Tioman airport extension off
Sun, Mar 08, 2009
The Star/Asia News Network
By SIMON KHOO
KUANTAN, Malaysia: The proposal to build a new RM120mil ($49.99 mil) airport on Tioman Island for bigger aircraft has been called off, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said.
Ong said the ministry decided this recently after considering various factors, particularly the impact on the environment.
"I have personally gone through each and every report pertaining to the pros and cons of the project.
"We are instead proposing to upgrade the present airport to cater for ATR (turboprop) aircraft," he said after opening the Indera Mahkota MCA division new office here yesterday.
Ong said an allocation would be sought under the 10th Malaysia Plan for the new proposal.
"I would like to stress that the decision to cancel the project was due to the negative impact on the environment, particularly corals and marine life and not due to pressure from certain quarters."
He said a new environment impact assessment study would be carried out.
The construction of the new airport on reclaimed land in Kampung Paya, some 2km from Kampung Tekek, was supposed to have commenced in 2004.
However, the project drew strong protests from villagers and chalet operators in Kampung Paya, Kampung Genting and Kampung Mukut.
On another matter, Ong said the ministry would embark on a plan to rebrand Malaysia's many ports to enhance international competitiveness.
He said several had already make it to the top 20 international ranking such as Port Klang (West Port and North Port), Tanjung Pelepas, Penang, Kemaman-Kuantan and Bintulu.
"Port business is getting very competitive due to the emerging of many new ports in the region. We need to look at country rebranding to position our ports in the midst of international competition."
He said Kuantan Port had the potential to be listed in the top 20 and plans were in the pipeline to upgrade its facilities under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) masterplan.
"To attract bigger vessels to dock, a breakwater and capital dredging project must be carried out in Kuantan Port," he said, adding that he would personally go to the ground to expedite its development.
On party matters, Ong, who is also MCA president, said he would dedicate more of his time on his work instead of getting involved in party politicking.
"My comrades and the grassroots have been sending me text messages to cheer me up over the unpleasant developments in the party of late.
"They had given their reassurance they will stand solidly behind us - the leadership - to tide over the difficulties ahead." -The Star/ANN
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Vanilla Producer Signs Buy-Back Agreement With Felda
March 17, 2009 15:25 PM
Vanilla Producer Signs Buy-Back Agreement With Felda
KUANTAN, March 17 (Bernama) -- Rentak Timur Sdn Bhd, a vanilla producer in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), has signed a buy-back agreement with Felda to extend its expertise in the farming of vanilla plants.
Its chief executive officer Syed Isa Syed Alwi said with the agreement, the company has the rights to buy back all the vanilla green beans from Felda settlers at a specified price before processing them into dried vanilla pods and other forms of finished products to be exported.
Syed Isa said to date, the company has established joint ventures with 150 contract farmers with more than 60 hectares of vanilla plant throughout the country.
"Under the contract farming, we will supply vanilla plants at between RM10 and RM14 each, depending on the quality and then buy back the harvest for between RM35 and RM50 per kg," he said in a statement today.
Syed Isa said with just 0.2 acre of land, 1,000 vanilla plants could be cultivated to generate an income of RM60,000 per year.
The company, he said, was targeting 3,000 to 5,000 farmers to participate in the project by next year.
The vanilla plant from Rentak Timur comes from the Vanilla Planifolia Andrews genus, which is known to be of high quality and suitable for commercial farming.
The company owns a greenhouse at Lanchang, Temerloh, that functions as a seedling and nursery centre for vanilla and can host about 200,000 plants at any one time.
Global demand for natural vanilla is estimated at 2,000 metric tonnes per year. It is a popular flavour used in desserts, cakes, confectionery, ice cream products and one of the main ingredients in perfumes, cigars and liquors.
-- BERNAMA
Vanilla Producer Signs Buy-Back Agreement With Felda
KUANTAN, March 17 (Bernama) -- Rentak Timur Sdn Bhd, a vanilla producer in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), has signed a buy-back agreement with Felda to extend its expertise in the farming of vanilla plants.
Its chief executive officer Syed Isa Syed Alwi said with the agreement, the company has the rights to buy back all the vanilla green beans from Felda settlers at a specified price before processing them into dried vanilla pods and other forms of finished products to be exported.
Syed Isa said to date, the company has established joint ventures with 150 contract farmers with more than 60 hectares of vanilla plant throughout the country.
"Under the contract farming, we will supply vanilla plants at between RM10 and RM14 each, depending on the quality and then buy back the harvest for between RM35 and RM50 per kg," he said in a statement today.
Syed Isa said with just 0.2 acre of land, 1,000 vanilla plants could be cultivated to generate an income of RM60,000 per year.
The company, he said, was targeting 3,000 to 5,000 farmers to participate in the project by next year.
The vanilla plant from Rentak Timur comes from the Vanilla Planifolia Andrews genus, which is known to be of high quality and suitable for commercial farming.
The company owns a greenhouse at Lanchang, Temerloh, that functions as a seedling and nursery centre for vanilla and can host about 200,000 plants at any one time.
Global demand for natural vanilla is estimated at 2,000 metric tonnes per year. It is a popular flavour used in desserts, cakes, confectionery, ice cream products and one of the main ingredients in perfumes, cigars and liquors.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, March 16, 2009
Kelantan's Housing Industry Still Doing Well
March 16, 2009 19:50 PM
Kelantan's Housing Industry Still Doing Well
KOTA BAHARU, March 16 (Bernama) -- The ongoing global economic lethargy already being felt in Malaysia is not expected to affect as badly Kelantan's residential property sector, says the Real Estate and Housing Development Authority (REHDA) Kelantan.
Its chairman, Sekarnor Che Omar said they were expecting to see up 40 percent sales for residential units at the 2009 Malaysia Property Exhibition (MAPEX 2009) from a total of 1,700 units worth RM210 million offered in the state.
"We expect to sell up to 510 units, which will be an increase from only 63 units sold last year during the MAPEX 2008 where the total units offered by developers exceeded 2,000 units," he told reporters here Monday.
He said that although the economy remained uncertain, many developers were still able to reap profits even if the margins were reduced.
Meanwhile, as an incentive at this year's MAPEX, first time buyers will be exempted from ownership transfer fee.
He said the state government was also loosening its conditions where Malay civil servants who are not from the state and who meet the conditions, can buy houses without the prior approval of the State Exco.
The two-day MAPEX 2009 will take off here on March 19 at the KB Mall shopping centre here.
Menteri Besar Kelantan Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is expected to officiate the event on the second day.
-- BERNAMA
Kelantan's Housing Industry Still Doing Well
KOTA BAHARU, March 16 (Bernama) -- The ongoing global economic lethargy already being felt in Malaysia is not expected to affect as badly Kelantan's residential property sector, says the Real Estate and Housing Development Authority (REHDA) Kelantan.
Its chairman, Sekarnor Che Omar said they were expecting to see up 40 percent sales for residential units at the 2009 Malaysia Property Exhibition (MAPEX 2009) from a total of 1,700 units worth RM210 million offered in the state.
"We expect to sell up to 510 units, which will be an increase from only 63 units sold last year during the MAPEX 2008 where the total units offered by developers exceeded 2,000 units," he told reporters here Monday.
He said that although the economy remained uncertain, many developers were still able to reap profits even if the margins were reduced.
Meanwhile, as an incentive at this year's MAPEX, first time buyers will be exempted from ownership transfer fee.
He said the state government was also loosening its conditions where Malay civil servants who are not from the state and who meet the conditions, can buy houses without the prior approval of the State Exco.
The two-day MAPEX 2009 will take off here on March 19 at the KB Mall shopping centre here.
Menteri Besar Kelantan Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is expected to officiate the event on the second day.
-- BERNAMA
Terengganu Woos Tourist At ITB
March 15, 2009 13:58 PM
Terengganu Woos Tourist At ITB
BERLIN, March 15 (Bernama) -- Though it has been participating at Berlin's International Tourism Bourse (ITB), the world's largest tourism show, for the last three years, Terengganu made a strong pitch at this year's ITB which runs from March 11 to 15.
Driven by the urgency to diversify its oil-and-gas dependent economy, Terengganu is trying to plunge headlong into the services sector, taking aim at promoting its tourism sector.
"We are striving hard to attract tourists. We have sought permission from the Ministry of Transport to allow direct flights by Firefly airline from Terengganu to Singapore effective June this year.
"Our target is to get 10 per cent of all Singaporeans going abroad to visit Terengganu," said Datuk Zaabar Mohd Adib, chairman of the state committee for tourism, in an interview with Bernama here.
Zaabar said that Terengganu's attraction lies in beaches stretching a total of some 224km, as well as the islands which are clean and closely monitored for any pollution and "full of exotic and rare marine life."
"Since our resources are depleting, we need to aggressively promote Terengganu as a tourist destination. Our man-made lake Kenyir on the western part of the state is another attraction. We are offering Kenyir island hopping. We offer boat houses where entire families, including children, can spend their holidays," he added.
He said Terengganu attracted more than 3.5 million tourists last year, exceeding its self-imposed target of 3.5 million.
Zaabar said that despite the current economic downturn plaguing the world, Terengganu had received a good response at the ITB.
"Our Monsoon Cup to be held in the first week of December 2009 has been very popular here.
"In 2008, we had the World Endurance Championship, an equestrian event involving horse-riding for long distance. Many German visitors to our stand revealed a keen interest in our islands. Our major markets are the United Kingdom, Germany and other European countries.
"Although Singaporeans visit us in large numbers, they are considered as domestic tourists for statistical purpose. Indonesians also come in large numbers to Terengganu," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Terengganu Woos Tourist At ITB
BERLIN, March 15 (Bernama) -- Though it has been participating at Berlin's International Tourism Bourse (ITB), the world's largest tourism show, for the last three years, Terengganu made a strong pitch at this year's ITB which runs from March 11 to 15.
Driven by the urgency to diversify its oil-and-gas dependent economy, Terengganu is trying to plunge headlong into the services sector, taking aim at promoting its tourism sector.
"We are striving hard to attract tourists. We have sought permission from the Ministry of Transport to allow direct flights by Firefly airline from Terengganu to Singapore effective June this year.
"Our target is to get 10 per cent of all Singaporeans going abroad to visit Terengganu," said Datuk Zaabar Mohd Adib, chairman of the state committee for tourism, in an interview with Bernama here.
Zaabar said that Terengganu's attraction lies in beaches stretching a total of some 224km, as well as the islands which are clean and closely monitored for any pollution and "full of exotic and rare marine life."
"Since our resources are depleting, we need to aggressively promote Terengganu as a tourist destination. Our man-made lake Kenyir on the western part of the state is another attraction. We are offering Kenyir island hopping. We offer boat houses where entire families, including children, can spend their holidays," he added.
He said Terengganu attracted more than 3.5 million tourists last year, exceeding its self-imposed target of 3.5 million.
Zaabar said that despite the current economic downturn plaguing the world, Terengganu had received a good response at the ITB.
"Our Monsoon Cup to be held in the first week of December 2009 has been very popular here.
"In 2008, we had the World Endurance Championship, an equestrian event involving horse-riding for long distance. Many German visitors to our stand revealed a keen interest in our islands. Our major markets are the United Kingdom, Germany and other European countries.
"Although Singaporeans visit us in large numbers, they are considered as domestic tourists for statistical purpose. Indonesians also come in large numbers to Terengganu," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Terengganu To Spend RM60 Million On Tourism
March 05, 2009 16:41 PM
Terengganu To Spend RM60 Million On Tourism
KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Terengganu will spend RM60 million to develop its attractions to boost tourism under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) masterplan.
One such attraction is Kampung Cina or Chinatown, which has been identified to boost living heritage tourism and cultural preservation, ECER said in a statement.
There are plans to build a bridge and road, connecting the Chinatown to Pulau Warisan, a man-made island consisting of traditional-style buildings and recreational beaches.
Some of the 300 pre-war shop houses located at Chinatown and dating back three centuries, have undergone restoration.
The buildings have been repaired, repainted and upgraded, making the structures with their colourful roofs and facades, a unique photography experience.
"The project which started last month will be completed in August 2010," said the state's Trade, Industry and Environment Committee chairman Toh Chin Yaw.
Terengganu recorded 3.528 million in tourist arrivals last year, a 24 percent increase in comparison to 2007.
-- BERNAMA
Terengganu To Spend RM60 Million On Tourism
KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Terengganu will spend RM60 million to develop its attractions to boost tourism under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) masterplan.
One such attraction is Kampung Cina or Chinatown, which has been identified to boost living heritage tourism and cultural preservation, ECER said in a statement.
There are plans to build a bridge and road, connecting the Chinatown to Pulau Warisan, a man-made island consisting of traditional-style buildings and recreational beaches.
Some of the 300 pre-war shop houses located at Chinatown and dating back three centuries, have undergone restoration.
The buildings have been repaired, repainted and upgraded, making the structures with their colourful roofs and facades, a unique photography experience.
"The project which started last month will be completed in August 2010," said the state's Trade, Industry and Environment Committee chairman Toh Chin Yaw.
Terengganu recorded 3.528 million in tourist arrivals last year, a 24 percent increase in comparison to 2007.
-- BERNAMA
Terengganu To Spend RM60 Million On Tourism
March 05, 2009 16:41 PM
Terengganu To Spend RM60 Million On Tourism
KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Terengganu will spend RM60 million to develop its attractions to boost tourism under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) masterplan.
One such attraction is Kampung Cina or Chinatown, which has been identified to boost living heritage tourism and cultural preservation, ECER said in a statement.
There are plans to build a bridge and road, connecting the Chinatown to Pulau Warisan, a man-made island consisting of traditional-style buildings and recreational beaches.
Some of the 300 pre-war shop houses located at Chinatown and dating back three centuries, have undergone restoration.
The buildings have been repaired, repainted and upgraded, making the structures with their colourful roofs and facades, a unique photography experience.
"The project which started last month will be completed in August 2010," said the state's Trade, Industry and Environment Committee chairman Toh Chin Yaw.
Terengganu recorded 3.528 million in tourist arrivals last year, a 24 percent increase in comparison to 2007.
-- BERNAMA
Terengganu To Spend RM60 Million On Tourism
KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Terengganu will spend RM60 million to develop its attractions to boost tourism under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) masterplan.
One such attraction is Kampung Cina or Chinatown, which has been identified to boost living heritage tourism and cultural preservation, ECER said in a statement.
There are plans to build a bridge and road, connecting the Chinatown to Pulau Warisan, a man-made island consisting of traditional-style buildings and recreational beaches.
Some of the 300 pre-war shop houses located at Chinatown and dating back three centuries, have undergone restoration.
The buildings have been repaired, repainted and upgraded, making the structures with their colourful roofs and facades, a unique photography experience.
"The project which started last month will be completed in August 2010," said the state's Trade, Industry and Environment Committee chairman Toh Chin Yaw.
Terengganu recorded 3.528 million in tourist arrivals last year, a 24 percent increase in comparison to 2007.
-- BERNAMA
ECER Kuantan Office Starts Operations
February 23, 2009 16:15 PM
ECER Kuantan Office Starts Operations
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (BERNAMA) -- The Pahang office of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), which is now operational, will help facilitate the progress of ECER projects.
In a statement here today, the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) secretariat said the office in Kuantan would also monitor related state-wide projects as well as provide information on ECER's core fundamentals and strategies to the residents in Pahang.
"The office will provide a greater presence in Pahang for the council and will go a long way to promote ECER projects," said ECERDC chief executive, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.
He said under the 9th Malaysia Plan, 45 projects had been identified under the ECER for implementation in Pahang, of which 32 were exclusive for the state, while the balance 13 were cross-border projects involving other neighbouring states.
"In 2008, work on 24 projects has begun while 11 more will start by mid-year, another seven before year-end and the final three will commence next year," he said.
-- BERNAMA
ECER Kuantan Office Starts Operations
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (BERNAMA) -- The Pahang office of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), which is now operational, will help facilitate the progress of ECER projects.
In a statement here today, the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) secretariat said the office in Kuantan would also monitor related state-wide projects as well as provide information on ECER's core fundamentals and strategies to the residents in Pahang.
"The office will provide a greater presence in Pahang for the council and will go a long way to promote ECER projects," said ECERDC chief executive, Datuk Jebasingam Issace John.
He said under the 9th Malaysia Plan, 45 projects had been identified under the ECER for implementation in Pahang, of which 32 were exclusive for the state, while the balance 13 were cross-border projects involving other neighbouring states.
"In 2008, work on 24 projects has begun while 11 more will start by mid-year, another seven before year-end and the final three will commence next year," he said.
-- BERNAMA
ECER-PNS partner to create entrepreneurs
ECER-PNS partner to create entrepreneurs
Written by Financial Daily
Wednesday, 11 March 2009 21:27
KUALA TERENGGANU: The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) is collaborating with Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (PNS) to introduce the franchise development programme to the region.
The partnership will help the ECER produce more franchise entrepreneurs, in line with the Ninth Malaysia Plan’s (9MP's) projection of creating 1,000 new franchisees.
In a statement yesterday, the ECER secretariat said the collaboration was sealed in a signing ceremony between ECERDC chief executive Datuk Jebasingam Issace John and PNS managing director Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Shahabudin. It was witnessed by PNS chairman Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin.
- The Edge -
Written by Financial Daily
Wednesday, 11 March 2009 21:27
KUALA TERENGGANU: The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) is collaborating with Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (PNS) to introduce the franchise development programme to the region.
The partnership will help the ECER produce more franchise entrepreneurs, in line with the Ninth Malaysia Plan’s (9MP's) projection of creating 1,000 new franchisees.
In a statement yesterday, the ECER secretariat said the collaboration was sealed in a signing ceremony between ECERDC chief executive Datuk Jebasingam Issace John and PNS managing director Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Shahabudin. It was witnessed by PNS chairman Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin.
- The Edge -
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