Guests staying at the resort were in fear for their safety and the problem was compounded when local authorities here failed to act decisively to put an end to the group's blatant disregard for the law.

The incident was sparked off when members of the family, which owned the land, got into a dispute over whether the lease agreement with the resort, which has been operating on the land for the past 20 years, should be extended for another 12 years.

Family members who disagreed with the lease agreement decided to take matters into their own hands even though the resort management had successfully obtained an interim injunction from the High Court to prevent the disputing parties from entering the resort or disrupting its operations.

NST ..

TB : Need to settle the dispute. Its quite a shame to outside world.

Langkawi at losing end of family dispute

LANGKAWI, Malaysia - A beach resort here is seeking help from the Tourism Ministry and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in dealing with a vigilante-like group who have sealed off land in a beachside spot.

The group is involved in a family dispute over the land on which the resort stands.

Despite the resort management having a court order prohibiting the disputing parties from entering the resort or disrupting its operations, it would appear that family members have taken the law into their hands.

Beach Garden Resort general manager Wolfgang Sauer claimed that several foreign guests staying at the resort in Pantai Chenang were intimidated and threatened with physical violence by the group.

He said he had contacted several embassies to notify them of the situation.

"I had to alert them as we can no longer guarantee the safety of our foreign guests.

"The vigilantes have grown more brazen by trespassing on our property and threatening our staff and guests.

"I just don't know what else to do. We have lodged four police reports."

He claimed the police and other authorities here had washed their hands of the matter, saying it was a private issue.

Sauer said Langkawi's reputation as a tourist destination had been hurt by alerts guests had posted on the intimidation and inconvenience in various travel blogs and websites, including tripadvisor.blogspot.

"After sealing off our entry and exit points, cutting off our water supply and threatening foreign tourists and our workers, they are now targeting all those who are helping us.

"They have issued death threats to our workers and the management of a neighbouring resort who are helping us out."

He said three Tourism Ministry officials visited the resort yesterday to see things for themselves so that they could brief Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

"I hope the ministry is able to intervene and help resolve this standoff as we are fully booked for Christmas and up to April.

"The other hotels and resorts are also fully booked so we cannot place them anywhere else. If the situation is not resolved, then Langkawi's reputation is going to take a big hit and it may be an age before tourists have the faith to come here."

-- New Straits Times

AL :

Its quite sad to see this things happening. The authorities must get involved in this issue to prevent damaged reputation.

RM1b for Teluk Datai project

LANGKAWI: State investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd, through its investee company, Teluk Datai Resorts Sdn Bhd (TDR), and partners are investing RM1 billion in the Teluk Datai master development plan that will be completed by 2014.

The five-year plan, which will see the expansion and upgrading of TDR's hotel and golf course as well as the construction of new hotels, was launched yesterday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Najib said: "Based on the development plan for Teluk Datai, more jobs will be created for residents.

"This will increase the value of their assets and their quality of life.

Present were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Khazanah managing director Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar.

Langkawi, with a population of about 99,000, was identified by Dr Mahathir as a tourist destination more than two decades ago.

Najib said the development of Teluk Datai, with its pristine surrounding and beaches, was ideal to boost Langkawi's position as a premier tourist destination.

Under the plan, The Datai Lang-kawi hotel will expand to include 13 one-bedroom pool villas and one two-bedroom pool villa, while The Golf Club, Datai Bay, will be re-developed into an international golf course to host tournaments.

Najib said the construction of the villas was expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2012, while the golf course would be completed in the third quarter of the same year.

Also in the plan are a 300-room five-star resort, which will be jointly developed with Shangri-La Hotels, a six-star hotel and villas for sale.

Najib said the plan would boost leisure and tourist attractions at Teluk Datai, located northwest of Langkawi and facing the Andaman Sea, to strengthen the bay's position as an international tourist destination.

TDR plans to develop only a fifth of 598ha at Teluk Datai, while the rest, comprising 100,000-year-old rainforests, will be untouched.

TDR engaged Camco South East Asia Ltd (Camco SEA), in which Khazanah has a 5.3 per cent stake, to conduct a sustainability scoping study for the project.

Camco SEA, a green energy expert listed on the AIM London stock exchange, will also design a long-term strategy on rainforest conservation as well as explore opportunities for tie-ups with local partners to conserve land.

Khazanah, in July, acquired a 70 per cent stake in TDR, which owns The Datai Langkawi, The Golf Club and the 598ha at Teluk Datai.

The remaining 30 per cent is held by its founder, Tan Sri Razali Rahman, and Datuk Hassan Abas, through Archipelago Hotels (East) Sdn Bhd.

At the launch, TDR signed an agreement with Shangri-La Malaysia to set up a joint venture to develop the five-star resort. TDR will hold a 51 per cent stake in the company while Shangri-La Malaysia will hold the balance. Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd will manage the hotel.

Khazanah executive director (investment) Mohd Nadziruddin Mohd Basri said the development would create about 3,000 jobs.

He said the arrival of more tourists would create more jobs and opportunities for residents.

"We are positive about the project. The returns must be attractive for us to attract the private sector."

He said Khazanah was considering funding options for its investment, including equity partnership and bank borrowings.

Read more: RM1b for Teluk Datai project http://nst.com.my/nst/articles/4elang/Article/#ixzz17htZZyzn

AL :-
Its a good news for Langkawi folks. But how do government ensure that the Hotel will create jobs for local folks? If we see randomly throughout the Hotel in Langkawi most of the torism worker come from mainland. It is really crucial to really look into this & I hope this resort expansion really creates job opportunity to Langkawi folks..

Langkawi Geopark, the jewel of Kedah

ON June 1, 2007, Langkawi, a group of 99 islands in Kedah, was accorded National Geopark status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). It is the first geopark in Southeast Asia and the 52nd in the UNESCO Global Network of National Geoparks.

The concept of geoparks is in line with the 1991 Digne Declaration of the Rights of the Memory of the Earth, which called on national and international authorities to protect the unique and inseparable cultural and geological heritage of Earth, whose origins are our origins, whose history is our history, and whose future will be our future for generations to come. Langkawi has been studied since 1975, initially from the aspect of its geological formation. When the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development (Lestari) was established in 1996, research in the biodiversity of the flora and fauna in the permanent forests as well as the rich cultural heritage was intensified.Aware of the need to preserve our cultural and natural heritage, and recognising the unique association among rock formations, soil, landscapes and biodiversity, researchers from the multidisciplinary Lestari partnered colleagues from the Malaysian Geological Heritage Group and the Forestry Department, Peninsular Malaysia, to carry out expeditions and build a geoforest park concept for Langkawi.

The researchers had absolute support from the Langkawi Development Authority whose chairman, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, then Prime Minister, was the source of ideas, driver and inspiration for the path to the geopark status and ecotourism, and remains to this day its chief champion.

With the international attraction of a geopark, Langkawi has emerged as a premier tourist destination in Peninsular Malaysia.

Mahathir also approved the establishment of the UKM Langkawi Research Station at Pantai Kok, Mukim Padang Matsirat. When completed, it will not only house research and postgraduate facilities but also training programmes to promote ecotourism.Over the years, the researchers have compiled extensive knowledge of Langkawi, describing the beauty and charm of its islands of various shapes and sizes, pristine forests and mangroves flanking the waterways, spectacular mountain ranges, sandy beaches and shoreline beautifully carved with black slate and gravel of all hues, enriched by the historical and cultural heritage such as the legends of Mahsuri, Machinchang Range and the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. Langkawi has one of the oldest rock formations in Malaysia, from the early Cambrian period, or about 550 million years ago.

From these ancient rocks called the Machinchang Formation, complex geological processes over the ages gave rise to other rock formations of Peninsular Malaysia. Upon the spectrum of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, with their minerals, fossils and geological structures, forests took root and creatures thrived.Geoforests comprise geological and biological resources of intrinsic aesthetic, cultural, scientific and recreational value. These natural hanging gardens are amazingly diverse: tree-carpeted hills with soaring eagles, bat-shrouded caves, crevices with gnarled roots, emerald lakes, dramatic cliffs, arches through which thunderous waves crash and razor-sharp pinnacles.

With the international attraction of a geopark, it is no wonder that Langkawi has emerged as a premier tourist destination in Peninsular Malaysia, with arrivals reaching 2,303,157 in 2008 and 2,461,455 in 2009. The local impact has been an improving quality of life of the people through various economic activities related to tourism.The meticulous research has been passionately captured in the book Geoforest Parks: The Hanging Gardens of Langkawi, which also commemorates the 50th year of the reign of the Sultan of Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah. As Deputy King of Malaysia, the Sultan launched the book on Feb 12 at UKM, witnessed by Tun Dr Mahathir, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak and the Royal Patron of Langkawi Geopark Tunku Panglima Besar Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz.

Out of the book came another idea to use the Internet and communications technology to make Langkawi more widely known and accessible to tourists.

The application Malaysia Knowledge Tours can be downloaded from www.MyKTours.com to mobile devices and can be used as a tour guide.The Langkawi Geopark initiative is an example of a university's contribution to the development of a region through teaching and research. Apart from training human capital and generating scientific and technological innovations, universities, according to a study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, are increasingly being called upon to become active agents in business innovation, socio-cultural promotion and environmental development.

Although such activities are more difficult to quantify than inventions, publications and patents for wealth creation, it is imperative to value them for the positive impact that they have on local communities. We need to become better at devising incentives, indicators and methods for assessing and monitoring the impact universities have on a region's economy and social well-being.Nothing could be more satisfying than the words penned by the Sultan of Kedah in the book: "We celebrate not only knowledge gained from painstaking research, but also the beauty and mystery of God's creation. Sculpted and planted by Mother Nature, they are a wonder of the world, to be treasured, highly regarded, and cared for as an invaluable part of our past, present and future.

"The writer is vice-chancellor of UKM. - NST

Langkawi a big hit with Koreans

LANGKAWI: Koreans who have grown fond of Langkawi, are back for the second time to enjoy the islanders' warm hospitality.

The latest group is made up of 31 visitors aged between 40 and 78. Cheong Am Middle School of Seoul principal Choo Se Young said the participants, enrolled in a special programme for the poor and needy, were selected as part of the Malaysia-Korea Homestay programme.

"We learnt so many interesting things about Langkawi and the residents from a group of secondary students who came here last year. "We are so happy to have been chosen to savour the warm hospitality of Langkawi residents," he said after arriving at Kampung Keda Wang Tok Rendong here yesterday for a three-day stay with foster families. The VIP visitors were earlier wowed with a traditional welcome by their hosts. Many among the guests were seen clicking their cameras to record the warm welcoming ceremony which included youngsters beating the kompang while they were escorted by young village women carrying the bunga manggar to meet their foster families.

Choo said they were very touched by the warm reception by the Malaysian Homestay Operators' Association and its Langkawi chapter. "I know the group would remember this day forever. "This has been a truly moving experience for us and we want to learn more about the people, their culture and we will also not want to miss visiting the many tourist attractions that we have heard so much about in Langkawi." Meanwhile, Langkawi Homestay Association chairman Mokhtar Shabudin said the visit by the Korean guests was made possible after Tourism Malaysia held discussions with its Korean counterparts last October.

NST Online

LIMA '09: 17 defence ministers to attend

KUALA LUMPUR: This year's Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition (Lima '09) is set to reach new heights. Seventeen ministers of defence will be attending this year's show, the highest number so far since the inaugural Lima in 1991. Their attendance emphasises the show's position as the top aerospace and maritime technology showcase in the region.

Among the defence ministers attending are those from Singapore, France, Sweden, Russia and Sudan.This is another feather in the cap for Lima '09. It has broken the record for the highest number of warships and vessels for the maritime segment.It was recently reported that 96 ships will be anchored off Porto Malai, far surpassing the number at Lima '07.The show is also expected to attract a record 40,000 trade visitors, with some industry analysts believing the numbers could be even higher.

Lima '09 will see 325 exhibitors from 25 countries showcasing their products and services. There will be 11 national pavilions from countries such as the United States, Australia, Britain, France, Italy, Russia, Germany, India and, of course, Malaysia.The exhibition runs from Dec 1 to 5 and will be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

NSTP

LIMA '09: Free daily entry to maritime show

LANGKAWI: There is good news for visitors to the coming Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition (Lima '09).

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday announced that the public may now view the maritime segment of the five-day show without charge every day."In previous years, the public were only allowed to watch the displays of ships and boats on the last day of the exhibition. "However, for this year's Lima, the maritime segment is open to the public every day of the exhibition," he said after inspecting the aerospace exhibition ground at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) here.

The exhibition will showcase 96 warships and other vessels. A total of 40,000 trade visitors are expected to flood Lima '09. Zahid said discussions were ongoing with Lima '09 organiser HW Lima Sdn Bhd to halve the admission fee for the aerospace segment for the public to RM10.

"The aerospace segment is open to the public on the last day of the exhibition, for a fee of RM20 per person. I hope the organiser could consider my request that the fee be slashed by 50 per cent to RM10."

NSTP

Anaklangkawi :-
A good move.