Friday, October 22, 2010

MELAKA BUILDS TALLEST HOTEL

Malacca builds its tallest hotel

2010/10/22
By Noor Hazwan Hariz Mohd
streets@nstp.com.my






Ali (left) and Hotel Kerjaya Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Tee Eng Ho at the ground-breaking ceremony. — Picture by Mohd Jamah Nasri

Ali (left) and Hotel Kerjaya Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Tee Eng Ho at the ground-breaking ceremony. — Picture by Mohd Jamah Nasri

MALACCA: In line with its developed status, Malacca is accelerating its physical development.

The historical city was declared as developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD).

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the plan was mooted a decade ago and aimed at developing the state's infrastructure, administration, environment and social structure.


"We had targeted Malacca to be at par with other developed countries in 10 years according to OECD's 32 indicators.

"Now Malacca is an example to other states in this country.

"One of the most important sectors that made Malacca successful is our development of infrastructure.


"Today, we are going to build the tallest building in this state on a 3.64ha plot of land, said Ali at the groung-breaking ceremony for the Kerjaya Hotel development initiated as part of the state's tourism drive.

The 42-storey hotel at Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai will be the tallest one in the state.

"The project consists of four blocks, which includes the four-star hotel and three service apartments. Two of the service apartments are 27-storey high while the other is 32 storeys.


"The hotel will have 306 rooms while the apartment blocks will have 700 units.

"Hopefully, the project, which is scheduled to be completed by 2014, will be able to accommodate the increasing number of tourists visiting Malacca in future.

"The state's tourism industry has been developing rapidly since 1999.

As of last year, we attracted 8.9 million tourists to Malacca, compared with 7.84 million tourists in 2008," he said.

Ali said the project will increase the state's existing accommodation facilities to 11,402 rooms.

MELAKA ALIVE

Malacca to be given a facelift via 'Melaka Alive'

riday, October 22nd, 2010 13:07:00

Melaka Alive, History In a New Way project

HERITAGE PRESERVERS: Petersham Group Ltd operation and development director Keith Thomas; Sarner IXL Sdn Bhd senior vice president Saifful Azhar Sabarudin, CEO Suffian Afendi Ahmad Apandi and president Mohd Nizar Mohd Najib; Sarner UK executive director and managing director Ross Magri, and Petersham park planning and management CEO Jonathan Rounce

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians should brace themselves to see history in a whole different light because by next year, Malacca, known for its historical value, will be given a facelift in a project called 'Melaka Alive, History In a New Way'.

With this project, visitors to the historical state will be able to personally experience the renowned tales of adventure, romance, drama and mystery, set to be brought to life through seamless interactivity and state-of-the-art technology, drawing in viewers to experience history firsthand, from the early days of Malacca to the birth of Malaysia as a nation.

The project, which will be realised in Bandar Hilir, Malacca, will be developed by Sarner IXL Sdn Bhd, a company with 30-years of experience in the delivery of visitor attractions and leisure entertainment centres including the International Astronomy and Space Centre in Liverpool and the Darwin Centre for the Natural History Museum in London.

In his speech at the media briefing held today at the Le Meridian hotel here, President of Sarner IXL Sdn Bhd, Mohd Nizar Mohd Najib, said the idea of 'Melaka Alive' was conceived primarily out of a desire to contribute to the local tourism industry.

"In the recently concluded World Tourism Conference 2010 in Sabah, experts said tourists are no longer content with passive watching. People today are looking for new, unforgettable experiences that cannot be taken away from them," he said.

Malacca, he said, is rich with heritage and historical sites but could do with more innovative products to tell its stories as well as its glorious past.

"Melaka Alive primarily involves upgrading of display mechanisms and a general facelift of the existing heritage sites and assets, following Unesco guidelines," he said.

The project has two phases. The first, involving the revival of the old light and sound show estimated to cost RM21.185 million is expected to be completed by April 2011.

Phase Two will focus on the upgrading of the site and assets of existing museums to make it more compelling and enriching visitor experience through the use of modern technology.

In Phase One, the story of Malacca will be told in an immersive light and sound presentation through projected water screen on board a traditional Malay ship, called 'Bahtera Merdeka', which will be the first of its kind here. It will feature the biggest automated water screen in the region.

Other key features include high resolution specialist projection on water curtain with spectacular world heritage site in the background complete with hologram FX, fire and explosion accompanied by live Surround soundtrack.

Attractions from Phase Two include a maritime museum, a history museum, and the fort walls which is a scenic wall that will surround the attraction sites.

Phase Two has an estimated cost of RM41.4 million and is expected to be completed by October 2011.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

MELAKA OFFICIALLY DECLARED "DEVELOPED STATE" AT 20.10HRS ON 20TH. OCTOBER 2010

Thursday October 21, 2010

Proud day for Malacca

By MARTIN CARVALHO and ALLISON LAI
malacca@thestar.com.my


MALACCA: Ten years of hard work paid off when this historical state was officially declared a “developed state” yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak made the declaration via tele-conferencing from Kuala Lumpur to thousands of Malac cans gathered at a grand ceremony in Stadium Hang Jebat in Krubong last night.

The crowd cheered and clapped when Najib made the declaration at the auspicious time and date of 2010 hours on 20.10.2010.

Exciting display: Fireworks being set off during the “Developed Malacca 2010: Green Technology State City” declaration ceremony at Stadium Hang Jebat in Krubong Wednesday night.

The event was themed “Develop ed Malacca 2010: Green Techno logy State City.”

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said it was a truly proud day for Malaccans as the state was finally recognised as a developed state by the Organisa tion for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

He added that the state would have a special one-off holiday today. Jon Hall, who has been leading the OECD’s Global Project on Measuring the Progress of Socie ties, said Malaccans had higher than the OECD’s minimum levels in virtually all indicators.

In Kuala Lumpur, Najib who made the announcement from the Putra World Trade Centre where the Umno general assembly is being held – said the Federal Government would give full support to Malacca.

“The people of Malacca should be proud that they have a hard-working and visionary leader,” he added.

Najib then made the official declaration and signed an electronic plaque declaring Malacca a developed state. This was sent to Mohd Ali via an electronic capsule.

Rail progress: A monorail travelling along the Malacca River during its inaugural trip after the launching by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam Wednesday. Mohd Ali said the monorail would start operations after obtaining approval from the relevant authorities. The 24-passenger monorail runs from Taman Rempah in Pengkalan Rama to Kampung Bunga Raya Pantai in the heart of the historic city. The RM15.9mil project is part of the state’s aim to further tap the potential of the Malacca River as a tourist attraction. — A. MALEX YAHAYA / The Star

Separately, Mohd Ali also launched the RM15.9mil monorail with an inaugural ride at Spice Garden yesterday afternoon.

The monorail service starts operations today.

Monday, October 18, 2010

MELAKA BUSINESS ENGLISH MAGAZINE LAUNCHED

Magazine to give Malacca big business buzz

2010/10/16




Malacca has a new English-language monthly business magazine to promote the investment climate in the state.
Malacca has a new English-language monthly business magazine to promote the investment climate in the state.
MALACCA: The state government hopes that investors and the business community will take advantage of the Melaka Business magazine to identify new ventures and opportunities in the state.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the monthly magazine, which would be published in English, could be used as a reference by investors, businessmen, corporate leaders, hoteliers and tour agency operators both local and abroad.

"I note that the magazine is very useful as it promotes the investment climate in Malacca besides introducing us to its readers, the unity among us, our culture, food, tourism products and heritage," he said when launching the magazine at a hotel here yesterday.


Also present were Melaka Business adviser Datuk Jamelah A. Bakar, state officials and corporate leaders.

Ali also launched the website of the state's Tourism Promotion Division, www.melakatourism.gov.my, which is expected to boost its tourism sector.

Tourism contributes to 70 per cent of Malacca's gross income, so its industry is a vital contributor to the state economy. By year's end, the state is targeting to chalk up 8.2 million tourists who have stayed for three nights, at least.


Ali said he was confident the target could be achieved once Malacca was declared a developed state on Wednesday.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

2 NEW HOTELS FOR MELAKA

2 new hotels to boost Malacca tourism

2010/10/10
By Jason Gerald John
streets@nst.com.my



Ali showing the artist’s impressions of the  Hilton Hotel and  All Seasons Hotel. — Picture by Mohd Jamah Nasri
Ali showing the artist’s impressions of the Hilton Hotel and All Seasons Hotel. — Picture by Mohd Jamah Nasri
MALACCA: The state's tourism sector will receive a shot in the arm with the construction of two new hotels -- Hilton Hotel and All Seasons Hotel.

The developer of both the hotels, Hatten Group CEO Datuk Eric Tan, said a 1,100-unit apartment block and a commercial centre would also be built.

"The tallest building in Malacca will be built under this project.


"With 43 storeys, the building will change the landscape of Melaka Raya and the Malacca coastline.

"The project will be developed next to the Harbour Club in Melaka Raya and will involve an investment of RM300 million," he said.

Tan said the Hilton Hotel, a five-star establishment, would have 250 rooms while the All Seasons Hotel, a two-star hotel, would have 350 rooms.


"The two hotels and the service apartments will provide Malacca with an additional 1,700 rooms," Tan said, in a briefing session with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam at the Hatten Square.

Tan said the groundbreaking ceremony for the hotels would be performed in December.

He said the project would be completed in five years and would provide job opportunities to about 3,000 people.


Meanwhile, Tan also announced that the 700-room Hatten Hotel would open its doors in September next year.

The chief minister said the state's tourism sector was picking up.

Ali said some eight million tourists were expected to visit the historical city this year, up from 7.5 million last year.

"We need more hotel rooms in the state. With the opening of Hilton and All Seasons we will be able to ensure that visitors have a better choice of accommodation," he said.

Ali said work to widen Jalan Merdeka, opposite Dataran Pahlawan, from the two lanes to five lanes, would be complete in two months.

"Once completed, the 2km stretch from Menara Taming Sari up to Hatten Square would be known as Pahlawan City," he said.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

CHIEF MINISTER TO DECLARE MELAKA DEVELOPED STATUS ON 20TH. OCTOBER 2010


3rd. October 2010


Melaka is preparing to announce her reaching of developed state status at 20.10 hours on 20th. October 2010 or 20.10. 20.10.2010.

Banners have been hung throughout Melaka Historic City for all to attend this important hallmark of State of Melaka.

By doing so, Melaka hopes to raise her status comparable to other developed states of Selangor and Penang.

Hopefully, all Malaccans can be proud of achieving this status on 20th. October 2010.

Tourism Melaka congratulates Melaka and Malaccans for achieving this historic milestone.

PART OF HANG TUAH BRIDGE COMPLETED


3rd. October 2010


Part of the new Hang Tuah bridge has been opened to traffic. Only one lane has been tarred while the 2nd. lane is being completed.

The new bridge has no columns piled into the Melaka River thus allowing smooth flow of water underneath the river.

This also allows water cruises and water taxis to pass by without having to wait. Previously, the columns piled into the river causes obstruction and rubbish are often trapped by the columns.

Workers are rushing to complete the bridge before the announcement of the Melaka Maju 2010 i.e. Melaka state achieving developed status on 20th. October 2010 at 20.10 hours.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

MELAKA RIVER - MONEY SPINNER FOR HERITAGE CITY

Sg Melaka — money spinner for heritage city
Posted on October 2, 2010, Saturday

MELAKA: A holiday in Melaka is considered as ‘incomplete’ without getting on a cruise along Sungai Melaka that snakes through this historical city.


AMAZING TRANSFORMATION: Tourists can now hop on any of the 40 boats provided by Melaka River Cruise to go sight-seeing. — Bernama photo
The beauty of this river, enhanced via efforts of the state authorities, exudes more brilliance at night due to the thousands of lighted bulbs strung on new and heritage buildings as well as on trees that lined the 4.5km stretch of the river right from the ‘spice park’ to the estuary.

Tourists can hop on 40 boats provided by Melaka River Cruise, a company owned by the Melaka River and Coast Development Corporation (PPSPM).

The cruise is on from 9.30am until midnight daily.

“More than 40,000 tourists visited the river each month and they enjoy taking the river cruise”, PPSPM chief executive officer Baharom Majid told Bernama here.

Baharom said the Melaka River Cruise began as a commercial venture in 2006 with two boats which saw the service attracting 3,290 passengers that year.

The figure shot to 51,100 visitors in 2007 with 12 boats in service, followed by 350,000 people in 2008 with 20 boats available.

The figure for 2009 was 591,000 people with 30 boats in use.

He said the PPSPM targets 600,000 visitors (with 40 boats in service) this year.

Baharom said the number of visitors is expected to increase due to the intensive roadshows staged by the PPSPM locally and abroad with collaboration of the state and tourism authorities including Tourism Malaysia.

Various packages are on offer for tourists like that for holding dinners and wedding functions on the boats. Tourist guides well-versed in the history of Melaka and also on facts of the river are also provided.

The Melaka River Carnival held annually has also attracted both the domestic and foreign tourists, he added.

Among the objects that lined the riverbanks which captured the tourists’ attention and their cameras are the mural paintings on walls of buildings as well as the Melaka tree, from where the state got its name.

Soon, the visitors would be able to enjoy the river’s beauty on rides in the monorail coaches over a stretch of 1.6km from the Jebat Station in Taman Rempah until Tuah Station near the Eye On Melaka, another tourist attraction.

The transformation of Sungai Melaka can be tagged as ‘out of the ordinary’.

From a river which was once muddy and choked with floating garbage, Sungai Melaka has been transformed into a clean and beautiful river.

No more of the dirty backyards of shops and houses.

No more of the rather repulsing or revolting scenarios where rubbish was seen dumped into the river.

Instead, there are stunning landscapes that attract the attention of the camera-happy tourists on the rivercruise boats.

Now Sungai Melaka is a major tourist attraction for this world heritage city and also part of Melaka’s economic cake.

The Melaka River Beautification Programme was inspired by a similar effort done on San Antonio river in Texas, United States which is famous for its beauty and able to draw some 13 million tourists a year.

The programme to enhance the beauty of Melaka river was implemented under four phases at the cost of RM30 million that began in 2002.

PPSPM was given the task of regaining the glory of Melaka river, once known as the ‘Venice of the East’ when it became the trading point for merchants from the East and West.

Sungai Melaka’s estuary is at Bandar Hilir here and the river flows into the Melaka Straits.

The river, which was at the peak of its glory during the Melaka Malay Sultanate, gradually lost its lustre under the rule of the colonialists — Portuguese, Dutch, British and Japanese.

The pro-active measures implemented by the Melaka government.

Spearheaded by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, in the development of Sungai Melaka over the past decade had ignited and catalysed new economic activities along the river stretch.

Mohd Ali who expressed confidence in the river’s potential has invited entrepreneurs to establish, among others, hotels, restaurants and gift shops along the river, at the cost expected to reach more than RM1.0 billion.

“Apart from the existing ones, more hotels will be built along Sungai Melaka including that by Uda Holdings Berhad,” he said.

He also said the residents of Kampung Morten, the old Malay settlement in the heart of this world heritage city, would soon be selling souvenirs to tourists.

Kampung Morten is among the popular stops by visitors to Sungai Melaka as this settlement showcases the Malay traditional houses in their originality.

It is like a package for these visitors who can also make stopovers at Jonker Walk, Taming Sari Tower, Merdeka Memorial, A Famosa fortress, Stadthuys, Padang Nyiru, Taman Rempah and the theme park during their visits to the river.

Tourists can also shop at the commercial zone nearby like the Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall.

The river had also created a mark in Malaysia’s modern history when in 2005, during the Rulers Conference on Nov 21-24, the Malay rulers accompanied by dignitaries took a recreational cruise along the stretch of Sungai Melaka. — Bernama