Category: Travel

  • Maxim E-Hailing Raikan Merdeka 2025 Bersama Komuniti Tempatan

    Maxim E-Hailing Raikan Merdeka 2025 Bersama Komuniti Tempatan

    Sempena sambutan Hari Kebangsaan Malaysia ke-68, Maxim E-hailing sekali lagi menunjukkan komitmen mereka terhadap masyarakat melalui inisiatif tahunan yang kini diperluas ke seluruh negara. Tahun ini menandakan kelima kalinya syarikat tersebut aktif menyertai sambutan Hari Kemerdekaan, menekankan nilai perpaduan, patriotisme, dan keprihatinan sosial. Seperti helaian benang yang dianyam menjadi satu hamparan, usaha setiap bandar bersatu membentuk gambaran semangat nasional yang tulus dan berterusan.

    Sambutan dimulakan dengan lebih daripada 100 rakan pemandu yang menghias kenderaan mereka dengan Jalur Gemilang dan mengadakan konvoi meriah melalui lokasi-lokasi ikonik di waktu pagi. Walaupun diadakan di bandar yang berbeza, konvoi ini tetap membawa semangat patriotik dan keharmonian yang sama. Selepas perarakan, pemandu bersama pasukan tempatan melaksanakan pelbagai aktiviti khidmat masyarakat yang disesuaikan dengan keperluan setiap bandar.

    Di Tawau, pemandu Maxim mengunjungi Rumah Warga Emas untuk membawa keceriaan dan perhatian kepada golongan tua. Di Kota Kinabalu, pasukan syarikat turut serta dalam perarakan di Dewan Bandara Kota Kinabalu dengan penuh kebanggaan. Sementara itu, di Sandakan, kempen derma darah dianjurkan bagi menggalakkan sumbangan yang berpotensi menyelamatkan nyawa. Wakil Jabatan Perubatan Transfusi menyatakan penghargaan mereka, menekankan bahawa sumbangan satu beg darah mampu menyelamatkan tiga nyawa dan menegaskan makna sebenar patriotisme melalui kepedulian kepada rakyat.

    Di Labuan, gabungan perarakan dan kempen pembersihan pantai mencerminkan rasa cinta terhadap tanah air serta keprihatinan terhadap alam sekitar. Kuantan meraikan Hari Kemerdekaan dengan perarakan yang diakhiri dengan lawatan amal ke rumah anak yatim, manakala Kota Bharu menumpukan usaha kepada program amal bersama rumah anak yatim lain, mengukuhkan nilai membimbing dan menyokong generasi muda. Guru di salah sebuah rumah kebajikan menyatakan bahawa kehadiran Maxim memberikan pengalaman bermakna kepada anak-anak, menyemai semangat perpaduan dan kebanggaan dalam jiwa mereka.

    Johor Bahru pula mengadakan konvoi Merdeka di samping program amal di Pangsapuri Jasa Skudai, manakala Bandar Miri melaksanakan konvoi perarakan yang diikuti dengan aktiviti amal di Hospital Miri, memberikan dorongan kepada pesakit dan petugas kesihatan. Pengarah Maxim Malaysia, Mohd Hazwan Musley, menyatakan bahawa melalui program ini, syarikat berharap dapat menyebarkan semangat perpaduan dan patriotisme sambil memberi kembali kepada masyarakat yang menjadi nadi perjalanan mereka.

    Inisiatif ini menjadi peringatan bahawa Merdeka bukan sekadar sambutan kebebasan, tetapi juga peluang untuk mengukuhkan hubungan antara rakyat dan komuniti. Usaha Maxim menunjukkan bahawa tindakan kecil di pelbagai bandar mampu bersatu menjadi gerakan nasional yang sarat dengan penghargaan, belas kasih, dan semangat patriotik. Seiring pertumbuhan syarikat di Malaysia, Maxim berhasrat untuk terus melaksanakan inisiatif yang mencerminkan intipati sebenar Merdeka, iaitu perpaduan, ketabahan, dan cinta terhadap negara.

  • Kota Kinabalu Hotels Burdened by Steep Licensing Fee Increase.

    The Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO) has expressed deep concern over the drastic hike in hotel licensing fees in Kota Kinabalu. The sudden implementation of the 1966 fee structure has put registered and licensed hotels under significant financial strain.

    Previously, hotels only had to pay RM10 per room per year for their licenses. However, with the new fee structure, Class 1 hotels must now pay RM4.65 per occupied room per day, Class 2 hotels RM2.65, and Class 3 hotels RM1.30. This change represents a massive surge in operational costs. A Class 2 hotel with 100 rooms and a 60% occupancy rate, for example, would now need to pay RM57,600 per year—compared to just RM1,000 annually under the previous system. Such an increase is unsustainable and will likely force hotels to raise their room rates, which could drive tourists away.

    MAHO President, Datuk Ngan Teng Ye, has questioned the criteria used to classify hotels under this system, pointing out that Malaysia officially follows the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture’s (MoTAC) 1-5 star and 1-3 Orkid ratings. The lack of clarity surrounding this classification has left many hotel operators frustrated.

    Adding to the industry’s woes is the fact that unlicensed Short-Term Rental Accommodations (STRA), such as Airbnb, remain unregulated. While there are only 214 registered hotels in Kota Kinabalu, there are more than 2,500 STRA listings, none of which are subject to the same licensing fees or regulatory oversight. For years, MAHO, along with MAH and MyBHA, has urged the government to impose regulations on STRAs to ensure a level playing field, yet little progress has been made.

    With Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, the timing of this fee hike could not be worse. Increased operational costs will likely make Kota Kinabalu a less attractive destination for travelers, negatively impacting not only hotels but also local businesses that depend on tourism. MAHO is calling for an immediate suspension of the new licensing fees and urges the Sabah State Government to engage with industry stakeholders to find a fair and balanced solution.

  • Strengthening Travel Ties: Penang Media’s Exclusive Chennai Experience

    Strengthening Travel Ties: Penang Media’s Exclusive Chennai Experience

    A delegation of 11 media professionals from Penang recently embarked on a media familiarization trip to Chennai, India, from March 3rd to 5th, 2025. This visit, aligned with the introduction of IndiGo Airlines’ direct flight route between the two locations, aims to bolster tourism and economic engagement between Penang and Chennai.

    The primary focus of the trip was to promote Chennai as an enticing travel destination for Penang residents. By shedding light on the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and distinctive attractions, the initiative seeks to sustain interest in the direct flight service and encourage reciprocal tourism growth.

    During the visit, the delegation explored Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO-listed heritage site renowned for its centuries-old rock-cut temples and intricate stone carvings. They also delved into Chennai’s dynamic cityscape, which seamlessly intertwines tradition with modernity, and visited Kanchipuram, famous for its stunning temples and thriving silk-weaving industry.

    “We are committed to strengthening our connection with Chennai, and this initiative plays a key role in achieving that goal,” said YB Wong Yuee Harng, Director of the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau. “By fostering tourism and cultural engagement, we pave the way for deeper collaboration between our regions.”

    Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran echoed this perspective, emphasizing the long-term benefits. “Through widespread media coverage, we aim to spotlight Chennai’s diverse tourism experiences and maximize the potential of this direct flight route. Additionally, this initiative lays the foundation for stronger business and tourism partnerships, reinforcing Penang’s presence in important markets.”

    This effort aligns with Penang’s broader tourism strategy, which prioritizes improved regional connectivity and economic growth through travel and cultural exchange. By showcasing Chennai’s appeal, the media trip not only fosters tourism development but also enhances Penang’s reputation as a key destination for both leisure and business travelers.

  • Making a Grand Return with Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE) 2023

    7 November 2023 Penang, Malaysia: The Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE), an event organized by Ace Conferences and supported by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), is set to return with more grandeur as it embarks on its sixth edition, scheduled to run from 7th to 9th November 2023. This remarkable travel trade event promises to enchance Penang’s status as the premier Business Events and Travel Destination in the Asia Pacific region.

    PITE 2023 is gearing up to be an unforgettable experience, gathering over 80 distinguished international buyers from across the globe, including Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Germany, Latvia, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Alongside them, 42 top-notch exhibitors from Malaysia will showcase their latest offerings, fostering fruitful collaborations and showcasing the best the region has to offer.

    Launched in 2018, Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE) has consistently strived to enhance Penang’s position on the global stage. It serves as a homegrown platform for travel trade professionals to forge valuable connections and explore the unique allure of Penang as a thriving Business Events and Travel Destination.

    PITE 2023 boasts an impressive itinerary that includes dynamic B2B sessions, enlightening site inspections, educational workshops, and engaging networking events. What sets this edition apart is the introduction of an exciting ‘expedition’ experience, designed to offer a fresh perspective on exploring the exquisite city of Penang.

    Attendees will have the opportunity to embark on familiarization trips to Penang’s latest attractions, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive experience of everything this vibrant destination has to offer. From its rich cultural heritage to its culinary delights and scenic beauty, Penang has something for every traveler.

    Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE) 2023 is the ultimate platform for sourcing the latest products and services through robust business networking and appointments.

  • THE ISLAMIC TOURISM CENTRE’S INVOLVEMENT IN MIHAS 2023 SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON MUSLIM-FRIENDLY TOURISM OFFERINGS

    The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), an agency operating under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), is actively involved in the Malaysian International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2023) from September 12th to 15th. This event is dedicated to highlighting Malaysia’s outstanding Muslim-friendly tourism offerings within the travel industry. You can find the ITC at Booth No. 11320 on Level 3 of Hall 11 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

    During the international showcase, participating partners under the ITC umbrella are Aora Spa and Wellness Jitra, Primula Beach Hotel Kuala Terengganu, Permai Hotel Kuala Terengganu and Klana Beach Resort Port Dickson.

    ITC is hopeful that the agency’s participation will bring together travel industry professionals, government officials, and key stakeholders from around the world to explore Malaysia’s diverse range of offerings that cater to all travellers.

     

    ITC will also offer an exclusive business networking session called Let’s Sembang Together on MFAR@MIHAS on 13 September located at MIHAS Corner, Level 1, Hall 2, MITEC from 10am – 1pm. Visitors to MIHAS are welcomed to join ITC there to understand about the potential of the Muslim tourist market and learn more about ITC’s Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) programme from Fitra Mohd. Ali, Industry Development Manager of ITC.

    Assistant Director of Industry Relations Section, Halal Management Department from Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS) Ustaz Norakmal Mohamad will also be at the business networking session to share about Halal certification.

    Director-General of ITC, Nizran Noordin expressed excitement about the agency’s participation in MIHAS 2023, stating, “We are thrilled to present the diverse offerings that Malaysia has in store for Muslim travellers”.

    “Our commitment to inclusivity and providing exceptional experiences extends to all visitors, and we are excited to welcome Muslim travelers from around the world to explore the beauty and culture of Malaysia,” said the Director-General of ITC.

    In a celebration of Malaysia’s rich architectural tapestry throughout the recently-launched Islamic Tourism Month 2023 (ITM 2023), ITC’s visibility in MIHAS 2023 aimed at highlighting Malaysia’s diverse array of Muslim-friendly products and services, foster collaboration among industry stakeholders, and solidify strategic partnerships among the Islamic Tourism ecosystem players through the month-long event in September.

    On top of special promotions on accommodations, travel packages, spa and wellness experiences, food and beverages, shopping and retail offers, as well as events, seminars and exhibitions, this year’s ITM 2023 is also enhanced by the use of QR technology to provide the public with easy and instant access to the exclusive offers by ITM partners during the entire month.

    There is also a TikTok Challenge that the public can participate in to win special prizes sponsored by various industry partners that includes Mastercard, Resorts World Cruises, ESCAPE Theme Park, Lost World of Tambun, Kidzania and myBurgerLab. Among the top prizes are 30 prepaid cards pre-loaded with RM1,000 each by Mastercard.

    More details at the website itm2023.itc.gov.my