Sunday, December 29, 2019

For 2020 - 15-day online ‘visa’ for tourists from India, China

Here is good news for tourists from India and China for 2020 which is Visit Malaysia Year.

MSN has the story..

PETALING JAYA: For the whole of 2020, tourists from India and China merely need to register online and can make a 15-day stay in Malaysia without a tourist visa.

The visit is limited to only 15 days and cannot be extended. Tourists are allowed to re-register to enter Malaysia after 45 days from the date they leave Malaysia.

The visa exemption was granted in a ministerial order under the Passports Act that was gazetted on Thursday. It was signed by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, exercising the functions of the home minister.

The order says the tourists should be registered with the electronic travel registration and information system, individually or through any travel agency registered with the Malaysian missions in India or in China.

A tourist can travel to Malaysia within three months after he is registered in the electronic travel registration and information system, the order said.

The tourist can enter Malaysia and exit from Malaysia only through authorised airports or at seven border crossings:

Sultan Iskandar Building, Johor; Johor Bahru railway station; immigration control post at Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar, Tanjung Kupang, Johor; Padang Besar, Perlis; Bukit Kayu Itam, Changloon, Kedah; Sungai Tujoh, Sarawak; and the immigration control post at Tedungan in Limbang, Fifth Division, Sarawak.

The order says the tourists may not apply for any other passes under the Immigration Regulations 1963.

Tourists from both these countries should have a valid ticket for their return home or by air to any other country. They must produce proof of sufficient pocket money, credit card or bank card, and produce their travel itinerary in Malaysia.

Malaysia intends to draw 30 million visitors during Visit Malaysia Year 2020.

Saturday, December 28, 2019

Visit Kuala Lumpur - videos to watch

Planning a trip to Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur to be exact? Here are a number of videos I recommend watching to prep you on what to expect here in KL as we locals refer her as.

Let's start with this one. This is a 2012 video but still very applicable.



Here's another, a first time in Kuala Lumpur video with no real itinerary. This one is more of a random walk-around but nevertheless informative and gets you to what you would want to see and experience in KL.



And this one is a list of 25 things from Samuel and Audrey who have been to Kuala Lumpur many times before.

They have so kindly listed down their

25 Things to do in Kuala Lumpur City Guide:

1) Kuala Lumpur Bird Park (Taman Burung Kuala Lumpur) - 00:38
2) Perdana Botanical Garden (Lake Gardens - Taman Botani Perdana - 湖滨公园 - ஏரி பூங்கா) - 02:03
3) Sri Mahamariamman Temple (ஸ்ரீ மாரியம்மன் கோவில் - Kuil Sri Mariamman - 马里安曼兴都庙) - 02:52
4) GuanDi Temple (共青团路关帝庙) 03:24
5) Central Market for shopping and eating (Pasar Seni Kuala Lumpur - 吉隆坡中央艺术坊 - மத்திய சந்தை) - 03:39
6) Laksa Nyonya (叻沙 - 喇沙) at Precious Old China - 04:19
7) Indian Food in Kuala Lumpur at Restoran Yusoof Dan Zakhir - 05:05
8) Jalan Petaling Street Night and Flea Market in Chinatown (茨厂街 - 茨廠街) - 07:13
9) Petronas Towers (Menara Petronas) - 07:26
10) KLCC Park (Taman KLCC) - 07:37
11) Lake Symphony at KLCC - 07:42
12) Suria KLCC Shopping Mall - 07:46
13) Jalan Alor Night Market for Street Food - 08:06
14) Batu Caves (பத்து மலை) Hindu Shrine - 10:31
15) Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka - Independence Square) - 12:00
16) Sultan Abdul Samad Building (باڠونن سلطان عبدالصمد - Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad ) - 12:00
17) Muzium Muzik (Museum Music) and National History Museum (Muzium Sejarah Nasional) - 12:20
18) Muzium Tekstil Negara (National Textile Museum) - 12:45
19) Kuala Lumpur City Gallery (KL City Gallery) - 12:48
20) Milo and Roti for Breakfast in Kuala Lumpur - 13:30
21) Nasi Lemak - National Dish of Malaysia - 15:30
22) Kuala Lumpur Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur - 吉隆坡塔 - KL Tower) - 15:40
23) National Museum of Malaysia (Muzium Negara) and Malay Ethnographic Museum (Muzium Etnografi Melayu) and Orang Asli Crafts Museum - 15:49
24) National Mosque of Malaysia (Masjid Negara Malaysia - مسجد نݢارا - 国家清真寺 - தேசிய பள்ளிவாசல்) - 15:59
25) KL Metro, Rapid Transit and LRT - 16:05



Enjoy your visit with us. Welcome to Kuala Lumpur!

Monday, December 9, 2019

Miss Universe 2019 Best National Costume fiasco



Miss Universe Malaysia Shweta Sekhon did not win the Best National Costume at the 68th Miss Universe 2019 pageant in Atlanta. Miss Universe Philippines, Gazini Ganados is the winner of the Miss Universe 2019 National Costume contest.

But Miss Malaysia's costume was showcased at the pageant (which could possibly have caused the misunderstanding) but let's take a look at this creation. The costume is aptly called 'A Peranakan Indulgence' which was inspired by the Peranakan or Baba Nyonya community’s rich bridal traditions.

Peranakans are descended from Chinese settlers who arrived in the Malay Archipelago between the 15th and 17th centuries. The communities are mostly found in Penang and Malacca and south in Singapore.

Source: msn.com
When asked by host Steve Harvey about her costume, Shweta said Nyonya people are descendants of “mixed marriage between the Malays and the Chinese”.

“The wings here define the tail of the goldfish which they believe is a sign of prosperity.”

Weighing a hefty 28 kilogrammes, the costume features songket, Nyonya batik and trays of colourful Nyonya delights such as onde-onde, kueh koci, ang ku and kueh talam.

It was designed by Taiping-born fashion designer Carven Ong, who is known and loved for his bridal creations since 1991.

“Oh my God, I really can’t believe,” exclaimed Ong when contacted by Malay Mail.


Ong said he received the good news from Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation national director Datin Elaine Daly over a phone call.

Ong’s creations can also be seen in the 2018 rom-com hit Crazy Rich Asians.



Miss Universe Philippines Best National Costume winner..

The Miss Universe 2019 pageant was on Sunday, with 90 women competing for the title at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. The title ultimately went to Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa.



(All images are from msn.com)


Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Billie Eilish, Ladies & Gentlemen..

Have you seen this video? (Psst..647 million views and counting!)

Must watch..


Billie Eilish is a 17-year-old singer - who was also recently named Billboard's Woman of the Year.

The 'Bad Guy' hitmaker (above video) has enjoyed a successful year and has seen her bag her first ever Grammy nominations as well as performing at an awards show for the first time when she took to the stage at the American Music Awards (AMAs) on Sunday. She picked up awards for New Artist of the Year and Favourite Alternative Rock Artist at the AMAs

Here's a little bit more of Billie Eilish from Ellen DeGeneres' interview..

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Mossy Forest, Malaysia - and more

If you love nature walks and/or forests, here's one to visit when you visit Malaysia.

Source: MSN

Mossy Forest, Malaysia
This moist, tropical evergreen forest is ideally suited for moss, ferns, lichen and orchids, with a wide variety of insects, snakes, frogs and birds spotted here. You can explore the forest on a walk, just before the peak of Gunung Brinchang.

Gunung Brinchang is at the Cameron Highlands which you can read more about Camerons Highlands on Wikipedia.

MSN noted 25 other forests around the world you can visit including the Dragon's Blood Forest in Yemen..

Dragon's Blood Forest, Yemen
The spooky Dragon’s Blood Forest in Socotra is home to trees with UFO-like tops, which are colloquially known as dragon’s blood trees. You can also marvel at granite mountains and limestone plateaus. The forest is also home to large tracts of frankincense trees, as well as several rare species of birds.

as well as the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California, US

The Bristlecone Pine Forest is home to some of the oldest trees on the planet, specifically the nearly 5,000-year-old Methuselah. The location of that tree is kept secret, to avoid defacement by vandals. The trees can grow at altitudes of 10,000 feet (over 3,000 meters) and offer some of the most gorgeous groves in the world.

And this one too, which is a popular tourist destination..

Jiuzhaigou Valley, China
Also known as the “Valley of Nine Villages,” the Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is dotted with beautiful lakes, waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. With elevations ranging from 6,560 to 14,800 feet (2,000 to 4,500 meters), the forest has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.

Visit MSN's list of 26 majestic forests for nature lovers to explore

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Simon and Garfunkel at the Central Park 1981

For an easy listening Sunday this week, let's go to a concert, a 1981 Central Park, New York, concert - a Simon and Garfunkel concert of 20 of their songs.

According to NYdailynews:

The Great Lawn of Central Park turned into a giant Scarborough Fair last night as an estimated 500,000 grown-up flower children and their children cheered two graduates of Forest Hills High School named Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, reunited in musical harmony after more than a decade apart.

Sunlight broke through gray skies and drizzle just before the words of "Mrs. Robinson" filled the center of the city at 6:45 p.m. The two were introduced by Mayor Koch with words, "Ladies and gentlemen, Simon and Garfunkel."


1981.. some of us were not even born yet but no matter, music transcends age. Yes?

Let's start with Mrs Robinson.. Enjoy!



You are still here? I mean you didn't go on over to You Tube for the other 19 numbers? Ok then, let's listen to two of my favourite tracks. No make it three.







If you like Scarborough Fair, this is a must-watch..


Monday, October 14, 2019

Air Asia does it again!

© Provided by SMG Business Services Sdn Bhd.

Home-grown Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia has taken home top honours at the World Travel Awards Asia and Oceania 2019 for the seventh year in a row.

AirAsia emerged ahead of regional counterparts such as Scoot, Jetstar, SpiceJet, Nok Air and Firefly to win Asia's Leading Low-Cost Airline and Asia's Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew.

AriAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat was at the awards ceremony in Phu Quoc, Vietnam to receive the award.

"It is an honour to receive these awards," he said in a statement Sunday (Oct 13).

"Being recognised by guests and industry colleagues as Asia's best is a testament to our ongoing efforts to develop new and innovative guest-obsessed products and services," he added.

Riad also thanked the award-winning cabin crew "for their hard work and commitment to delivering and providing the best experience for our guests."

World Travel Awards founder Graham E Cooke said AirAsia continues to set the benchmark for low-cost aviation in Asia.

"Its dedication to improving its services remains unrivalled and I am delighted that it has been acknowledged by both the travel trade and the public having been voted 'Asia's Leading Low-Cost Airline 2019' and 'Asia's Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew 2019'."

According to AirAsia, the World Travel Awards are one of the most prestigious awards programmes in the global and tourism industry.

Established in 1993, they acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across key sectors of travel, tourism and hospitality.

The World Travel Awards brand is globally recognised as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.


Source: MSN: AirAsia wins Asia's best low-cost carrier at World Travel Awards Asia

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Sunday Easy Listening

Malacca-born Malaysian singer Lyia Meta won the Artist Of The Year (multi-genre) award at the 2019 Josie Music Awards last month.

Held in Tennessee, United States, the Josie Music Awards honours independent artistes from around the world.

This is her second win at the award ceremony. Last year she took home the World Music Artist Of The Year award.

Enjoy..


While we are on Country & Western, here's another.. Enkh Erdene, everybody.
h

Saturday, October 5, 2019

POPULAR's 'Everything Must Go' Sale

If you are a book-lover or looking to buy some stationery at a vastly-discounted price, this is for you, POPULAR's 'Everything Must Go' Sale.


This is POPULAR’s annual clearance and is available at selected 65 outlets nationwide, till Oct 6, which is tomorrow.

So check out the following Popular stores for great deals on books, CDs, DVDs, stationery, gadgets and IT items:

Central
Aeon Anggun Rawang, Aeon Mall Bukit Tinggi, Aeon Mall Cheras Selatan, Aeon Mall Taman Equine Shopping Centre, Ampang Point Shopping Centre, Bukit Raja Shopping Centre, Central I-City, Empire Shopping Gallery, IOI Mall, Puchong, IPC Shopping Centre, Selayang Mall, Sunway Pyramid, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Cheras Leisure Mall, Mid Valley Megamall, Pearl Point Shopping Centre, Setapak Central Mall, Sunway Velocity Mall, Tesco Kepong, Wangsa Walk Mall

North
Aman Central, Central Square, Village Mall, Kompleks Star Parade, Aeon Mall Bukit Mertajam, Gurney Plaza, Komtar, Megamall Penang, Queensbay Mall, Sunway Carnival Mall, Tesco Penang

Perak
Aeon Ipoh Midtown Shopping Centre, Aeon Klebang, Aeon Seri Manjung, Ipoh Parade, Kinta City Shopping Centre, Wisma Palaniappa Taiping

South and East
Aeon Mall Bukit Indah, Aeon Mall KulaiJaya, Batu Pahat Mall, Harris @ Aeon Tebrau City, Johor Bahru City Square, KSL City Mall, Kluang Mall, Paradigm Mall Johor Baru, Sutera Mall, Wetex Parade, Aeon Melaka Ayer Keroh, Mahkota Parade, Plaza Melaka, Aeon Mall Seremban 2,9 Avenue Nilai, Aeon Mall Kota Baru, KB Mall Kota Baru, Berjaya Megamall

Sabah
City Mall (Kota Kinabalu), Harbour Mall (Sandakan), Imago Shopping Mall (Kota Kinabalu), Mile 4, Jalan Lapas (Tawau), Suria Sabah Shopping Mall (Kota Kinabalu)

Sarawak
Aeon Mall (Kuching Central), Boulevard Shopping Mall (Kuching), Delta Mall (Sibu), The Spring (Bintulu), Tun Jugah Shopping Centre (Kuching)

For more details, go to http://www.popular.com.my or Facebook.


Source: msn.com

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Kuala Lumpur is 2nd Friendliest City in the World

Hey, no haze today, not here on the peninsula and cleaner air too over at East Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Check our the map below..


Back to Kuala Lumpur, did you know that KL has been voted the 2nd Friendliest City in the World? This is according to Bigseventravel.com


Says here on the website: "Malaysians are naturally friendly and nice to strangers, and Kuala Lumpur is the best example of this. The easy-going temperament of locals and their friendliness towards visitors means that it’s easy to make friends here. KL is a top spot for both tourists and expats."


There you have it. By the way 2020 is Visit Malaysia Year! So starting planning your trip now!

If you must know, Vancouver takes the top spot. "Vancouver takes top spot, thanks to its extraordinarily friendly residents. The city has an amazing multicultural community who band together to make visitors feel welcome and safe at all times. Locals are quick to offer assistance to tourists and the community vibe makes socialising in Vancouver simple."



Other cities making up the Top 10 are Bruges, Belgium (coming in at 3rd place), Taipei, Taiwan (4th), Hamburg, Germany (5th), Dublin, Ireland (6th), and Christchurch, New Zealand (7th), 8th is Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 9th is São Paulo, Brazil and at 10th is Glasgow, Scotland.

Other South-East Asian cities that make it to the Top 50 list are Chiang Mai, Thailand (11th), Siem Reap, Cambodia (20th), Singapore (24th), and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (46th).

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The Haze in the Sky

We are still hazed here in Kuala Lumpur and most parts of Malaysia, East and West but at least the sun is able to shine through albeit looking like a salted egg yolk in the sky.


However, The Star reported that Number of areas with unhealthy API readings rises to 38.

In Kuala Lumpur, the API readings in Cheras and Batu Muda's API readings remained in the unhealthy category at 153 and 173 respectively, while Putrajaya recorded API reading of (138) followed by Minden (140) and Balik Pulau (151) in Penang.

Other areas with unhealthy API readings were Tangkak, Johor (106); Johan Setia Klang (193), Kuala Selangor (152), Petaling Jaya (148), Shah Alam (143), Klang (131), dan Banting (116) in Selangor and Nilai (140) and Seremban (124) in Negeri Sembilan.

An API between zero and 50 indicates good air quality; 51 and 100, moderate; 101 and 200, unhealthy; 201 and 300, very unhealthy and 301 and above, hazardous.

A look at the API reading in and around Kuala Lumpur..

Source:APIMS 

A bit of good news: DOE: Cloud seeding successfully brought down Sri Aman API from 400 to 125


Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Still hazy here in Kuala Lumpur and this part of the world

Woke up this morning to the smell of summer barbeques. Mmm.. Buffalo wings, burgers, sausages, potatoes, sweeet potatoes, grilled vegetables, racks of lamb, you name it. I wish!

No, the haze situation is much worse today vis-a-vis the days before. To give you an idea, check out the map below..

Source: http://apims.doe.gov.my/public_v2/home.html

How bad is the haze? According to MSN/FMT..


A total of 168 schools in the peninsula will be closed on Wednesday due to the haze shrouding the country.

Fifty-three schools in Nilai and Mantin have been ordered to close by the Negeri Sembilan education department after the air pollutant index (API) levels had passed 200 as of 9pm, although teachers and staff are still required to be present.

One hundred and fifteen schools in Sepang, Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat, Klang and Sabak Bernam in Selangor under the Johan Setia, Nilai and Seri Manjung API stations will also be closed, while schools in Sepang, Hulu Langat and Petaling Perdana under the Putrajaya API station will be opened.

All schools in Putrajaya and Port Dickson will be reopened on Wednesday as readings remained below 200 and is expected to decrease.

As of 11pm on Tuesday, Sri Aman in Sarawak remained the only area with a hazardous API reading of 377, while very unhealthy readings were recorded in Seri Manjung, Perak (219), Nilai, Negeri Sembilan (208), Kuching, Sarawak (210) and Johan Setia, Selangor (232) at 10pm.

An API reading of 0-50 shows good air quality, 51-100 moderate, 101-200 unhealthy; 201-300, very unhealthy, and over 300 hazardous.


Putrajaya, PJ at very unhealthy levels as haze continues

More areas recorded very unhealthy air pollutant index (API) levels of above 200 this morning, including Balik Pulau in Penang, Putrajaya, Petaling Jaya, Klang and Shah Alam as the haze that has shrouded many parts of the country for weeks continues.


Kuching declared ‘world’s most air-polluted city’, KL is 3rd

KL is the THIRD most air polluted city in the world! - according to US-based website World’s Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index that monitors air pollution across the globe.

Each city’s air quality is rated based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings where:

0 – 50 is “good”
51 – 100 is “moderate”
101 – 200 is “unhealthy”
201 – 300 is “very unhealthy”
Above 300 is “hazardous”

On the World AQI Ranking today (17th September), Kuching holds the world’s most air-polluted crown with a detrimental API of 220, while “lucky” number 3 is KL with an unhealthy API of 157.



On the bright side, Indonesia, Malaysia in close contact over haze
Plus, the impending monsoon in a month or so would see some good rain to clear the air.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Hazier today in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is at an unhealthy level today as the API shows..courtesy of APIMS. Looks like East Malaysia on the Borneo Island is clearing up.



I took a shot of the KL skyline on Sept 11 and pitched it against what it's like on a clear day - the good and the bad. Like life, yes?

A precaution to take in a haze situation is:

To drink more water and increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. They help the body to flush out toxins absorbed through the skin and lungs, and improve the immune system. Taking more anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables also help to reduce inflammation that may be triggered by harmful fine particles in the air. Cut down on alcohol and coffee as they promote fluid loss and may leach nutrients from the body.

Others include:

- Avoid outdoor activities, especially outdoor sports.
Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those suffering from chronic illnesses, especially heart and respiratory disease, should remain indoors when haze hits unhealthy levels. Healthy adults should avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. If you must exercise outdoor, avoid exercising in highly congested areas near busy roads and freeways, particularly during rush hours.

- Close all windows, doors and any openings that may allow haze to enter your home and office.
Turn on the air conditioner if you have one. Note: If the weather is unusually warm, it can become dangerous if you stay indoor with no fresh air intake and no air conditioner. In this case, seek alternative shelter.

- Use an air purifier to keep the particulate levels low. Choose an air purifier that is suitable for the size and type of your home. Avoid air cleaners that generate ozone as they may generate more air pollutants. If you have multiple rooms, each room may need to be equipped with one air purifier to ensure the air is cleaned efficiently. Regularly replace the filters in the air purifier according to manufacturer’s instructions.

More here on How to Protect Yourself from Haze.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Today, September 13, is Mid-Autumn Festival or what is popularly known in Malaysia as the Mooncake Festival or the Lantern Festival though not to be confused with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the 1st Lunar month, i.e. the last day of the Chinese New Year celebration.

Courtesy of Wikipedia

This festival is one of the important festivals celebrated by ethnic Chinese all over the world. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar Calendar. According to Wikipedia, it is also celebrated by the Korean and Vietnamese people.

Courtesy of Wikipedia

Here in Malaysia, Buddhist/Taoist families would make offerings to the Moon Goddess. Families would sit down to a hearty meal reflective of a wholesome family coming together. For more information on this Mid-Autumn Festival, you may want to check out Wikipedia.

So if you are celebrating, wherever you are, I wish you a Happy Mooncake Festival!

Courtesy of Travelchinaguide

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Malaysia's 62nd Independence Day - Merdeka!


Malaysia is 62 today. Happy Merdeka Day!
Malaysia is a federation of 13 states and three federal territories. These are divided between two regions, with 11 states and two federal territories on Peninsular Malaysia and the other two states and one federal territory in East Malaysia. Each state is divided into districts, which are then divided into mukim. In Sabah and Sarawak districts are grouped into divisions.

The Malaysian flag..

The Parliament House..

This is our Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
This is his second term in office and he now holds the record of being the oldest Prime Minister in the world. He is 94. He came into office last year after a landslide victory of the new government in the last General Election, and which saw the former administration that had been governing the country since Independence Day way back in 1957 toppled. That was a good 61 years! Pakatan Harapan is a coming together of four political parties that now form the new government.

This is our iconic Petronas Twin Towers, in Kuala Lumpur..

And this is our national drink and national dish - teh tarik (pulled tea) and nasi lemak.
Nasi lemak is a Malay fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf. It is served with anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, cucumber, and sambal at the very least. Other accompaniments would include chicken rendang or other chicken cooked other methods, beef curry and other methods, same goes for lamb. A must-try dish if you visit Malaysia.

Malaysia has the biggest flower in the world, the Rafflesia..


But this is Malaysia's national flower, the hibiscus..


Source: Wikipedia


Thursday, August 29, 2019

Jonas Brothers - Sucker - Best pop category at the VMAs

Ah, here's a video to watch, if you haven't already. The Jonas Brothers‘ 'Sucker' that won them the best pop category at the VMAs.”

It's entertaining, it's flamboyant, it's fun. Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

McDonald's at Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur sports a new name

Source

Surprise! McDonald's at Bukit Bintang has a new local name, Mekdi. How about that, eh?

No, it's not a permanent thingy but is just in conjunction with the celebration of Malaysia's Independence/Merdeka Day come August 31 as well as Malaysia Day on September 16.

This McDonald's outlet opened in 1982 is the very first outlet in Malaysia. 37 years ago. That's how long McDonald's has been in this country.

With a Muslim majority, pork is not on McDonald's menu here in Malaysia. But hey, we've got yummy Nasi Lemak McD, a popular local dish fully packed with delightful flavours from the fragrant coconut rice, crispy anchovies, fried egg, spicy sambal and spicy Ayam Goreng McD, it is unmistakably Malaysian and well loved by all walks of life. No matter the time of day ... Nasi Lemak McD will always be the perfect meal anytime, anywhere.



Below is a street view of the outlet at Bukit Bintang from Google circa 2018.
Source: Google 

Psst! Want to explore this part of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle? Let's go on a walkabout of the Bukit Bintang area then.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

People in protest-hit Hong Kong eye Malaysia's second-home program

Malaysia's “Malaysia My Second Home” (MM2H) Programme, a home-ownership programme designed to attract wealthy foreigners to live in Malaysia is seeing an increase of applications from Hong Kong residents. 251 applications have been received this year compared to 193 approved last year.

Kuala Lumpur city skyline. (REUTERS/Lai Seng Sin)

Real estate agents expect Malaysia and Thailand to benefit the most from some Hong Kong residents’ frustration over the second bout of lengthy demonstrations in five years in the former British colony, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

“The push factor from Hong Kong will definitely make Malaysia one of the best alternatives for a new location to reside,” said Sharifah Ikhlas Aljaffree, the director of the program run by Malaysia’s tourism ministry.

“Our strength lies not only in our nation’s friendliness, affordable cost of living and high quality of life (healthcare included) but also the stability of our economy and politics plus our developed infrastructure,” she told Reuters.


Read more... People in protest-hit Hong Kong eye Malaysia's second-home program

Friday, August 16, 2019

Kuala Lumpur has been voted the 2nd Friendliest City in the World

Here's reason enough to visit Kuala Lumpur.


The Star reported that KL second friendliest city in the world, survey finds


PETALING JAYA: Keep on smiling, Malaysians. Kuala Lumpur emerged as the second friendliest city in the world, according to Big 7 Travel.

The capital of Malaysia is only behind Vancouver, Canada in the list of 50 Friendliest City In The World, according to a survey carried put by the global travel site on some 1.5 million people.

Other cities, which made the Top 10, include Bruges, Belgium (in third place), Taipei, Taiwan (4th), Hamburg, Germany (5th), Dublin, Ireland (6th), and Christchurch, New Zealand (7th).

Neighbouring South-East Asian cities to Kuala Lumpur, which made it to the Top 50 list are Chiang Mai, Thailand (11th), Siem Reap, Cambodia (20th), Singapore (24th), and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (46th).


"KL is a top spot for both tourists and expats, " Big 7 Travel wrote on its website.

The website also noted that these cities across the globe make one feel welcomed based on "how easy the city is to navigate or strangers helping you find your way when that pesky roaming data doesn’t work, to making new best friends in a local bar".

Big 7 Travel noted that Asian cities rated highly overall, with several US and Canada cities also making it into the Top 10.

Earlier this year, the travel website named Malaysia among the top 20 "most Instagrammable countries".

Malaysia emerged among the best travel destinations, including Penang, by CNN Travel for one of the best destinations to visit for the ultimate Asia experience in June this year, as well as topping the 2017 Global Muslim Travel Index as the best Muslim travel destination in the world.


Source: The Star


Friday, August 9, 2019

Irish teenager Nora Anne Quoirin - Missing

Msn.com.my..
SEREMBAN: Masjid Kariah Pantai will perform a solat hajat (special prayers) after Friday prayers tomorrow for the safe return of Irish teenager Nora Anne Quoirin, who went missing from a resort near here five days ago.

Mosque imam Kahar Sukin, 73, said the fact that the 15-year-old teenager was non-Muslim was irrelevant as there was no restriction in Islam against that.

“We will perform the prayers in the name of humanity.

“We symphatise with what had happened, especially as she is a teen with special needs,” he added.


Nora Anne Quorin, an Irish teenager has been found missing while on a two-week holiday. Nora has a learning disability. She went missing from The Dusun, a holiday resort in Negeri Sembilan. Nora was reported missing on Aug 4, a day after she arrived at the resort with her parents and two siblings. A glass window in the resort, which can only be opened from the inside, was seen left open.


The Royal Malaysia Police, the Fire & Rescue Department with their K9 unit, and local residents are among the search parties but to-date there has been no sign of the young lady.

The Voice Recording strategy is to be used entering the 5th day of the search.

The words expressed in the recording are: "Nora darling, I love you... mum is here. Mum is here, Nora darling, my love.

He said in the voice recording, Meabh sounds persuasive like how she usually talks to calm down Nora Anne.

We are extremely thankful to The Lucie Blackman Trust for their ongoing support. They are handling all media enquiries for us and everything should be directed to them. Our family cannot face dealing with that at the moment,” the family was quoted.


The family remains hopeful and have asked everyone to keep the teenager in their thoughts, and to continue to support the ongoing search for her.


If you are still following the case below are updates:

Nora’s parents say ‘terima kasih’
Search area for missing teen Nora scaled down
On Shah Alam stage, Westlife pleads for info on Irish teen missing in Negri Sembilan
Fasha Sandha shares plea to find Nora Quoirin
Did searchers miss Nora Quiorin's body?
Parents confirm body is Nora
Trust asks for Quoirin family to be respected in time of need
Nora Quoirin: autopsy yet to determine cause of death, say police
Franco-Irish teen bled to death in Malaysia, no sign of foul play

Friday, August 2, 2019

Haze is back in Malaysia

Was wondering about the grey skies this morning and the irritation in the throat but didn't think much of the latter until I read about the forest fires in Indonesia and the resultant haze. Yes, the dreaded HAZE is back. It skipped us last year though.

Forest fires are raging not only on Sumatra but on Kalimantan on Borneo Island as well. This means Malaysians on East and West Malaysia are going through this phase of poor quality at the moment. A look at the Air Pollutant Index (API) confirms it.


The 103 reading on the map is for Rompin in Pahang.

In Kuala Lumpur..
Image source: msn.com

The affected areas so far are the Klang Valley, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, and several areas in Sarawak according to MSN.

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Imagine

You've got to hear this, people, really!

Cover of John Lennon's 'Imagine' sung at the AGT, America's Got Talent by Chris Kläfford from Sweden. I mean like Wow!

Video was published on July 9 and it's garnered 19 million views and counting as we speak.

Enjoy!

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Petronas Twin Towers.. by Cesar Pelli

If you have been to Kuala Lumpur, chances are you would have visited our iconic Petronas Twin Towers which are conveniently located in the city centre itself.

And if you are planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur, these iconic twin towers are certainly not to be missed. A visit to KL (short for Kuala Lumpur) isn't complete without setting foot at KLCC, commonly referred to in place of Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

Lots of shopping for starters and a whole lot of other activities in the vicinity as well besides gawking at the buildings from inside and out. I guarantee it.

You can also go to the viewing levels at 41 and 42, at the Skybridge, for a bird's eye view of the city. And there's the aquarium called Aquaria, a science centre called Petro Sains, there's a concert hall, home to our Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, etc. There is a Convention Centre in the vicinity and for hotels, there is Mandarin Oriental and Traders Hotel, both award winners in their category. The SkyBar at Traders Hotel is popular with tourists and locals alike.

A glimpse of SkyBar at Traders and the view outside it..Source
At KLCC, there's a huge park for a stroll or a jog or even a run as well as a wading pool to enjoy some water frolicking for kids mostly. There's also a fountain out front, a musical fountain with special lighting effects at night. And much more one can see and/or do at KLCC. Come see for yourself.

These iconic Petronas Twin Towers look even better at night. By the way, they remain the tallest twin towers in the world to this day, though for a while they were the tallest buildings in the world.

I'd like to pay tribute here to Cesar Pelli, architect behind Petronas Twin Towers, who had died, aged 92.

His famous works include the World Financial Center in New York, Canary Wharf Tower in London and renovation work on New York’s Museum of Modern Art.


Image source: NST.com.my
More images of Petronas Twin Towers.. for your viewing pleasure.


Related article: Dr M saddened by passing of Petronas Twin Towers' architect

Saturday, July 20, 2019

50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing

50 years ago today, July 20, 1969, man set foot on the Moon. And so this famous quote came into being, 'One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind' or what is believed to have been said by the first person on the Moon, Neil Armstrong.

Google commemorates this occasion with a Google doodle..


And a video..



Happy Moon Landing Day!

Friday, June 21, 2019

Buying a Bicycle

Ok, let me just take five and share this 'important' message..


Isn't the Internet amazing?! Got this from WhatsApp, so the source is unknown. If you are the owner or know the source please let me know in the 'Comments' and I will give it due credit. Thank you.

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

A Celebration - Selamat Hari Raya 2019

Malaysia has a multi-racial population of which more than 60% are Malays who are also Muslims.

Today, June 5, Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr which we here in Malaysia refer to as Hari Raya.

Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important festivals or celebrations for Muslims, following the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.

I wish all Muslim Malaysians and Muslims around the world "Selamat Hari Raya".

Courtesy of freepik.com

Here's a good local story to tell on this happy occasion..

Meet The Chinese Uncle Who Would Do Anything For His Four Adopted Malay Children

Thursday, April 4, 2019

D is for Durian


D is for Durian... that thorny fruit that tastes like heaven but smells like hell (to some).

If you visit Malaysia at the 'right' time when local fruits are ripe for the picking, second to third quarter of the year, you just might catch a whiff of some strange aroma in the air. Yep, that's our 'King of Fruits', the durian.

This is one fruit you either love it or hate it, even for locals.

Malaysian durians have grown in popularity in the last few years so much so durian fruit tourism is gaining traction. People travel on guided tours from as far as China, Taiwan and even the U.S. (I kid you not!) to savour the Malaysian durian when it is in season.

Prices of this fruit (which is sold by weight) has soared significantly as a result of its popularity. Malaysia now exports a bulk of the produce overseas mainly to China. A good amount of the fruit also ends up down south in Singapore where the fruit is just as popular.

The better species like the popular Musang King could go as high as between RM85 to RM100 (approx between USD21 to USD25) per kg. Each fruit can weigh from between 800gm to one-and-a-half kg. Durian-lovers look forward to a bountiful harvest each year which would result in a glut bringing prices down. We experienced that the last season.

Our durians come in different species ranging from the ordinary Kampung Durian to Red Prawn, D24, Musang King just to name a few. Durians in Malaysia are not plucked from the tree but are allowed to fall on their own when they ripen.

If you are wondering how a durian tree look like here are some images.. courtesy of Bing.

The durian fruit.. courtesy of Bing.

Come on! Give it a try when you are here. It's not that bad afterall. Richard Quest confirms it..