Selamat Hari Raya Haji

Today, Muslims in Malaysia like Muslims around the world celebrate Hari Raya Haji, as we call it here.

Hari Raya Haji is the second most important festival in the Muslim calendar. It marks the end of the annual hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca.

I'd like to wish everyone who is celebrating this happy occasion Selamat Hari Raya Haji.

The streets in the city are quieter than usual as people head back to their hometown to celebrate the festival with their family. And the holiday falling on a Friday means a longer weekend for to enjoy the holiday

Malaysia's Most Valuable Brands 2012

Three banks and three telcos top the list of Malaysia's Most Valuable Brands for 2012. Maybank is number 1.

Image source: Btimes.com.my

The combined worth of Malaysia's 30 most valuable brands this year stands at RM80.2bil, a 49% increase from 2009, according to global brand consultancy Interbrand which conducted the study.

Maybank and CIMB, the two top brands, posted more than 100% growth since three years ago.

AirAsia, ranked 12th, registered a 257.3% growth, the biggest jump among the 30 listed brands.

The Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) and Media Prima, which were joint presenters of MMVB 2012, had commissioned the valuation study, which was based on three primary components, viz., financial performance, role of brand, and brand strength.

The MMVB 2012 event was held last night.


Sources:
- Maybank is Malaysia's most valuable brand
- Maybank is number 1

2013 Malaysia National Public Holidays & School Holidays

When it comes to public holidays, Malaysia is among one of the countries with the most public holidays. Hence, being equipped with the knowledge of Malaysia public holidays is a good idea before you plan your vacation to the country.

Schools, government offices and businesses close during public holidays, the latter including banks, post offices and utilities companies. Shopping malls and complexes, restaurants and food outlets stay open 24/7 all year round, however.

Below is the 2013 scheduled national public holidays for your reference:

January
01 New Year's Day - Tuesday
24 Prophet Muhammad's Birthday - Thursday
27 Thaipusam - Sunday (Replacement on Monday)

February
10 Chinese Lunar New Year Day 1 - Sunday (Replacement on Tuesday)
11 Chinese Lunar New Year Day 2 - Monday

May
01 Labour Day - Wednesday
24 Wesak Day - Friday

June
01 Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday - Saturday

July
26 Nuzul Al-Quran - Friday

August
08 Hari Raya Puasa Day 1 - Thursday
09 Hari Raya Puasa Day 2 - Friday
31 National Day - Saturday

September
16 Malaysia Day - Monday (Latest addition since 2010)

October
15 Hari Raya Haji - Tuesday

November
03 Deepavali - Sunday (Replacement on Monday)
05 Awal Muharram - Tuesday

December
25 Christmas - Wednesday

If you are a regular visitor to Kuala Lumpur and/or the Klang Valley, the following two public holidays may be useful to know:

February
01 Federal Territory Day - Friday

December
11 Sultan Selangor's Birthday - Wednesday


Public schools in Malaysia close four times a year per schedule below for 2013:

- Mar 23 to 31 (9 days)
- May 25 to Jun 9 (16 days)
- Aug 07 to 18 (12 days)
- Nov 16 to Jan 1, 2014 (47 days)

The above is good to take note of too as local holiday destinations would also be heavily-booked. Best to make advance reservations to avoid disappointment.

Ban stays on school children bringing phone to school

Many parents will be happy to know that the ban on handphones in school stays.

The Education Ministry has decided to maintain its ban on students bringing mobile phones to school, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin, who is also the Education Minister, said the ministry was still studying on the need for students to bring IT devices to school.

More.. School phone ban retained