Nak Bercuti? Pusing Dulu Selangor during Recovery Movement Control Order

By Laura Lee, Pixs by Anthony Tan

Food trails is one of Sepang's promotions. This Lokal dragon fruit juice is a must try at HL Restaurant

During the last few weeks, I had the opportunity to update myself on the happenings in various parts of Selangor while the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) was on. Thanks to the various organisations or parties who were eager to show us how the tourism sector is gradually reviving itself having been adversely impacted by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This deadly virus has not only hit Malaysia’s key gateway but also the world at large, shutting down many hotels, restaurants, airlines, airports and diverse businesses.

Through a technical visit programme from 23-24 July organised by the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) and Tourism Selangor to Sepang, travel agents and a few media were updated on this district.

After a brief message from Sepang Municipal Council or Majlis Perbandaran Sepang (MPSepang) president Mohd Fauzi Mod Yatim, a slide presentation by one of its staff followed. We were informed while the council was forced to cancel its Visit Sepang Year 2020 campaign due to the MCO, it will continue to promote the district’s many attractions.

MITA technical visit to Sepang launch outside MPSepang office in Cyberjaya: Mint Leong on far right and MPSepang president in the centre

MPSepang recently launched its domestic tourism campaign with the tagline, Sepang Dihati, Jom Bercuti@Sepang, where it hopes to generate local economic activities which will develop the district as a shopping destination among other things.  

The council is now looking at 80% domestic tourist arrivals for 2020 with the remaining balance from foreign tourists while its targeted revised total arrivals will be three million tourists and a revenue of RM1 billion.  

An article in The Star last October had given a targeted arrival figure of five million tourists from an estimated income of RM5 billion.

It will be interesting to know if MPSepang will be following through with its calender of events that was shown to us. The council is supposed to have a Pesta Pantai Bagan Lalang@Sepang in August Sepang Flower Show in September, Explore Banghuris Homestay Festival in October and MotoGP in November.

It has also created several trails focusing on family entertainment, culture and heritage, food as well as small- and medium-scale enterprises located in Banghuris besides encouraging the development of more domestic packages, which MITA agents are keen to do, especially after visiting some of its tourism products during our recent technical programme.

A group pix to commemorate our Banghuris Homestay visit after touring its agro activities

They included Sirip Biru in Sungai Pelek, HL Restaurant and Dragon Fruit Eco Farm,  Banghuris Homestay and MAEPS Agro Tourism Park.

The river cruise ride along Sungai Pelek passes through mangrove swamps after leaving the jetty

MITA deputy president Mint Leong, who is also Sunflower Holidays Sdn Bhd managing director, is spearheading the development of packages for Sepang. “Selangor is the first state we are working closely with. As the gateway for international tourists, it has three airports.”

Similar technical visit programmes will be organised until 2021 to seek out new and unique products in the other eight districts in Selangor, she adds.

MOTAC public facilities closed until 30 April due to Covid-19

By Laura Lee

Mindful of the health concerns and to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s (MOTAC) has instructed that all public facilities under the purview of its departments and agencies to temporarily close until 30 April.

In a statement issued on 16 March, its minister Datuk Sri Nancy Shukri told the heads of these government departments and agencies to disinfect their respective public facilities. They involve the:

•  Department of Museums or Jabatan Muzium Malaysia (JMM)     
• National Art Gallery (NAG) or Balai Seni Negara (BSN) 
•          Department of National Heritage or Jabatan Warisan Negara (JWN)
•          National Archives of Malaysia or Arkib Negara Malaysia (ANM)
•       Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia)
•          National Library of Malaysia
•          National Department for Culture and Arts or Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara (JKKN)
•          Istana Budaya, and 
•          Malaysia Tourism Centre or MATIC.
  

The full list of these public facilities can be found in the ministry’s website, MOTAC.GOV.MY. 

JMM has 20 museums nationwide under its ambit. I have had the opportunity to visit most of them over the years. Still remember a media familiarisation trip organised to the museums in Peninsular Malaysia which I participated many moons ago.

As for the NAG, I have been to the one in KL and was unaware there have one located in Langkawi despite numerous trips to this legendary island.

Under JWN's three public facilities, I have not been to Galeri Melayu Pulau Penang but have visited the Lenggong Valley Archaeological Gallery in Perak and Sungai Batu archaeological site in Kedah several times. 

Fourth from right: Universiti Sains Malaysia Professor Datuk Dr Mokhtar Saidin sharing with travel agents how archaeotourism can be a niche product for special interest groups and students during my recent trip this year  

I was back in February to Sungai Batu for a most enlightening update as part of a fam trip organised by the Malaysian Association of Travel and Tour Agents (MATTA) Kedah/Perlis Chapter, thanks to the invitation from its chairman Mohd Yusin.

During this fam trip, we also visited Kompleks Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir Mohamad, which comes under one of the ANM’s 12 public facilities that also include memorials and galleries. This house features the birthplace of Tun Dr Mahathir, Malaysia’s fourth and seventh prime minister (PM).

All three Kompleks Kraf in Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Langkawi under Kraftangan Malaysia will be closed until 30 April. Visited Langkawi’s Kompleks Kraf last October under Xplorasi Media @ Langkawi 2019 fam trip where we did some batik painting.

The last time I was at MATIC, a popular venue for tourists, was for MATTA’s Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020) bus sticker launch on 3 January. 
  
Well, following the Movement Control Order announcement by PM Muhyiddin Yassin on 18 March, the new minister Nancy took the immediate pre-emptive action to cancel the VM2020 campaign, which the ministry’s marketing arm Tourism Malaysia has been aggressively promoting despite having to contend with the havoc COVID-19 was creating after the first case of this virus was reported on 25 January in Sungai Buloh, Selangor.

Revisiting The LINC KL on its first anniversary

By Laura Lee

How one part of the new art installation Urban Landscape looks like

The LINC KL’s first birthday bash, with all the VVIPs and guests invited for its celebration on 26 November, might be over but some of its actitivities to reward visitors and shoppers alike with special goodies and opportunities to win prizes are on-going until 19 January 2020.

Under its ‘Spend & Win’ campaign, visitors who spend a minimum of RM100 can redeem an exclusive merchandise or cash voucher from The LINC KL while those with a minimum RM200 spend will get an extra chance to win lifestyle gadgets and home appliances.

Shoppers who have The LINC KL's celebration flyer need only spend RM50 to be entitled for its 'Daily Reward'.

The redemption for its Spend & Win is located on the second level. Next to this redemption area is its neon feature wall for its Snap, Tag & Win Contest.

Don't forget to take part in its Snap, Tag & Win Contest ending also on 19 January. Just take a picture at the neon feature wall at its Event Space on level two, post it on Instagram and tag @thelinckl, #lincturns1 and #thelinckl. 

Described as “a sanctuary of creativity and inspiring art pieces”, The LINC KL unveiled a new art installation, “Urban Landscape” during its first anniversary celebration. 

This latest piece of work was created by PBB Group Berhad (Property Division) Development Planning and Design team in collaboration with Media Signs Sdn Bhd.

Using abstract cut-out cityscape graphic stickers assembled on aluminium composite panels to form three-dimensional effect scenes, it captured the vibrancy of our modern city life while reminiscent of its past.

On other new developments at this nature-inspired retail space in the capital city, The Linc Developmnent Sdn Bhd Chairman Tan Yew Jin said it has been working with Kloth Cares Fabric Recycling Movement to collect unwanted fabrics and textiles.

A customised Kloth Cares bin has been placed on its ground  floor at the main entrance to the Centre Courtyard, where its main Bodhi tree is sited near the carpark. 

Since this initiative started at end-September, The Linc KL has collected over 322 kg of fabrics for recycling.

Tan added that The LINC KL has also converted a commercial space into a cozy book sharing and reading corner where you can donate your pre-loved books in exchange for books left by others. Sounds good.

He also shared about some new tenants like BIFE charcoal steakhouse, where I am tempted to check out its attractive lunch buffet soon. 

Another interesting newcomer is Simpli Dry & Honeypot Wax Boutique, basically a blow dry bar and wax boutique that ladies would love.

Then there is Oasis Urban Farming at The LINC KL’s rooftop, which was supposed to open at end-2019, offering pesticide-free vegetables grown in an environmentally sustainable way.

Learnt that its opening has been delayed due to some technical issues. Will update on this and more after my visit to The Linc KL in 2020!

Tan Yew Jin (third from left) was flanked by PBB Group (Property Division) Chief Operating Officer Chew Hwei Yeow and PBB Group Director Soh Chin Teck on his left at the recent cake cutting ceremony. Fourth from left was PBB Group Chairman Tan Sri Oh Siew Nam and its Director Tam Chiew Lin. PBB Group (Property Division) Chief Executive Officer Low Eng Hooi (far right) and its Head of Development Planning & Design Lim Siew Yee were also present.

Christmas tree displays using recycled materials at Furama Bukit Bintang

By Laura Lee

As we say goodbye to 2019, I am thankful for having been invited to a few Christmas previews and being reconnected to some of my hospitality contacts and social media friends.

At Furama Bukit Bintang’s Spice outlet in Kuala Lumpur, we were treated to a buffet lunch preview, themed A Merry Malaysian Christmas, where our country’ diverse cultures are reflected in its buffet offerings.

They included dishes such as its grilled lamb Furama-style and salmon Wellington with nasi lemak and a widespread of desserts. 

There was also a live station where you can get freshly made crepe suzette to go with the various ice-cream flavours and other condiments.

Its Christmas Day lunch buffet, priced at RM78+ per adult, was quite a steal as it came with a complimentary entrance to the hotel’s Waka Waka indoor playland covering over 10,000 sq ft for the children to enjoy.

Senior citizens and children below 12 years old were given 50% discount while a group of 10 persons and above were entitled to 30% discount for the Christmas Buffet. I hope the hotel can continue to offer such attractive promotions for the coming Chinese New Year.

With Spices @ Furama sited on level 3 next to the hotel’s swimming pool, requests could be made to be seated outdoor by the poolside. We, however, enjoyed the privacy of its private room as they had a huge lunch crowd during our preview. 

To drum up the Christmas spirit, the hotel also organised a Christmas tree campaign using recycled materials which involved its various departments. 

They range from finance, reservations, housekeeping, front office, engineering, sales, security, kitchen, food and beverage to marcoms, purchasing and human relations.

We and the hotel guests are supposed to pick our top two favourite trees, which were placed at its lobby area. I wonder which of these Christmas trees made of recycled materials came up tops.

Furama Bukit Bintang is also doing a charity drive, aiming to raise about RM12,000 worth of funds to help children in need at selected orphanages and shelter homes by selling things like retractable cups for RM28 each. Those interested to purchase can view them at its lobby. 

Where to eat this Christmas and New Year’s Eve: Terraza Brasserie, Dorsett Grand Subang

By Laura Lee

I quite like Dorsett Grand Subang’s 'Around The World Buffet' theme when I went for its food preview held at its Terazza Brasserie outlet in early December as it had a wide variety of food to satiate one’s palate from seafood to Japanese, Western and local fare.

Getting there on a Wednesday evening from my office in Bukit Segambut, Kuala Lumpur was a bit dicey after the office hours but it was worth the while although I missed the hotel’s Christmas tree lighting service by Dorsett Hospitality International vice chairman, Datin Jasmine Abdullah Heng at its lobby.

Its area general manager Christina Toh was mingling with the media at Terazza Brasserie when I arrived while its new marketing communications manager Nora Jaswa was aggressively promoting the hotel’s community charity project TLC Carnival on 14-15 December.

In my excitement of catching up with a former church friend whom I bumped into, I took my time to embark on my survey of the cuisine that was laid out for us to review. 
I thus welcomed my colleague getting me a bowl of double boiled soup to start off my dinner while he happily tucked into the smoked salmon and Japanese sushi.

That's what's left of the smoked salmon when I left at past 10.30pm

Being a seafood and meat person, when I finally made my round, I went for its raw oysters and scallops, char grilled teriyaki beef striploin, lamb varuval and something spicy, stir fried squids with dried chilli.

What I had that night, including some loh hon hai or vegetarian dish

I tried its grilled wrapped seaweed salmon with cilantro sauce but found it slightly “fishy” because of the seaweed. 

That two slices of lemon didn't help dispel the fishy smell

On round two, I had its roasted herbs crusted lamb rack with green peppercorn sauce before I called it a night as I had another Christmas hotel food review during lunch that day. 

My colleague one two many of its inviting lamb rack that I had to finished them

Priced at RM150 nett for an adult and RM75 nett for children aged six to 12, Terraza Brasserie’s Around The World Buffet starts from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm on 24 and 31 December.

Other promotions
However, if you prefer to indulge in a Christmas Eve buffet supper at RM39.90 nett per person, you can do so at the hotel’s other outlet, Cafe Aroma, which begins at 11pm and lasts until 1am the next day.  

Grand Dorsett Subang is also doing a Christmas Day (25 Dec) and New Year Eve’s (31 Dec) hi-tea buffet at Terazza Brasserie from 12pm to 4pm priced at RM98 nett (Adult). Senior citizens, aged 60 and above, and children pay RM55 nett each.

For the New Year Countdown, the hotel is holding it at its Piano Lounge on December 31 night. Priced at RM60 nett per person, it includes a complimentary glass of selected drinks. Add in another RM39.90 and you get your supper meal.

How’s that as you ring in 2020? While you are here, don’t forget to look out for its Truly Malaysia 14-ft tall Christmas tree at the lobby and other Christmas decorations at its other dining outlets.

Malaysia Airlines' MHholidays launch with TUI

By Laura Lee

I first got wind of MHholidays’ upcoming launch from Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) Sales Department Head Roslan Ismail in March and was reminded about it again by him on 22 July at the Bunga Raya Complex in Sepang when I was there to witness our new Visit Truly Asia Malaysia 2020 livery on four airlines, including Malaysia Airlines.

The other airlines carrying the new logo and tagline were Firefly, AirAsia and Malindo Air

Despite being asked to give my card again to one of the airlines’ staff, I still didn’t get the media invite to MHholidays on 24 July. I had to call its corporate communications manager for external and media Adlina Mohamed Azharauddin on that day itself at 9.15am and was stumped to learn that the event is happening in the morning!  

I had given my card to their corporate com staff before this, including to one of their senior executive Norshafiza Zulkifli this year, who can send me post releases, including MHholidays launch, but not the media invites! 

That is not helping me very much to do my job when I’m covering the aviation beat for a monthly publication these last two years. Got Adlina to whatsapp me the details. 

I was sent the itinerary and not the proper media invite. Thought it was rather unprofessional coming from someone representing a corporate organisation and a national carrier.

I can’t help but remember what we Malaysians coin for MAB’s former name, Malaysian Airline System (MAS): Mana Ada System, which means “Where’s the system?” 

I managed to arrive for MHholidays launch when the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik was making his speech.  

The invited guests and media at the launch

For its MHholidays launch, the national carrier is working with Europe’s largest leisure, travel and tourism company TUI to enable travellers to tailor-make their holidays by combining their flights with hotels by tapping into TUI Group’s Global Distribution Network. 

Apparently, travellers can “unlock exclusive and affordable deals from Malaysia Airlines and save up to 80% off on hotels” following this new tie-up while the airline will be able to reach new customer segments and generate additional revenue.

According to MAB Group Chief Operations Officer, Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, MHholidays will have over 5,000 accommodation partners ranging from budget hostels to luxury suites and will be expanding its portfolio to include ground transfers and tours.   

Those booking packages on MHholidays can also earn Enrich miles on their flight portion.

To commemorate the MHholidays launch, a cake cutting ceremony was also held with Ahmad Luqman, Muhammad Bakhtiar and Frank Rosenberger, member of the TUI Group Executive Board for IT and Future Markets participating in it. 

To celebrate its launch, MHholidays is having a social media contest on Instagram from 24 July to 6 August where you can submit photos of your recent holidays or trips with Malaysia Airlines and complete the caption, “I deserve a dream holiday experience with Malaysia Airlines because...”  

You also need to tag @malaysiaairlines and include the following hashtags: #MalaysiaAirlines #MHholidays and #HolidayswithMalaysiaAirlines. 

The winner with the most unique caption and the most likes gets to win a packaged flight and five-star hotel stay in Bangkok, Kota Kinabalu or Penang. There are also five consolation prizes for a Junior Suite stay at Hotel Maya.

Before departing, I decided to don on some accessories that have been provided and pose for a shot to commemorate making it to the long awaited MHholidays launch 

Gastronomic lunch at The Macanese Table by Fat Tea

By Laura Lee

At the Macanese long table media luncheon with my ex-colleague Peter Yap from The Sun

I have been introduced to Macau’s gastronomic delights by the Macau Government Tourism Organisation (MGTO) when its representative office in Kuala Lumpur sent me on its media familiarisation trips many years ago.
I had the opportunity to taste its authentic cuisine at fine dining outlets as well as its street food during those occasions. To be alerted recently that it is collaborating with Fat Tea Macanese Food Restaurant at Damansara Perdana to introduce Macao’s many unique flavours from 4-28 June from Tuesdays to Fridays with a specially created dinner menu, I certainly could not resist its media preview invitation.

The restaurant owners June Yap and Chef Susana Batalha were very generous. Instead of just debuting the dishes on its special menu – Macao’s Pork Chop Slider, Minchi and Serradura - followed by coffee or Macao nai cha or milk tea and pandan water for its The Macanese Table promotion all for RM42++, we were introduced to so many other items from its a la carte menu.

June (right) is pleased that their Macanese restaurant is the only one in Malaysia that is endorsed by MGTO as chef Susana listens on besides her

The media luncheon turned out to be quite heavy that some of us decided to ta pau or pack home part of our main course and Portuguese tart.

For our preview, our appetiser comprised a variety of buns such as the polo pork belly and char siew bun and mini cocktail bun. 

Those topped with the sesame seeds are mini cocktail buns with coconut inside. I enjoyed their buns

The salad is mixed with pine nuts

They were followed by the Rissole and nuts pork chop salad. 

For the main course, we were introduced to Portuguese meat loaf and Minchi rice, Piri piri chicken, Portuguese rib with rocket salad.

June tells us that the meat loafs are popular dishes for parties. This Capela or Macanese meat loaf comprises minced pork, edam cheese, olives, wood ear mushrooms topped with pine nuts, almonds and bacon.

Minchi, equivalent of a national dish in Macao, is a household favourite comfort food. It comprises minced pork, onions, diced fried potatoes, fried egg, chopped long beans, rice and topped with some chi yau cha or fried lard. It’s also priced at RM42 like its meat loaf dish.   

Minchi rice and the Portuguese meat loaf came together 

Meanwhile, the piri piri chicken dish is said to have its roots not only in Portugal but also in Africa. Macanese cuisine is very much derived from Portuguese sailors and settlers who brought European ingredients and other favourites from the major trading ports such as The Cape (South Africa), Goa (India) and Melaka (Malaysia) to Macao, according to Fat Tea’s a la carte menu.

Back to our piri piri chicken, it is marinated for at least 12 hours before it’s grilled and served with homemade piri-piri sauce. Its preparation time takes 20 to 25 minutes. 

The piri piri chicken is available at RM42 as a main at Fat Tea but if you were take it as a single plate, comprising a quarter grilled chicken that comes served with rice, fries or salad and its homemade piri-piri sauce, it’s RM24. 

These mains mentioned above, including its Portuguese ribs served with rocket salad which is priced at RM48, can be eaten by two or three persons. Although we were served small portions of Fat Tea’s mains, I was feeling full from all the samplings. 

I had to pack the Portuguese pork spare ribs with tomato salsa sauce and salad although we were given a small portion to try. We were served Macao milk tea as well.

I reserved my stomach for its Serradura or sawdust pudding as dessert is one of my favourites. You can top this Macao pudding, layered with whipped cream and crumbled biscuits, with ice cream for an extra RM3. Perhaps on my next visit to Fat Tea.

Me and my glass of Serradura. I had the pleasure to be catching up with travel writer-cum-author David Bowden and Cherry Lee, MGTO representative for Malaysia

Besides its weekly lucky draws on 12, 19 and 28 June where you stand to win a trip to Macao, there is also live performance by Sweet Notes jazz band on these Wednesdays. The first 100 diners coming for Fat Tea’s special dinner menu will receive an exclusive cutlery set.  

Not sure of if the cutlery sets are still available by now but it sure is a great place to check out if you are interested in good Macanese food and a cosy ambience in the Klang Valley. Chilean and New Zealand wines are available to go with your special dinner menu. A glass of a Chilean Terramater Shiraz or NZ Misha’s Sauvignon Blanc costs RM15.

Well, this idea of promoting Macanese gastronomic delights is not a first for MGTO for it has done such collaboration with a New York-born café in Bangkok in 2017 to introduce distinctive Macanese cuisine besides promoting its culture and tourism.