Clarks Warehouse Clearance - Corus Hotel, Jalan Ampang

Now you can get further discounts on shoes at this Clarks Warehouse Clearance sale at Corus Hotel along Jalan Ampang. Happy shopping!

New Trams for Botanic Gardens in Penang

If all goes well, the Penang Botanic Gardens will soon have a new attraction - an environment-friendly mini-tram to take people for a ride around the green enclave.

For a month-long trail-run, four mini trams would run at the oldest botanical garden in the country from Wednesday.

The trams can ferry a total of 100 passengers if all are running at the same time. This will be the first tram ride in the Botanic Gardens since the garden was opened in 1884. The 1,300cc engine runs on unleaded petrol, the head of the tram is imported from Japan while the coach is made locally.

The rides will be available from 8am until 9pm daily. Tickets are priced at RM1 for adults and 50 sen for children.

The 1.5km trip will take between 15-20 minutes.

Source: The Star

Singapore Attractions at half-price for Malaysians

If you are a Malaysian and planning to visit Singapore, there is no better time than from May 29 to June 30 where you will be able to enjoy a 50% discount on entrance fees at 15 attractions in Singapore.

The 15 attractions include the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park, Science Centre, Singapore Flyer, Sentosa Imbiah, HiPPO River Cruise and Captain Explorer DUKw Tour as well as the three new entries, The Mint Museum of Toys, GoGreen Segway Eco Adventure and Desperados at Sentosa.

For more details, read the story below from The Star:

Good reason to visit Singapore Half price entrance fees for Malaysians at 15 attractions

SINGAPORE’s well-known cele-brity contractor Phua Chu Kang was in town recently to urge Malaysians to visit his country in conjunction with the Half Price Singapore Surprise campaign (HPSS).

Singapore Tourism Board (Malaysia) area director Gerald Lum, who introduced Phua to guests during the launch, said HPSS under Singapore Tourism Board’s 2009 Reasons to enjoy Singapore was specially designed for Malaysians travelling to the island.

“We want to give our Malaysian neighbours a unique and memorable time when visiting Singapore, hence this campaign is specially targeted at Malaysians,” said Lum.

Malaysian tourists will be enjoying half price entrance fees at 15 popular attractions like the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park, Science Centre, Singapore Flyer, Sentosa Imbiah, HiPPO River Cruise and Captain Explorer DUKw Tour as well as the three new entries, The Mint Museum of Toys, GoGreen Segway Eco Adventure and Desperados at Sentosa.

All they need to do is produce their passport and embarkation card at the ticket counters to enjoy the promotional rates from May 29 to June 30.

Malaysians can choose to pay the corresponding published rates in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) or get a 50% discount off published rates if they choose to pay in Singapore dollar.

However, no change will be given if the transaction is made in Ringgit Malaysia. The promotion is not applicable to Singapore permanent residents, Malaysians with Singapore work permits, employment and those with student passes.

Some popular shopping malls on the island will also be open till 11pm for late night shopping during its Great Singapore Sale which runs from May 29 to July 26.

Shopaholics can also look out for two new additions on Singapore’s premier shopping belt along Orchard Road which just underwent a multi-million dollar makeover.

The two malls are Orchard Central, dubbed as Singapore’s tallest shopping mall and the up market Ion Orchard which will be open to the public in May and July respectively.

“The HPSS campaign has been well accepted by Malaysians as it allows them to stretch their ringgit further for a value-for-money experience at popular tourist destinations in Singapore,
“It is also another good reason for Malaysians to spend quality time with their family,” said Lum at the launch in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

In line with promoting these value deals, Tiger Airways is offering 15,000 free air tickets to those tra-velling to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu or Kuching. The booking period is from May 7 to June 7 and travelling period is from May 29 to July 26.

Other upcoming events highlighted during the launch are the Singapore Arts Festival 2009 (May 15 - June 14), Singapore River Festival (June 19-27), Night Festival (July 10 and 11), HeritageFest Singapore (July 15-26), Singapore Food Festival (July 17-26) and Singfest (July 31-Aug 2).

For details on the HPSS campaign, visit www.visitsingapore.com.

Update on the Influenza A (H1N1) situation in Malaysia

If you are wondering as to whether it is safe to travel to Malaysia, here is an update that would put you at ease.

The Star today carries this article, Quarantine ends for 169 passengers and crew members and the important point noted is:

There is no new case in Malaysia apart from the two 21-year-old male and female students who returned from the United States and were detected last week.

There.. Welcome to Malaysia!

AirAsia Flies Direct from Bali (Denpasar) to Perth

If you are planning to visit Bali and then onward to Australia without having to fly back to Kuala Lumpur to catch the flight to Australia, you can do so now.

AirAsia, Malaysia's own Low Cost Carrier, has introduced a new route, that is from Bali to Perth direct. Tickets are still available foras low as RM364 till May 10 for the travel period July 17 till Jan 31 next year.

The new route will be serviced by AirAsia Indonesia, an associate of AirAsia, and is the airline’s fifth international route operating from the Bali hub.

AirAsia will utilise its A320 aircraft to service the four-hour long flight which will fly daily return flights from Denpasar to Perth.

Penang International Dragon Boat Festival '09

For foreign visitors, if you are visiting Malaysia around the third week of May, you may want to make a trip to Penang where there is the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival on 23 and 24 May at Teluk Bahang Dam.

For fellow Malaysians, why not make a trip to Penang for this international boat festival and join in the excitement.

For more information, visit the Visit Penang site.

Swine Flu FAQ

Malaysia is safe to travel to - latest update on Sep 10.


Malaysia hotline for enquiries, etc.

As more cases appear, it is good to have a better understanding of the Swine Flu. Below is a list of Swine flu FAQ from The Star..

What is swine influenza?

It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It regularly causes high flu outbreaks in pigs but with low death rates. There are four main sub-types of the virus, but the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

How does it spread?

Swine flu viruses do not typically infect humans though they do occur through close proximity or contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhoea in some cases.

How common is swine flu infection in humans?

In the past reports of about one human swine flu virus infection had been received every one to two years in the United States. From December 2005 till February 2009, 12 cases have been reported.

Has this strain of flu been seen before?

No. Flu mutates constantly, so it is common for new strains to emerge. Pigs can also be infected with both human and avian influenza, and the current circulating swine flu strain appears to contain genetic elements from all three.

Can swine flu be treated with antiviral drugs and flu vaccine?

The swine flu is resistant to two common drugs – Amantadine and Rimantadine. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are very different from human H1N1 viruses. Therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection. However, a “seed vaccine” has been specifically tailored to this swine flu and will be manufactured if officials deem it necessary.

Can people catch swine flu by eating pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70ºC and above kills the swine flu virus.

How long is someone with swine flu considered contagious?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic; possibly for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from the swine flu?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the swine flu.

However, you can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:

- Covering your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the waste basket after you use it.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also helpful

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. - If you get sick with influenza, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

- Consult your nearest healthcare facility if you think you have any of the symptoms.

Which countries have had cases of the swine flu?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed human cases of swine flu in Mexico, the United States, Canada and Spain. Only Mexico has reported deaths from the new strain.

Are there any travel restrictions or advisories for Malaysians?

The Health Ministry on April 27 advised Malaysians against travelling to certain places in the United States, Mexico and Canada which have been affected by the swine flu.

What precautions are in place in Malaysia?

- The Health Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya has started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public can call 03-8881 0200/300 for enquiries.

- Those returning from Latin American countries and found to have flu-like symptoms will be quarantined.

- Health Ministry officials are conducting health screenings on passengers arriving from the United States.

- Thermal scanners will be placed at international airports to speed up the screening process for swine flu.

- Public and private medical practitioners have been instructed to report to the district health office any patient with influenza-like illnesses or severe pneumonia symptoms and who had travelled to the affected countries after April 17.

- Owners of the 797 pig farms nationwide have been ordered to immediately contact the nearest Veterinary Services Department office or the Animal Disease Control Centre if their workers or animals show symptoms linked to the swine flu.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, go to the Health Ministry (www.moh.gov.my) or call the Ministry's hotline at (03) 8881-0200/300.

Useful Links:
World Health Organization: www.who.int
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Homeland Security Department: www.dhs.gov
WHO swine flu page: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html


Source: The Star

Malaysia is free from Influenza A(H1N1)

Todate, Malaysia is still free from the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

And it is safe to eat cooked pork. Check out precautions to take to stay safe.