malaysia tourism

LG aims to sell 100,000 Secrets, capture 10% mobile phone market share in Malaysia

2009-10-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Though the LG Secret hasn’t really been much of a secret for quite some time now, it was only launched in Malaysia the other day, where LG managing director Ko spoke about the company’s plans for the future.

Like you, Ko is aware of the fact that LG isn’t the first name that comes to the average consumer’s mind when the subject of mobile phones are mentioned. That company will try to change that, and step up their marketing efforts for added product promotion.

Ko says the company is confident of selling 100,000 Secrets and capturing at least 10% of the local mobile phone market in Malaysia. TO achieve this, LG will adopt a “more customer-centric approach in marketing.”

“It is just a matter of time that LG mobile communication division will be the number one income generator for the company,” according to Ko.

And while I’m no Nostradamus, it’s not impossible for LG to reach their goals with an ultra slim, 5 megapixel camera packing feature phone that’s priced “very reasonable” according to LG’s standards. The Malaysian retail price is RM1,999.

Via The Star

iPhone 3G to Malaysia March 20, Indonesia March 23

2009-10-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

Add these to the always-growing tick sheet of countries selling the iPhone 3G, currently numbering around 75. We have word on the street that Indonesian carrier Telkomsel will be offering the highly touted device on March 23, and Maxis will launch it in Malaysia on March 20.

The tipster also claims the iPhone will be selling for nearly $800-900 USD and only can be purchased with credit card.

We are hoping this is a no-contract price; that seems like an awfully high price to pay considering Malaysia will be launching the iPhone 3G for free with two-year contract on a high enough rate plan.

(courtesy 3GWeek)

We’re interested to see how Indonesia reacts to receiving the iPhone. 90% of telecom subscribers there are prepaid.

In Kuala Lumpur, those who have pre-registered for the iPhone with Maxis will be invited to a special launch event March 20 where they can pick up their iPhones.

via 3GWeek Indonesia and Malaysia

Swisscom launches Bluewin TV mobile for Nokia N77 phone users

2009-10-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

Own a Nokia N77? In Switzerland? Then read on. Swisscom has just announced a new service that lets you watch mobile TV (in HD!) directly from your phone, and calls it Bluewin TV mobile. It’s a collaboration with Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks, and is up now in time for the Euro 2008 football tournament.

Swisscom’s Bluewin TV mobile provides users with 30 mobile TV channels including SF1, TSR1 and Eurosport. According to Swisscom, 44 per cent of the Swiss population should be able to access their HD quality mobile TV effortlessly, mostly in the area of Basel, Berne, Geneva, Zurich and Lausanne.

Now you might think, “Hey, this is great! I’ve always wanted to watch my favorite Mexican soap on a 2-inch screen!” but don’t be surprised if I tell you you’re going to have to fork out $16 a month to get a taste of the service. What? You didn’t really think this was free, didn’t you? And besides, I don’t think they have any Mexican soaps out there in Switzerland anyway.

However if you’re from Finland, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and especially the Philippines, you may also experience a similar service as Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks are currently working on commercial launches for these countries as well. Non-Nokia N77 phone owners need not fret, by the way, because the mobile TV service is said to be also available via EDGE or 3G.

As for the other 66% of the Swiss population who are either out of the DVB-H coverage area or do not own their own DVB-H capable devices, Vodafone’s live! portal (again with 3G or EDGE) will do. The service is expected to launch in mid-May.

Swisscom Via Mobile Entertainment

New Google Image Search results available for Android, iPhone

2009-10-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Google has announced the introduction of a new Image Search results page for the Android platform, iPhone and iPod touch.

Available for users in the US, UK and Japan, the new Image Search results bring a set of enhancements that should (obviously) make image searching on your handset easier.

For example, users can now scan up to 20 images on a search results page, with the possibility of getting detailed info on the image they’re interested in. Also, you can filter search images “by style” (faces, clip art, photo content etc), thanks to a feature that Google brought to mobiles from its desktop Image Search page.

To try out the improved Image Search results, just go to google.com via your Android phone, iPhone or iPod touch, and select the Images category.

Via Google Mobile Blog

LG gives away $1 million during its search for the fastest texter

2009-10-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

Today, LG has announced the LG MOBILE WORLDCUP 2009, an annual festival with total prizes of $1 million, organized with the intention of finding “the world’s fastest texter.”

The LG MOBILE WORLDCUP 2009 will debut in July, but the first National Championship will be held in Indonesia, on August 15, at the Jakarta Theater. 200 of the fastest Indonesian texters will compete for the big prize of about $9,900.

National Championships will also be held in Malaysia, Vietnam, China, South Korea. South Africa, Russia, Spain, Portugal, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Argentina.

The final World Championship will be organized in the US, sometime in November. Texting champions from 16 national rounds will compete for the big prize of $100,000. Participants will use LG mobile phones in front of a live audience to demonstrate their texting skills.

LG expects the LG MOBILE WORLDCUP 2009 to “reach as much as 6 million participants”.

Via Press release

Craigslist ad seeks suicidal astronaut

2009-10-12T08:28:00.001-07:00

Just because there's a recession, it doesn't mean you can't find your dream job. So allow me to direct your boundless ambition toward an ad on Craigslist's Calgary site.
While many people scour Craigslist to see if Starbucks or Bed, Bath and Beyond might be seeking additions to their cheery teams, the poster of this ad is searching for an altogether more adventurous type, proudly announcing "Astronaut Needed (Northern Alberta)." Is that the cough of a million scoffs I hear? Perhaps. But this is truly an interesting opportunity, to say the least. Just look at the first, enticing sentence of the ad: "Astronaut needed for experimental flight to Titan."
Perhaps you might be concerned that this ad was not, in fact, placed by NASA. Please, let me put your mind into horizontal mode. The advertiser assures all applicants that he has been "working on this project for near 40 years." Indeed, the only reason he is seeking an Armstrong for his flight is that he himself seems to have weaker limbs now that the years have passed.
You might also be wondering what kind of craft will shuttle you into orbit. Well, again, I can be your Xanax. The advertiser declares that his secret craft is "the result of my professional experience and imagination while serving the U.S. military in advanced aeronautics as a scientist." You see, this man is a veritable expert in his field. This spaceship enjoys "a revolutionary propulsion system and its fuselage is fabricated with the most advanced material."

Surely, you can have no more concerns. Surely, you are ready to reply to this advertisement, beaming at the idea that you will soon be beamed into the great beyond. Well, in the interests of full disclosure, let me draw your attention to some of the finer details. In the advertiser's own persuasive and humane words: "I am certain you will make it safely to Titan but there will not be enough fuel to get home. This is for someone unique that has always wanted to see the universe first-hand and has perhaps a terminal view on life here at home. Here's your shot at romantic history."
Yes, that's right. You won't be coming back. At all. Ever. So perhaps you might want to check what the nightlife is like on Titan. Because that might be the only way you could really create romantic history.
Should I have failed to deter you from applying for your life's (and death's) dream, do note that the job specs declare that you should be no taller than 5 feet 10 inches and "relatively slim." One imagines that any appearances in a Ralph Lauren advertisement might enhance your chances of being chosen.
Oh, and the advertiser also requires that you should be "mentally sound."

Roundabout trip

2009-10-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

Roundabout trip

By Davin Arul

Beyond A Reasonable Doubt

Rating(out of 5): * *

(Tayangan Unggul)

Starring: Jesse Metcalfe, Michael Douglas, Amber Tamblyn, Orlando Jones, Joel Moore

In this remake of the 1956 Fritz Lang-directed film noir, an investigative reporter sets himself up to take a murder rap – just so he can bring down a crooked District Attorney.

Mark Hunter (Douglas) has been winning too many cases based upon last-minute forensic evidence being "discovered", and CJ Nicholas (Metcalfe) is convinced he is planting the incriminating stuff.

STILL LIFE: 'Note the artist's bold use of red and the contrasting islands of yellow...'
So with the help of his buddy Corey (Moore), CJ sets out to set himself up as a "murderer" and deliberately plants circumstantial evidence that will make him a suspect in a prostitute's murder.

To safeguard himself, he has Corey videotape him planting the stuff, while holding up the day's paper to show it was all done after the killing.

Around that time, I figured out there would be a twist in this tale – not because of an abundance of smarts on my part, but because the set-up is so heavy-handed that it becomes annoyingly obvious.

In the spirit of the movie, I immediately SMSed my theory (don't worry, I don't usually text during movies) to a colleague who was at the same press screening, and told her to check her phone messages after the movie.

Look, I have nothing against twists in movies, but hey – let's save those sharp story turns for when they are really necessary, okay?

The twist here is not only unnecessary (the story has enough content to propel itself along nicely, thank you), but it also left me so unsympathetic toward any of the characters from so early on that the whole experience became quite … hollow.

DEATH ROW: 'I guess the whole "John Tucker Must Die" thing has finally caught up with me.'
Metcalfe, best known for a recurring role on Desperate Housewives and the teen revenge comedy John Tucker Must Die, seems more boyish here than he did in the movies where he was supposed to be playing young chaps.

No Benjamin Button-type phenomenon here, however; it's more likely that because the role calls for considerably older casting, his youthfulness seems more pronounced.

There is some cute (I would hesitate to call it clever) interaction between the characters, and Douglas masterfully makes his D.A. character really as suspiciously slick right from the get-go, as CJ observes.

But then that unseemly twist and all the little clues keep popping up, and Hyams – who also adapted the screenplay from the original – would have done well to leave out a few of those.

It's almost as if he didn't want to be accused of pulling the twist from out of nowhere, so he went to great pains to put in all those little hints – which in the end only do his efforts a disservice.

But Hyams also needs to catch some flak for having characters do silly things, just so that he can insert an action scene when things start to get ho-hum.

Silliest among these occurs when a bad guy tries to stunt-drive and run down heroine Ella (Tamblyn) in a deserted parking lot when he could have just stepped out of the car and shot her.

Yet all this, too, is in keeping with the spirit of the story and its characters, all of whom are happy to take the longest path en route to an abrupt conclusion.

Surfing: http://www.beyondareasonabledoubtmovie.com/

Slow and steady does not win this race

2009-10-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

Slow and steady does not win this race

By Punitha Yogaratnam

Whiteout

Rating(out of 5): * * ½

(Warner Bros.)

Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Gabriel Macht, Tom Skerritt, Alex O’Laughlin, Columbus Short

Sixty years ago, a plane flies over the icy desolate landscape that is the Antarctica. A Russian co-pilot goes to the cargo area and eyes a locked box. Later a shootout ensues and in the commotion the pilot is hit by a stray bullet. The plane takes a nosedive and crashes.

That's the beginning scene of Whiteout. Right after that you're thrust back into present day Antarctica at the Amundsen-Scott Research Station. You follow the striking U.S. Marshal Carrie Stetko back to her room and you watch her undress and take a very hot steamy bath.

Whiteout is billed as an action thriller but they don't warn you that the action only happens in the first few minutes and the last few minutes of the movie. Honestly, those are the only times when you'll find your heart pumping. The rest of the time you'll spend thinking, “When is this movie going to end?” And believe me the end took a long time coming.

Brrr: This is the fifth time you're re-taking this shot. Isn't it over yet?!
Whiteout is about a murder that takes place in an area of Antarctica known as no-man's land. This is the first murder for the icy state and it's also U.S. Marshal Stetko's first real challenge in a long time. As Stetko tries to piece together what happened, she uncovers a secret that could cost her her life. With only hours before the last plane leaves never to come back for another six months, Stetko must race to unravel the mystery or risk being stranded on the ice as darkness and the killer closes in.

Reading the synopsis of the movie, you'd think this was a great thriller. The movie isn't that bad, but neither is it good. Acting-wise, Kate Beckinsale is great in this movie. She plays Stetko very convincingly. Reese Witherspoon was first pegged for the role but later dropped out and seeing Beckinsale play Stetko, you'll realise that had Witherspoon taken it, the movie would have sucked big time. Beckinsale is just meant to do action roles.

IT'S WHOSE FAULT?: It's not you. Blame it on the director
I found that the movie's lack of oomph had nothing to do with the actors, but with director, Dominic Sena. Slow doesn't even describe the agonizing torture you're put through as you wait for the director to set up a scene. The going back and forth from one station to another is not only torturous for Stetko and gang but for the moviegoer too. We get it. It's cold. Very cold. And it's not easy walking in the blinding snow. Sena didn't have to hit us on the head with a popsicle to tell us that, but that's what he did … several times and that's what I think did this movie in.

Go see Whiteout only if you're a fan of Beckinsale and only if you have nothing else better to do.

Surfing: http://whiteoutmovie.warnerbros.com

Coping with joint pain

2009-10-11T13:36:00.001-07:00

A natural sulphur compound appears to be the ideal companion for glucosamine and chondroitin for effective relief of osteoarthritis.

Tomorrow is World Arthritis Day. Afflicting millions worldwide, arthritis is a chronic degenerative disease that can vary in severity. With its widespread prevalence and effect on health and well being, the disease accounts for a significant percentage of doctor visits.

Arthritis is defined as the inflammation of one or more joints and symptoms of the condition include redness, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, pain, and warmth in the affected area. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It is a chronic condition characterised by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage.

Cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the ends of the bones and allows easy movement of joints. Healthy cartilage is extremely strong and flexible and allows the joints to move smoothly and painlessly, but in osteoarthritis, the cartilage is damaged, and subsequently wears down. This process continues until little or no cartilage is left in the affected joint, causing bone to grind against bone.

Osteoarthritis typically affects certain joints, such as the hips, hands, knees, lower back, and neck. It occurs more frequently as we age. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After age 55 years, it occurs more frequently in females.

One needs to supply essential nutrients for the body to build strong, flexible cartilage. Having a strong flexible cartilage is the first step for healthy joints. Hence, with the right nutritional support, osteoarthritis sufferers can rebuilt and regrow their worn out cartilage.

Nutritional support

Glucosamine and chondroitin are two important nutritional compounds used in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Both glucosamine and chondroitin are natural components of healthy joint tissue. They work by supplying the natural raw ingredients cartilage needs to repair and rebuild itself. They also suppress the natural enzymes that break down cartilage in the first place.

Quick facts:

·Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in healthy cartilage. It is a normal constituent of glycosaminoglycans in the cartilage matrix and synovial fluid. It is used in the formation and repair of cartilage.

·Chondroitin is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in cartilage and is responsible for the resiliency of cartilage. It acts as a “water magnet”. The ability of chondroitin to hold water gives rigidity to the cartilage and also enables it to act as a “shock absorber”.

Supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin helps to relieve joint pains, rebuild cartilage, improve flexibility, lubricate joints, promote healthy connective tissues, and reduce stiffness.

In recent years, studies have shown that two-in-one glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are far more effective in treating moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis than potent anti-inflammatory drugs (celecoxib) or even glucosamine or chondroitin taken separately by itself.

Sulphur this

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), a natural sulphur compound with many health benefits, is widely used together in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin for effective relief of joint pains. Many developed nations across the globe such as the US, UK, Europe, Australia, etc regularly observe very positive results in the treatment of osteoarthritis when oral MSM supplements are added to glucosamine and chondroitin nutritional therapy.

MSM is found in the normal diets of humans and almost all other animals. MSM is made up of 34% sulphur, the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. Sulphur is necessary for the structure of every cell in the body. It is needed for the structural integrity of joint cartilage and connective tissue such as skin, hair, and nails.

Many amino acids, the building blocks of protein, have sulphur as a component. Hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and antioxidants all depend on it. And because the body utilises and expends it on a daily basis, sulphur must be continually replenished for optimal nutrition and health.

The Arthritis Foundation of America recommends starting with a low dosage of 500mg MSM twice a day and increasing gradually to 1,000mg MSM twice a day.

Lifestyle tips for osteoarthritis sufferers

·Physical activity keeps joints flexible and maintains or improves muscle strength.

·Weight control is important for the prevention and slowing down of the progression of OA affecting weight-bearing joints (knees and hips) and the lower back.

·Weight loss of only 15 pounds can reduce knee pain for overweight individuals with arthritis. [Bartlett SJ, Haaz S, Wrobleski P et al. Small weight losses can yield significant improvements in knee OA symptoms. Arthritis & Rheumatism 50[9 (S)], S658. 2004].

This article is courtesy of Pahang Pharmacy. For more information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

Healthy eating for cancer survivors

2009-10-11T13:35:00.001-07:00

After treatment, cancer survivors should follow recommendations for cancer prevention.

DIET-related chronic diseases have now become significant causes of death in many countries, including the developing world. Cancer is one such chronic disease. In many of its forms, cancer is a disease that can cause great suffering and claims many lives.

However, cancer is not an inevitable consequence of ageing, and people’s susceptibility to it varies. There is abundant evidence that food and nutrition, physical activity, and body composition are individually and collectively important modifiers of the risk of cancer. This does indeed mean that at least in principle, most cancer is preventable.

Recognising this, I have highlighted the prevention of cancer, especially through appropriate food and nutrition practices, in a series of NutriScene write-ups over the past year. I had relied on recommendations contained in the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) expert report on Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer released in November 2007 (www.dietandcancerreport.org/). In addition, I had also relied on the Hong Kong WCRF recommendations for cancer prevention booklet (www.wcrf-hk.org/).

I had highlighted eight general recommendations and one special recommendation of the WCRF report in previous write-ups. All these recommendations dealt with lowering risk and prevention of cancer.

In this article, I will discuss the last of this series of recommendations. This recommendation does not deal with prevention of cancer, but focuses on healthy eating for cancer survivors. I find this an extremely important topic to highlight. There is a great deal of misconception regarding the dietary and nutritional needs of cancer patients and survivors.

Healthy eating is vital for cancer survivors

Cancer survivors are people who are living with a diagnosis of cancer, including those who have recovered from the disease.

Treatment for many cancers is increasingly successful, and so there are many more cancer survivors. Furthermore, cancer survivors are living longer and may live long enough to develop new primary cancers or other chronic diseases. It is therefore extremely important for cancer survivors to adopt appropriate healthy eating practices and an active lifestyle.

There are just too many people out there providing nutrition advice, some of which are really dubious, and others can even be harmful. There are patients who tell me they are afraid of drinking milk or taking eggs as these will make the cancer cells multiply even faster. There are others who eat only fruits and vegetables because they believe they are healthy foods. Such myths about food and nutrients can result in the cancer survivor not obtaining much needed nutrients.

There are also promotions for dubious products that supposedly can “treat” cancers. These include various antioxidant supplements that are supposed to be able to kill cancer cells. It will be very sad indeed if patients forgo conventional medical treatment and dietary advice for such products or practices.

WCRF recommendation for cancer survivors

Upon reviewing all available evidence, the WCRF expert panel concluded that:

·There is growing evidence that physical activity and other measures that help us maintain a healthy weight, such as a balanced diet, may help to prevent cancer recurrence, particularly for breast cancer.

·However, the evidence is not yet clear enough to be able to make any specific recommendations for cancer survivors as a whole, or for those who are survivors of any specific form of cancer.

·The recommendations can also reduce the risk of other chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, so they can be beneficial to cancer survivors for this reason.

Anyone who has received a diagnosis of cancer should receive specialist nutritional advice from an appropriately trained health professional. This includes all cancer survivors, before, during, and after active treatment.

Once treatment has been completed, if the person is able to do so (and unless otherwise advised by a qualified professional), aim to follow the cancer prevention recommendations for diet, healthy weight maintenance, and physical activity. These recommendations have been highlighted in previous articles here. I will summarise these recommendations in the next section.

The above recommendations are generally appropriate, but may not be applicable for specific groups, e.g. people who are currently undergoing treatment for cancer. These patients are likely to have special nutritional requirements. In these cases, it is best to ask an appropriately trained health professional (e.g. a dietitian or a doctor) for advice. This is also true for cancer survivors whose treatment have affected their ability to eat or digest some foods – for example, patients who have undergone a gastrectomy (partial or full surgical removal of the stomach) or a colostomy (a surgical procedure that involves connecting a part of the colon onto the anterior abdominal wall, leaving the patient with an opening on the abdomen called a stoma).

Healthy eating and active living for cancer prevention (and cancer survivors)

Recommendation 1: Be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight.

·Ensure that body weight through childhood and adolescence growth projects towards the lower end of the normal BMI range at age 21.

·Maintain body weight within the normal range from age 21.

·Avoid weight gain and increases in waist circumference throughout adulthood.

Recommendation 2: Be physically active as part of everyday life.

·Be moderately physically active, equivalent to brisk walking, for at least 30 minutes every day. Brisk walking can be incorporated in occupational, transport, household, or leisure activities.

·As fitness improves, aim for 60 minutes or more of moderate, or for 30 minutes or more of vigorous, physical activity every day.

·Limit sedentary habits such as watching television.

Recommendation 3: Limit consumption of energy-dense foods and sugary drinks that promote weight gain.

·Consume energy-dense foods (more than about 225–275kcal per 100 g) sparingly

·Avoid sugary drinks (i.e. drinks with added sugars)

·Consume “fast foods” sparingly, if at all (The term “fast foods” refers to readily available convenience foods that tend to be energy-dense and consumed frequently and in large portions).

Recommendation 4: Eat mostly foods of plant origin.

·Eat at least five portions/servings (at least 400g) of a variety of non-starchy vegetables and fruits of different colours every day.

·Eat relatively unprocessed cereals (grains) and/or pulses (legumes) with every meal.

·Limit refined starchy foods.

·People who consume starchy roots or tubers as staples need to ensure intake of sufficient non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and pulses (legumes).

Recommendation 5: Limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meat.

·People who eat red meat should consume less than 500g a week, very little if any to be processed. (Note: Red meat refers to beef, pork, lamb, and mutton from domesticated animals, including that contained in processed foods; processed meat refers to meat preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or the addition of chemical preservatives, including that contained in processed foods.)

Recommendation 6: Limit alcoholic drinks

·If alcoholic drinks are consumed, limit consumption to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.

·Children and pregnant women should not consume alcoholic drinks.

Recommendation 7: Limit consumption of salt and avoid mouldy cereals (grains) or pulses (legumes).

·Avoid salt-preserved, salted, or salty foods; preserve foods without using salt.

·Limit consumption of processed foods with added salt to ensure an intake of less than 6g (2.4g sodium) a day.

·Do not eat mouldy cereals (grains) or pulses (legumes).

Recommendation 8: Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone.

·Dietary supplements are not recommended for cancer prevention.

Cancer survivors should pay attention to meeting their nutritional needs. There are no secret recipes or magic formulas for cancer survivors. They need not rely on expensive products and practices to stay healthy after completing the required treatments.

Healthy eating and active living recommendations for the prevention of cancers are generally applicable for survivors too. Seek help from an appropriately trained health professional.

H1N1 and pregnancy

2009-10-11T13:33:00.001-07:00

WHEN I read recently that a pregnant woman and her unborn baby had died of complications due to H1N1 infection, I was terribly saddened that not one, but two lives, were robbed from this earth.

It’s easy to see why women, particularly pregnant mothers, are worried about H1N1 – both for themselves and their unborn babies.

This is not any ordinary flu virus, but a novel (meaning new) strain that has never infected humans before. It is highly contagious and most people have not developed natural immunity against it yet.

Is it harmful during pregnancy?

Many of my patients have already asked me about the potential dangers of H1N1. Many are worried that if they become infected, there will be serious consequences.

There is cause for concern, because pregnancy is considered one of the risk factors that make a person more vulnerable to infection and developing complications.

If you’re pregnant, your immunity to infection is slightly lowered – this is Nature’s way of stopping you from rejecting your unborn baby. This increases your risk to infections, even to normal flu.

A pregnant woman’s immune system also shifts away from the kinds of immune responses most effective in battling viral infections. This makes her more susceptible to some viral diseases such as flu.

Pregnancy also increases the risk of developing complications of the flu, such as pneumonia and respiratory distress. This is because pregnancy puts extra stress on the heart and lungs, pushing a woman’s diaphragm upward and decreasing her lung capacity. This makes any type of respiratory disease more dangerous.

In turn, flu complications may lead to miscarriage, premature labour or other pregnancy problems.

But don’t panic – remember that I have only mentioned “risk”. That does not mean certainty, and it definitely means that you can protect yourself.

If you are healthy and fit, your immune system will still function well and you will probably only have mild symptoms of H1N1.

What to do if you are infected

The truth is, H1N1 is so contagious that most people who come down with flu today probably have this strain of virus. So everyone, including pregnant women, must be prepared to manage this and learn to recognise the signs of danger.

Be wary if you have flu-like symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, and muscle pain together with a fever above 38ºC.

You should also monitor for more severe signs like acute abdominal pain, continuous diarrhoea, vomiting, coughing up blood or fever above 38ºC for more than two days.

Antivirals and pregnant women

If the serious symptoms above occur, you should go to the nearest clinic or hospital immediately and tell them that you are pregnant.

You will most likely be prescribed antiviral drugs. These drugs do not cure H1N1 but will relieve the symptoms and reduce the likelihood of complications developing.

Many pregnant women are worried about the possible side-effects of antiviral drugs on their unborn baby. There is no evidence that antivirals will cause adverse effects in pregnancy – and remember that untreated H1N1 infection will be more dangerous to you and your baby than the effects of the medication.

H1N1 and breastfeeding

If you are currently breastfeeding your baby, you should continue to do so even if you are infected or suspected to be infected with H1N1. This is because breastmilk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off infections, including influenza viruses.

So do not stop breastfeeding if you are ill with influenza-like symptoms. You can also breastfeed if you are being treated for the flu with normal flu medication or antivirals. Breastfeed early and often, and limit formula milk.

Be careful not to sneeze or cough into your baby’s face, and wear a mask when you are nursing or near your baby. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before and after nursing.

If you are too sick to breastfeed, try to express your milk and have someone give the milk to your baby so that you will continue producing milk after you have recovered.

Preventing H1N1 infection

The best strategy, of course, is to minimise the chances of infection. Personal hygiene is the best answer here.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or with a hand sanitiser, especially after touching surfaces in public places like doorknobs, telephones, and banisters.

Avoid contact with people who have flu-like symptoms, or try to stay at least one metre apart from them. Wearing a mask can also help reduce your chances of infection, but be sure not to wear a mask that will cause breathing difficulties.

Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands because that’s how the germs will enter your body.

Avoid going to crowded places or unnecessary travel if you are pregnant, because it is better to be safe.

Do your part to minimise infection to others as well by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze. Wash your hands with water and soap after coughing or sneezing.

Finally, if you have flu-like symptoms, drink plenty of fluids, stay at home, and get bed rest in a ventilated room, and eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and wholegrain foods.

H1N1 is among us all today, and we should all play our part in ensuring that we protect each other from becoming infected, especially those who are more vulnerable, such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions.

Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar is a consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist (FRCOG, UK). For further information, visit www.primanora.com. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

100 exhibitors at Malaysia Jewellery Festival

2009-10-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

GET your gems at the 15th Malaysia Jewellery Festival 2009 (MJF’09) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (Hall 5) this weekend.

The festival features 100 exhibitors from 15 countries including Italy, Germany, Singapore, Myanmmar, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia.

The event launched by Che Puan Sofia Erica Ellina Lane offers different types of jewels created from diamonds, gemstones, pearls to the evergreen jade.

Colourful: Jewellery lovers can also find colourful semi-precious stones offered by Tawakkal Gems Sdn Bhd.
Uniquely designed and one of a kind jewellery takes centre stage at the festival as the exhibitors display their shiniest creations.

Ratna Kumar of Regency Jewellery Exports from New Delhi, India, said they only offered singular pieces.

Ratna said they had been making jewellery for about 100 years.

Rare collection: An exhibitor from Poland displaying amber jewellery.
“Our jewellery is only found in India and we use only precious stones. We do not repeat any of our designs and everything is hand made.

“The festival provides a platform for us to promote Indian craftsmanship,” she said, adding that they had been taking part in the festival every year.

For those looking to find rare stones, the Royal Stones from Hong Kong features some of the best choices.

Marketing assistant Sagar Rawath said this was their first time joining the festival.

Standing tall: A real rose crystalised and rimmed with gold by HW Gift Gallery Sdn Bhd
“We have been in the business for 24 years. The stones we have are much harder to find and everything we design is unique,” he said.

Siang Hoa Jewellery from Singapore was proud to display its RM2.4mil purse adorned with black and white diamonds and white gold to resemble zebra prints.

Its chief executive officer, Victor Lee, said 50 employees worked on it.

“We took about half a year to complete it and zebra prints are very fashionable nowadays. Moreover, we wanted to make something that was unique.

“So anyone who buys the purse would be the only one to own it,” he said. HW Gift Gallery Sdn Bhd, which was participating at the event for the first time would be displaying its elegant three dimensional gold art.

Consultant Jevin Low said they handcrafted classic creations like the golden roses, golden tigers and even religious art pieces.

“The products are all made in Taiwan from gold. Some of it takes months to make because of the designs and everything is handcrafted,” he said.

He also said the event was a great way to promote their product.

The exhibition opens from 11am to 6pm and ends tomorrow.

MJF’09 is jointly organised by the Hong Kong-Asia Exhibition (Holdings) Ltd amd Fox Asia Exposition Sdn Bhd.

A model who loves lingeries, stilettos and cats

2009-10-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

Former kindergarten teacher Felixia Yeap, 23, just loves cats and cannot help but stop and pat every feline she comes across.

Now a full time model, she pointed out that the underlining meaning of her name comes from the Latin word Felin which also means cat.

Besides being a feline lover, Felixia also collects lingerie and super-high stilettos, something which she happily parades around but in the comfort of her apartment in Kuala Lumpur.

However, this Ipoh lass quickly added: “One of the biggest reasons I love beaches is because I get to wear really tiny bikinis and run around in public - provided I don’t get in trouble with the law.”

Felixia made a name for herself recently. First, she spurned the Miss Malaysia World 2009 beauty pageant just because she did not like the terms and conditions. Instead of being depressed with her decision, she took part in the Lumix Panasonic Star Search contest and won.

She is now the brand’s first Malaysian ambassador.

“I am so happy to have won but I am also very tired of beauty pageants. I now want to get back to work as a model,” she added.

Felixia also aspires to be a TV host. Besides being a fast car junkie and a fairly good singer, she is confident that she can present the F1 telecast as well.

What do you like about KL?

I like KL because of its variety factor. From culture, to food and things to buy, the varieties are endless. I also find the people are warmer and friendlier. The lifestyle is also more relaxed compared with cities such as Hong Kong and Singapore. KL is still surrounded by greens and of course, the availability of food day and night.

Who do you dislike about KL?

There are still some things which I don’t like about KL such as the security. I also cannot stand the heat as KL can be quite hot at times. I’m also peeved that my favourite lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret is still not available at shopping malls here.

Where is your favourite place to hang-out?

Oldtown Coffee, not just any of your regular Oldtowns, but the one in Bangsar South. I love its ambiance and close-to-nature concept. Another alternative would be Wendy’s at Mont Kiara because it’s pretty peaceful, homely and hidden. My favourite night spot would be Luna Bar...love its pool and awesome scenery.

What is your favourite food?

The mere mention of the word food gets me all excited. I love the New Ipoh Chicken Rice in Jalan Gasing, the roasted pork noodle at Chinatown, Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa at Kampung Baru, Padding-ton House of Pancake at One Utama, Flying Chilli at The Gardens and Rakuzen at Plaza Damas. Basically, I’m a food lover. And I am not that picky about food.

What do you do to relax?

Relaxation? You’ve asked the right person. I relax by going to spas. Not just any spas, but the full-on body massage plus facial-plus-jacuzzi-plus-bath-plus-scrub-plus-dozing off. I love JoJoBa’s Exclusive Red Wine Spa and their Chocolate spa. I also like singing karaoke and swinging to a kind of dance called “Coyote Groove” at the gym.

Crossing the busy Persiaran Kewajipan a risky affair for devotees

2009-10-11T13:24:00.001-07:00

DEVOTEES of the Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (SJBA) in SS13 are appealing to the Public Works Department (JKR) to build a pedestrian bridge to enable them to cross the busy Persiaran Kewajipan.

SJBA president SC Chim said the opening of the Subang-Kelana Link had caused a lot of inconvenience to the devotees and those from Sri Vartharaja Perumal Hindu Temple nearby, in addition to the residents.

“Due to the limited parking facilities at the SJBA’s vicinity, the devotees have to park on the opposite side in SS14 and cross the road,” he said.

“There have been accidents involving devotees trying to cross the road.”

Chim noted that due to the inconvenience, traffic congestion and safety risk, some devotees preferred not to go to the association unless there was a major function.

SJBA secretary James Khoo said having the pedestrian bridge would save a lot of time and not put their lives and limbs at risk.

“We have a regular stream of devotees who could number up to a few thousands for major functions like Wesak Day,” said Khoo.

USJ 1 resident Cheah Suan Cheng said sometimes it took her two hours to drive from her house to the association.

“The traffic situation is so bad that I have to plan my journey properly. There have been times when I was late for the chanting sessions,” said the 70-year-old.

Claire Chan, 71, said she used to cycle to the association but now relied on her neighbours to drop her off.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh asked the JKR to honour its promise in a letter dated Feb 18, 2008, to build the pedestrian bridge linking the SJBA and Hindu temple to SS14.

“However, during a meeting held before the link’s opening, the JKR reverted and said the pedestrian bridge would not be built. When asked why, they simply said ‘no comment’.

Yeoh said a proposed signalised pedestrian crossing in Persiaran Kewajipan would likely worsen the traffic congestion.

The SJBA embarked on a signature campaign on Aug 31 and hoped to get more than 1,000 signatures by this week. A separate signature campaign is also being organised by the Hindu temple’s committee.

Mobile broadband whacking fixed-line access

2009-10-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

GENEVA: More people are using cellphones and other portable devices for high-speed Internet access than are signing up for fixed-line subscriptions to the Web, according to just-published United Nations figures.

Mobile broadband subscriptions worldwide are expected to reach 600 million, leapfrogging the estimated 500 million fixed-line subscriptions by the end of this year, the International Telecommunication Union said.

“There was a 50% increase in mobile broadband subscriptions just over the past year,” said Susan Teltscher of ITU’s statistical bureau.

The agency expects growth to continue at this rate for several years, she said.

Most mobile broadband connections are still considerably slower than fixed-line alternatives, and offer a more limited range of services at a higher price. Experts say that competitive advantage could soon tilt in mobile’s favour, too.

Industry representatives at ITU’s Telecom World tradeshow in Geneva last week are touting two next-generation technologies as potential nails in the coffin for fixed-line broadband.

The first is LTE, or long-term evolution, which cellphone companies are considering as the replacement for 3G some years down the line.

In the other corner is WiMAX, a standard being pushed by the computer industry that works like WiFi but over much greater distances.

Russia-based company Yota has unveiled a dual-use phone that runs on both WiMAX and standard cellphone networks. Users can browse the Web at ultra-high speeds in those Russian cities already covered by Yota, or connect at slower cellphone speeds elsewhere, chief executive Denis Sverdlov said.

The biggest winners from the emergence of mobile broadband are likely to be poor countries. Fixed-line phones are still scarce in the developing world, forcing those who want high-speed data services to resort to mobile technology.

Voice-only mobile subscriptions already outstrip the number of regular phone connections in most poor countries: Almost 7 in 10 people around the world now have a cellphone subscription of some kind, the ITU report found.

Meanwhile, fixed-line telephone subscriptions continue to decline and are expected to drop to about 1.1 billion — less than one for every five people on the planet — this year, the report said. — AP

Bill to better protect your personal data

2009-10-11T13:20:00.002-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Some banks, insurance companies and property developers have been selling your personal data to third parties, says University Malaya law professor Abu Bakar Munir.

With it, the parties can bother you with advertisements at the least. Worse is if your data is bought by others who use it to steal your identity and sign up for loans or make purchases.

Abu Bakar, who played an advisory role in the drafting of the soon-to-be tabled Personal Data Protection bill, is confident that the bill, when made into law, will put a stop to such sales of information on individuals.

There is currently no law to stop or curtail such activities, he toldIn.Tech. “This type of thing has to stop,” he said.

Earlier, Abu Bakar showed a list — containing the personal data of 500 people which he alleged that his friend had purchased from a property developer — to a packed auditorium where the National Conference on Personal Data Protection Law was taking place yesterday.

According to him, the data is sold according to the social and financial standing of the individuals. “The rate for an ordinary person’s details is 10sen. If he’s a Datuk, it’s RM1,” he said. The lists can contain anything from a few hundred to a few thousand names.

The Personal Data Protection bill has been in the works for the past nine years and Abu Bakar blames the delay on interference from the financial sector in the early years.

He said the sector believed then that such a law would be unnecessary because there was enough regulations in place to govern the use of personal data. “This view changed about a year ago after it became clear that the situation was getting out of hand.

“The financial institutions are now behind our efforts to have this law,” Abu Bakar said.

Abu Bakar said the bill calls for the Government to make it illegal for anyone to sell someone else’s personal data without prior consent. “There are stiff penalties for those found guilty of breaching this condition, which include jail terms and hefty fines,” he said.

He could not give a more detailed account of the bill’s content because it is not yet tabled and is covered by the Official Secrets Act.

Vital step

The bill is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 19, according to Senator Heng Seai Kie, Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister 2, who officiated at the conference.

Heng said the drafting and enactment of a law that regulates the collection, processing and storage of people’s personal data is critical in this age of e-commerce.

“We have read horrifying stories about people losing their money due to credit card fraud, customer-privacy infringements and data theft,” she said. “Such incidents threaten the integrity of Malaysia as an emerging market economy.”

“Without clear rights and obligations on the collection and storing of personal data, individuals (inside and outside the country) will be reluctant to carry out (electronic) transactions,” she added.

Heng said the country is also embarassed when incidents involving someone’s personal data falling into the wrong hands occur. Then, there are the financial and legal liabilities that rear up as well.

She reminded businesses that any personal data that is collected belongs to the individual and that the companies do not have the right to redistribute such information. She said the onus is on these businesses to protect such information on behalf of the individuals.

“We must have a law that enforces this,” she said.

Heng hopes the Personal Data Protection bill will be gazetted into law by early next year.

The bill was drafted by a group that includes representatives from the Attorney-General’s chambers, the former Ministry of Water, Energy and Communications, as well as the academia.

In support

Sonny Zulhuda, 33, a law lecturer at the Multimedia University who chaired the conference, said the sale of personal data is not just a Malaysian problem. “It’s a bane worldwide. The new law will definitely help all of us,” he said.

Conference attendee Sharifah Afas, 28, group general counsel for Malaysia Airlines Bhd group legal practices, sees the selling of personal data as worrying. “Also, people would think twice before doing online transactions,” she said.

Another attendee, Teh Tai Yong, 28, said he was surprised to get a phone call from an insurance company shortly after applying for a credit card recently.

“It could have been coincidence but these occurences are quite rampant. They should be stopped,” said the advocate and solicitor for Teh Kim Teh, Salina and Co.

BlackBerry better than this Apple

2009-10-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: When it comes to mobile security — specifically hacker prevention — Apple’s iPhone lags behind the BlackBerry, said Sheran Gunasekera who is head of R&D for ZenConsult.

Gunasekera, who specialises in mobile and web application security, was assessing the mobile vulnerabilities of the two smartphones.

He also quoted a study by SecurityFocus, a website on information security. “The research shows that the BlackBerry is significantly more secure than the iPhone,” he said.

“The iPhone has 39 points of vulnerability while the BlackBerry has only two.”

According to him, no device can be made totally secure all the time. He said someone will always find a way to hack into it. “The question is how difficult will it be to hack into,” he added.

He was full of praise for the latest series of BlackBerry devices.

“Short of directly installing malicious software onto the BlackBerry or convincing the user to download a fake software-patch, there is no way to infiltrate it,” said Gunasekera.

He said the BlackBerry appears to have no weaknesses that can be exploited by a hacker. “Even the sending and receiving of data packets (via the device) is well encrypted,” he added.

Gunasekera was speaking at the HITBSecConf 2009 security conference here which ends tomorrow.

HP gets touchy-feely with printers

2009-10-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

PETALING JAYA: Hewlett-Packard has just launched a couple of new all-in-one (AIO) printers, both driven by a touch-sensitive interface.

The two printers, namely the Photosmart C4780 and C4680 both come with the TouchSmart frame which is a 1.45in colour display with a touch-sensitive border.

The TouchSmart frame has context-sensitive icons which only light up when relevant to the user, thus minimising confusion and clutter on the clean, piano black finish of the printer.

Both printers have a 4,800 x 1,200dpi print resolution, optical scanning resolution of up to 1,200dpi, paper-handling up to A4 in size and use four-colour inks.

The main difference between the C4780 and C4680 is that the former comes built-in with 802.11b/g WiFi for wireless printing.

The Photosmart C4680 will retail for RM369 while the C4780 goes for RM499 — TAN KIT HOONG

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www.hp.com

Berjaya Hotels spruces up website

2009-10-11T13:17:00.001-07:00

PETALING JAYA: Berjaya Hotels & Resorts has updated the look and feel of its website.

The site, it said, is now easier to navigate and interact with. Visitors can browse holiday packages, travel articles, images and archives.

The revamp coincides with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts’ rebranding exercise.

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www.berjayahotel.com

Microsoft Malaysia bags 10 awards

2009-10-11T13:16:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Microsoft Malaysia has scored 10 Computerworld Malaysia Readers’ Choice Awards, a record in the history of the event.

The local subsidiary of the US software giant won in the categories of system management software, application server software, IT asset management system, identity management, and content filtering.

It also won in the categories of unified threat management, data mining, collaboration platform, enterprise content management and unified communications.

Microsoft Malaysia chief operations and marketing officer Yasir Yousuff expressed the company’s appreciation for local industry support, during the award presentation ceremony.

He said the company would keep investing in innovation to continue creating solutions that drive greater productivity and cost efficiencies. In its last fiscal year, Microsoft invested a total of US$9.5bil (RM34bil) in R&D.

Another notable Readers’ Choice winner is Hewlett-Packard Malaysia, which won six awards.

The award winners are chosen from votes by Computerworld Malaysia readers through an online survey conducted by Fairfax Business Research — the research arm of Computerworld publisher Fairfax Business Media.

Plan to call space station fails to take off

2009-10-11T13:15:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Using nothing but ham radio technology, several enthusiasts had planned to make a voice call to the International Space Station orbiting the earth.

But the members of the Malaysian Amateur Radio Emergency Service Society (Mares) had to scrub the mission at the eleventh hour due to a miscalculation and logistical problems.

“The 4pm time slot we were given (for the demonstration yesterday) was no good because the station would not be overhead then,” explained Salleh Huddin Abdul Rashid, one of the enthusiasts.

Also, some vital equipment that they were expecting to be brought up from Johor did not arrive.

The demonstration would have been one of the many highlights of the Hack in the Box Security Conference 2009, which ended yesterday.

“We will try again next year,” said Salleh.

According to him, Mares had hoped to show the extreme range of the ham radio by calling the station.

“Amateur radio enthusiasts have the potential to communicate beyond the perceived limits of our equipment,” he said, adding that this may be useful in an emergency.

Mares is sometimes called upon to provide communication for rescue services during a disaster that has rendered regular phone lines and other connections inoperable.

Police SMS service wins top Apicta accolade

2009-10-11T13:14:00.001-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR: A young girl hears intruders outside her house while she is in her room. Instead of dialing 911 on the house phone and risk alerting the intruders, she sends an SMS to the police.

Minutes later, the police arrive on the scene and apprehend the suspects. This quick preventive action is made possible by Dapat Vista Sdn Bhd, the service provider for the Rakancop (Friends of the Police) SMS e-community project.

It’s no wonder that this company beat 17 other finalists to win the MSC Malaysia Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance (Apicta) Prime Minister’s Choice Award because of its contribution to the community.

The 10th annual Apicta awards, billed as the Oscars of the ICT industry, took place last night at the Putra World Trade Centre here.

Dapat Vista also won the Best of e-Inclusion and e-Community Apicta Award for the service.

The Rakancop service enables members of the public to SMS the police to report crimes, make enquiries on summons, and even notify the police on traffic-congested areas.

Superintendent Alwee Abdul Ghani, the assistant director of operations at Bukit Aman for the Royal Malaysian Police, said there were 1.2 million SMSes received last year.

“The whole idea is to fight crime together with the public. Our target is to respond and act within 15 minutes of receiving an SMS from the public,” he said. “Sometimes our response time can be as quick as 6.5 minutes.”

Alwee said the police in other countries, such as Germany, Hong Kong and Bangladesh, are studying the Rakancop system because of its efficiency.

The police started using the system in 2004 and it has undergone several upgrades.

Aziz Arshad, chief executive officer of Dapat Vista, said the system also saves the police time and effort, such as when the public wants information on summonses.

“The motorists just send an SMS and the system searches the police database before sending a return SMS with the relevant information,” he said,

Dapat Vista will go on to represent Malaysia at the Apicta International 2009 awards, which will be held in Melbourne, Australia, in December.

The awards comes with a prize — one representative from Dapat Vista will get to attend a week-long entrepreneurship development programme at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States in January, next year.

More glitter

Another notable Apicta award winner is the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (Mampu).

Mampu director-general Datuk Normah Md Yusof said she was pleasantly surprised that the unit won the Best of e-Government and Services Award for its mySMS 15888 service.

“We are surprised because our project is only about a year old. With this SMS 15888 short code, people can access the services of various government agencies via their mobile gadgets,” she said.

With it, users have access to Employees Provident Fund withdrawal forms, the checking and paying of traffic fines online, and other government services.

Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, chief executive officer of the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) which organises the awards, said there is a record 383 nominees this year — the highest ever in the event’s history.

He said that over the past 10 years, the MSC Malaysia Apicta awards have been instrumental in developing a pool of small- and medium-scale technopreneurs for the nation. The awards have also helped these innovators go on to bigger and better things, as well as penetrate the global market.

For instance, last year’s Apicta award winners Sarawak Information Systems Bhd and Les Copaque Productions Sdn Bhd, made impacts at the biennial United Nations World Summit Award ceremony that was in Monterrey, Mexico, last month.

Sarawak Information Systems was chosen as the best entry in the e-Government & Institutions category while Les Copaque Productions received a Regional Special Mention for Asia in the e-Entertainment & Games category.

The history of the MSC Malaysia Apicta awards goes back to 1999 when it was first introduced to showcase the country’s ICT sector. MDeC is guardian of the MSC Malaysia initiative to leapfrog the country’s knowledge economy.

Pikom — the Association of the Computer and Multimedia Industry of Malaysia — partners with MDeC to organise the Apicta event.

US troops distribute food in storm-hit Philippines

2009-10-11T13:12:00.001-07:00

MANILA, Philippines (AP): American troops began to distribute food aid Sunday in the storm-stricken Philippines as the country struggled with the aftermath of back-to-back typhoons that have left more than 600 dead.

With roads blocked and bridges washed away in floods and more than 100 landslides, the Philippine government's resources have been stretched thin. Officials have asked US troops in the country for an annual military exercise to extend relief operations.

After pulling six people from landslides, Filipino rescuers said they remained hopeful of locating more survivors in the stricken north of the country, but retrieved only bodies on Saturday.

Marine Capt. Jorge Escatell, a US military spokesman, said troops have trucked tons of UN supplies from Manila to a Philippine military camp in northern Tarlac province for distribution by the Americans on Sunday to victims of Typhoon Parma.

Marine CH-46 helicopters have also flown over the flooded region to assess the damage and find locations for a medical mission and food distribution. Heavy equipment also will be brought in to help clear roads littered with debris, Escatell said.

Troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Okinawa, Japan, had just finished rescue and cleanup work around the capital, Manila, which experienced the worst flooding in over four decades after Tropical Storm Ketsana dumped record rains Sept. 26. That disaster displaced about 1 million people and killed 337 in the capital and surrounding provinces. More than 287,000 remain in evacuation centers.

Then Typhoon Parma struck Oct. 3 and has lingered as a tropical depression for about a week, also over the main northern Philippine island of Luzon. It has dumped more heavy rains, triggering floods and landslides that have killed at least 276 people, most of them in the last two days. It has displaced about 170,000 people.

About 200 US Marines and sailors are on also standby to help in the relief mission. They are aboard two Navy ships, USS Harpers Ferry and the USS Tortuga, off Pangasinan province, and in a Philippine military camp just south of the Cordillera mountains on Luzon.

Escatell said the US troops were weary but still enthusiastic for their humanitarian mission.

"This is what we trained for," he said. "We are tired ... but it's well worth it, especially when you see the smile on the children's faces when we come to people that need medical attention or just need some kind of support."

Rescuers are still searching landslides for survivors. Among the six pulled out alive on Thursday and Friday was a 17-year-old boy who was buried in his home in Baguio city. Five others were found in Mountain Province, Luces said.

More bodies were pulled from under tons of mud and rocks Saturday, but no survivors, she said.

Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan told ABS-CBN television his province needed more embalmers and caskets for the large number of dead.

Mayor Artemio Galwan of La Trinidad township in Benguet province said at least 78 bodies have been recovered there. He appealed for shovels and other tools as well as portable spotlights to allow volunteers to continue digging at night.

Luces said, "We are hopeful that we will get more people alive."

Rains have subsided in most areas and water was receding Saturday from low-lying provinces south of the Cordillera region, but much of the rice-growing province of Pangasinan, northwest of Manila, was still submerged. In the provincial capital of Dagupan, flood water was about waist-deep.

New Malaysian Indian party poses threat to MIC: analysts

2009-10-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

Malaysia's top ethnic Indian party, which was shunned in elections a year ago, faces a major challenge after a rival party was launched with the blessing of the ruling coalition.

Prime Minister Najib Razak presided over the debut of the Malaysian Makkal Sakti (MSP) party, which sprang from the banned rights group Hindraf, whose leaders were jailed for mounting anti-discrimination protests in 2007.

Analysts said the premier's role was a slap in the face for the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), a member of the 13-member Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition that has ruled Malaysia since independence in 1957.

They said that Najib, who needs to reclaim support from minority Indians and Chinese who are shifting towards a resurgent opposition, cannot rely on the MIC, which is widely seen as out of touch and beset by cronyism.

"That the PM himself is backing a small, insignificant Indian party shows he has lost faith in the MIC, and the MSP is now a threat to the MIC, which will definitely try to block it from joining the ruling coalition," said political analyst Khoo Kay Peng.

"The amount of attention being given to MSP is surprising given that it has yet to prove whether it can attract Indian votes," he said.

In a speech punctuated by standing ovations and the premier leading cheers of "Makkal Sakti" (People's Power), Najib said he would work with anyone who supported his government.

"I'd like to reach out to anyone in and outside of BN as long as they believe in my government, we can work together," he told some 3,000 party members and supporters at the lavish ceremony Saturday.

"These people want to support the BN, my leadership and government except that they are not ready to be in MIC so they have formed their own party. It is not my instigation for them to form the party," he said.

MSP president R. Thanenthiran said his party did not have any immediate plans to join the coalition.

"We are trying to improve the living conditions of the Indian community first and we can think of joining the BN later," he told AFP.

The MIC, which has been led by veteran politician Samy Vellu since 1979, has been criticised for failing to improve the lives of ethnic Indians who say they are disadvantaged in terms of education, wealth and job opportunities.

The party was punished in national elections a year ago, securing only three out of nine parliamentary seats contested, but has ignored calls for change and retained Samy as its leader in internal polls last month.

The shunning of the MIC was part of an unprecedented drubbing for the BN, which lost its two-thirds parliamentary majority and control of five states to the Pakatan Rakyat opposition alliance.

Ethnic Indians make up less than eight percent of the 27 million population of Malaysia, which is dominated by Muslim Malays.

Influential blogger and former New Straits Times chief editor Kadir Jasin said the MIC only had itself to blame for the current state of affairs.

"The blame has to be on MIC itself because it has not been seen to be effectively representing the interests and welfare of the Indian community," he told AFP.

"It raises questions as to what the MIC's future role will be in the ruling coalition."

discover a land of intriguing diversity

2009-10-11T13:01:00.001-07:00

Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other ethnic groups have lived together in Malaysia for generations. All these cultures have influenced each other, creating a truly Malaysian culture. The largest ethnic groups in Malaysia are the Malays, Chinese and Indians. In Sabah and Sarawak, there are a myriad of indigenous ethnic groups with their own unique culture and heritage.MALAY

Today, the Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group, make up more than 50% of the population. In Malaysia, the term Malay refers to a person who practices Islam and Malay traditions, speaks the Malay language and whose ancestors are Malays. Their conversion to Islam from Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism began in the 1400s, largely influenced by the decision of the royal court of Melaka. The Malays are known for their gentle mannerisms and rich arts heritage.

CHINESE

The second largest ethnic group, the Malaysian Chinese form about 25% of the population. Mostly descendents of Chinese immigrants during the 19th century, the Chinese are known for their diligence and keen business sense. The three sub-groups who speak a different dialect of the Chinese language are the Hokkien who live predominantly on the northern island of Penang; the Cantonese who live predominantly in the capital city Kuala Lumpur; and the Mandarin-speaking group who live predominantly in the southern state of Johor.

INDIAN

The smallest of three main ethnic groups, the Malaysian Indians form about 10% of the population. Most are descendants of Tamil-speaking South Indian immigrants who came to the country during the British colonial rule. Lured by the prospect of breaking out of the Indian caste system, they came to Malaysia to build a better life. Predominantly Hindus, they brought with them their colourful culture such as ornate temples, spicy cuisine and exquisite sarees.

INDIGENOUS ETHNIC GROUPSOrang Asli

Orang Asli is a general term used for any indigenous groups that are found in Peninsular Malaysia. They are divided into three main tribal groups: Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay. The Negrito usually live in the north, the Senoi in the middle and the Proto-Malay in the south. Each group or sub-group has its own language and culture. Some are fishermen, some farmers and some are semi-nomadic.

SARAWAKCollectively known as the Dayaks, the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu are the major ethnic groups in the state of Sarawak. Dayak, which means upstream or inland, is used as a blanket term by the Islamic coastal population for over 200 tribal groups. Typically, they live in longhouses, traditional community homes that can house 20 to 100 families.

Iban

The largest of Sarawak's ethnic groups, the Ibans form 30% of the state's population. Sometimes erroneously referred to as the Sea Dayaks because of their skill with boats, they are actually an upriver tribe from the heart of Kalimantan. In the past, they were a fearsome warrior race renowned for headhunting and piracy. Traditionally, they worship a triumvirate of gods under the authority of Singalang Burung, the bird-god of war. Although now mostly Christians, many traditional customs are still practised.

Bidayuh

Peace-loving and easy-going, the gentle Bidayuh of Sarawak are famous for their hospitality and tuak or rice wine. Making their homes in Sarawak's mountainous regions, they are mostly farmers and hunters. In their past headhunting days, their prized skulls were stored in a 'baruk' a roundhouse that rises about 1.5 metres above the ground. Originally animists, now most of them have converted to Christianity.

Orang Ulu

Also known as upriver tribes of Sarawak. Forming roughly 5.5% of Sarawak's population, there are over 100,000 different Orang Ulu tribes. Arguably Borneo's most artistic people, their large longhouses are ornately decorated with murals and superb woodcarvings; their utensils are embellished with intricate beadwork; and aristocratic ladies cover their bodies with finely detailed tattoos.

SABAHThe largest indigenous ethnic groups of Sabah's population are the Kadazan Dusun, the Bajau and the Murut.

Kadazan Dusun

The largest ethnic group of Sabah, the Kadazan Dusuns form about 30% of the state's population. Actually consisting of two tribes; the Kadazan and the Dusun, they were grouped together as they both share the same language and culture. However, the Kadazan are mainly inhabitants of flat valley deltas, which are conducive to paddy field farming, while the Dusun traditionally lived in the hilly and mountainous regions of interior Sabah.

Bajau

The second largest ethnic group in Sabah, the Bajaus make up about 15% of the state's population. Historically a nomadic sea-faring people that worshipped the Omboh Dilaut or God of the Sea, they are sometimes referred to as the Sea Gypsies. Those who chose to leave their sea-faring ways became farmers and cattle-breeders. These land Bajaus are nicknamed 'Cowboys of the East' in tribute to their impressive equestrian skills, which are publicly displayed in the annual Tamu Besar festival at Kota Belud.

Murut

The third largest ethnic group in Sabah the Muruts make up about 3% of the state's population. Traditionally inhabiting the northern inland regions of Borneo, they were the last of Sabah's ethnic groups to renounce headhunting. Now, they are mostly shifting cultivators of hill paddy and tapioca, supplementing their diet with blowpipe hunting and fishing. Like most indigenous tribes in Sabah, their traditional clothing is decorated with distinctive beadwork.

What Places To Visit During Your Holidays In Malaysia

2009-10-11T04:51:00.000-07:00

Many tourists visit Malaysia each year on their holidays. They are attracted by the beautiful diverse landscape and the cultural diversity that this popular country has to offer. Some holiday makers stay in self catering holiday accommodation in Malaysia and they use these holiday homes as a base to explore Malaysia.

There are some stunning holiday villas with swimming pools in the coastal regions of Malaysia. It is also possible to rent self catering holiday apartments in some of the bigger cities.

The name Malaysia itself suggests that the country is a minuscule of the large Asia. Truly Asia is not wrong in any aspect when we refer to Malaysia. The diversity of culture and the various tourist destinations make Malaysia a unique travel experience. This is a country full of tropical islands, hill stations in Gentry and Cameron Highlands, tropical rain forests, pristine pure beaches and not to forget the city of Kuala Lumpur.

Kelantan has a very long history, records of Kelantan dates back to 8000 to 3000 B.C. This state was ruled by many different countries and till 1941 was under the Japanese rule. In 1963 Kelantan became a part of Malaysia. Kelantan is well linked by road and rail. There are flights, which link Kelantan to Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Tourist attractions in Kelantan are Kota Bahru, which is its capital city. It is a bustling town famous for its culture and crafts. Jahan Mahmud has a cultural centre, which is the living heritage of Kelantan. The Royal Museum is called Istana Batu and was built during the reign of Sultan Ismail. It has a wide range of silverware, furniture and bedroom items on the display. The war museum in Kelantan dates back to 1912 and has many Japanese memorabilia and documents on display. The best time to visit Kelantan is February to May. The July Festival also attracts many tourists.

Malacca the seaside city is 147 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur. The culture here is a mix of Portuguese and Chinese. History says that Malacca was a strategic midway point that provided the link between China and India. It has therefore developed into an international commerce hub. The best time to visit Malaysia is from January to February. Malacca is well connected by road and rail. The airport is situated 9.5 kilometres north at Batu Berendam.

Penang is a small beautiful island state of Malaysia. It is a very popular holiday destination with tourists attracted to its golden beaches, delicious cuisine and warm seas. There are many places to visit in Penang namely Georgetown City, Clock Tower, First Cornwallis, Kromtan Tower, Wat Chayamangakaram Temple, Kek Lok Si, Snake Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Penang Hill, Khoo Kongri, and Penang Bridge. There are some luxurious holiday villas in Penang right next to the sea.

Sarawak the largest state in Malaysia is the land of the fabled white elephants. It is also the home of hornbills and orangutan and hornbill. Sarawak has a diverse ecosystem found nowhere else in the world and it attracts many tourists to see this ecosystem. There are many national parks which are very popular with tourists. Many tourists visit Musuem, Sunday Open Market, Kuching, Skrang River Safaru, Pepper Plantations, Cultural Village, Santuborg Fishing Village and the famous caves.

Malaysia is a beautiful country to visit on your holidays and you are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome from its people. It has some fabulous holiday home accommodation available to rent from their owners. It is said that some of the best holiday villas in the world are in Malasia.

Renaissance Kota Bahru

2008-06-17T02:39:00.000-07:00

Renaissance Kota Bahru

Experience the rich Malay culture at Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel, the city's only five star international class hotel and premier convention and wedding venue. Conveniently located in the heart of Kota Bharu's commercial and shopping district and also close to the domestic airport. For business or leisure traveler, the 298 spacious accommodation rooms and suites provides world class service and facilities including High Speed Internet, 2 Executive Floors with dedicated Club Lounge,Business Centre, wireless meeting rooms with Grand Ballroom, an on-site event management to create exhibitions,conventions, meetings and most extravagant weddings. The Renaissance Fitness Centre is Kota Bharu's largest gymnasium equipped with latest fitness equipment,steam rooms,sauna, Jacuzzi and an outdoor swimming pool. Hotel Highlights * The only five star International class hotel in the city with 2 Executive floors and a Club Lounge. * Offers fabulous dining options :- Palm Terrace Cafe,Dynasty Restaurant, Lobby Lounge & Cigar Divan. * Renaissance Fitness Centre is equipped with modern facilities including an outdoor swimming pool. * Marriott Rewards category: 3 Maps & Transportation >> Parking * Complimentary on-site parking * Valet parking, fee: 6 MYR daily * Off-site parking; contact hotel for details * Kota Sri Mutiara Complex Parking Area Information >> Top Attractions * Batik/Songket Center * Siti Khatijah Central market * Night Market Deals at this Hotel >> * Explore an Array of Local Flavors in Kota Bharu * Marriott Rewards Member Offers Enjoy the Nightlife of Malaysia and Save * Member Exclusive Rates in Malaysia Receive Marriott Specials & Packages by email. Sign up now Guest Rooms in Detail >> * All guest rooms are equipped with modern facilities including BBC and movies channel. * Rooms are equipped with high speed internet access. * Accommodations are available with King beds or Twin beds. * Bathrooms have separate shower stalls and bath tubs for a complete luxury. High-speed Internet access Public Areas Wireless Guest Rooms Wired Meeting Rooms Wireless * Renaissance® Kota Bharu Hotel * Kota Sri Mutiara, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra * Kota Bharu, 15150 Malaysia * Phone: 60 9 746 2233 * Fax: 60 9 746 1122

SWISS INN KUALA LUMPUR

2008-06-17T02:37:00.000-07:00

SWISS INN KUALA LUMPUR JALAN SULTAN KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA

Swiss Inn Hotel Kuala Lumpur located at No. 62, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, nestled in the heart of the city of Kuala Lumpur. Enjoying a central location, Swiss-Inn Kuala Lumpur is also able to present to its guest the sights and splendour of colourful Chinatown and downtown Kuala Lumpur. The Inn stretches from Jalan Sultan to Jalan Petaling or Petaling Street. Petaling Street, known as Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown in endowed with a distinct character of its own. This colorful street of shops, restaurants and hawker stalls bustles with vitality. Walk, linger or browse as the sights and sounds capture one's imagination. Flanking both sides of this street are shops selling anything from textiles to Chinese herbal medicines. Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur Malaysia is connected well to the rest of the City. Puduraya, the main bus terminal of Kuala Lumpur and the Pasar Seni, the Light Rail Transit System Station are located within 10 minutes walks away.

Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur Malaysia provides 110 appointed and tastefully design rooms, designed for your comfort at affordable tariffs. Blending old style charm with modern amenities, the hotel is equipped to host the needs of today's travelers. Standard features of rooms at Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur Malaysia includes Individually controlled air conditioning, Colour TV, In House Movies, Mini Bar In the Deluxe Rooms, Electronic Door Lock, IDD Telephone, Bedside Control Panel and many more. Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur Malaysia do not have a Swimming Pool and its own Carpark. Car parks are available at neighboring buildings and lots and is chargeable at RM6.00 per entry. Broadband Internet access is available at the Coffee House and is chargeable at RM6.00 per hour.

To relax and unwind after a hard days works or touring around the City of Kuala Lumpur, Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur offers Café Petaling, Sidewalk Café & Bar and the Japanese Food Counter. Indulge in tempting delights and watch the world of Chinatown go by. Wine and Dine with a difference at the Swiss Inn Café Petaling or the open air terrace Café, the Sidewalk Café and the Teppanyaki Counter. Indulge in an array of local, Chinese and international cuisine or simply sit back and relax over fresh juices, wine, cocktails and the Swiss Tower 3 litres of Cool Beers in friendly atmosphere.

For Meeting, Conferences, cocktail reception or a medium size dinner party, Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur Malaysia offer a medium size Conference room able to accommodate to a maximum of 100 persons.

Welcome to Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur Malaysia……..your first step to discover the warm welcoming peoples of Malaysia and mystical Malaysia.

Holiday Villa Subang

2008-06-17T02:30:00.000-07:00

Holiday Villa Subang

Holiday Villa Hotel & Suites Subang, a 5-star business resort offers the ideal getaway for business and leisure.

The Hotel is set on 6.8 acres of beautifully landscaped land overlooking a pristine lake incorporating the luxuries of modern facilities in a lush surrounding.

Its features 383 spacious guestrooms all equipped with modern amenities, 10 food and beverage outlets offering guests a choice of global cuisine, 18 convention and meeting facilities including three ballrooms and a comprehensive range of sports and recreational facilities including an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

LOCATION

Holiday Villa Hotel & Suites Subang is a leading business class hotel and recreational club set on 6.8 acres of landscaped land in the prime area of Subang Jaya. Just 25 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, 45 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Holiday Villa Hotel & Suites Subang is thus conveniently accessible to the discerning business traveller.

It is situated just minutes away from major shopping complexes like Sunway Pyramid, Subang Parade and The Summit which feature international retail outlets and state-of-the-art entertainment outlets. To add to your enjoyment, it is also ideally situated 5 minutes away from Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia's premier water theme-park.

Getting Here

Located a stone's throw from major shopping complexs and Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia's Premier Theme Park.
* 25 km from Kuala Lumpur.
* 35 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
* 5 minutes from Subang Jaya KTM kommuter station.
* 5 minutes from Sunway Lagoon Theme Park & Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre.
* 10 minutes from Subang Airport.

Century Suria Service Apartments

2008-06-17T02:15:00.000-07:00

Century Suria Service Apartments

Come experience a refreshing new lifestyle when you stay in the Century Suria Service Apartments, Langkawi. With excellent interior finishing, comprehensive facilities and good service, the Century Suria comes with all the standards of a 5-star hotel but with an affordable rate.

The Century Suria is also just a stone's throw away from the Langkawi Mall as well as near a host of yachting and cruising facilities. This makes the Century Suria the ideal choice for business travellers and families to enjoy a stay in Langkawi.

Mahkota Hotel

2008-06-17T02:12:00.000-07:00

Mahkota Hotel

In the very heart of Malacca city is Mahkota Hotel Melaka, offering the very best in comfort and hospitality to discerning travellers. The hotel is within a very short walking distance to major sightseeing and historical attractions and is situated on the waterfront close to Malacca's commercial hub. Adjacent is Mahkota Parade, Malacca's premier shopping and entertainment complex that caters to every need for fun, food and fashion.

Location of Mahkota Hotel

Jerejak Resort Spa

2008-06-17T01:59:00.000-07:00

A beautiful tropical island set amidst virgin jungle, Pulau Jerejak is every nature lover's dream come true! Coupled with her rich historical background, a holiday here promises to be refreshingly different.

Relics and artifacts share a home with the rich flora and fauna of this island.

Get ready for an adventure as you step into one of the few remaining rainforests of Malaysia.

Let the adventure begin...

A resort with the back to nature theme, Jerejak Resort & SPA, offers numerous outdoor activities for individuals and groups. Below are the lists of activities available.

PROGRAMMES:

Team-Building Programmes [Team-Building Park]
Company Outings
Telematch Games
Children Summer Camp
Nature & Historical Trekking

HIGH ELEMENT ACTIVITIES:

Flying Fox
Suspension Bridge
Rock / Wall Climbing
Abseiling/ Rappelling

LOW ELEMENT ACTIVITIES:

Wire Obstacles
Obstacles Circuit
Archery

OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

Guided Jungle Trekking
Hiking
Mountain Biking Trails
Paint Ball War Games
Water Polo
Beach Soccer / Volleyball / Netball

VISIT PULAU JEREJAK
If you’d like to stay or organise a program at our resort, our sales team will gladly propose a tailor-made itinerary to meet your needs.S

CONTACT US
For enquiries reach us at:

JEREJAK RESORT & SPA
No. 1, Mk. 13,
Daerah Timur Laut,
Pulau Jerejak,
11900 Bayan Lepas.
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Tel: +604-658 7111
Fax: +604-659 7700
email: reservation@jerejakresort.com

Kuala Lumpur Sales Office:
Ancasa Hotel K.L.
Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock,
50786, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2026 6060 ext 7204
Fax: +603-2031 3350
Email: jerejakresort@ancasanet.com

Nexus Resort Karambunai

2008-06-17T01:54:00.001-07:00

Nexus Resort Karambunai

Set within Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, a destination easily accessible via most major Asian cities, Nexus Resort Karambunai nestles upon the sandy fringes of the spectacular Karambunai peninsula, 30kms Northeast of Kota Kinabalu city, the state's capital, and 40kms away from the International Airport.

The 3,335 acres of natural and landscaped surroundings create a perfect background for all 485 well-appointed guestrooms, suites and luxury villas, eight restaurants and bars and an almost endless array of leisure and recreational activities.

The award-winning 18-hole championship golf course and an exclusive Borneo Spa complement the superb facilities of this magnificent resort.

The Nexus Resort Karambunai ... Some say it's Heaven

Location of Nexus Resort Karambunai

Swiss Garden Resort Spa

2008-06-17T01:50:00.000-07:00

Swiss Garden Resort & Spa

SWISS GARDEN RESORT & SPA KUANTAN PAHANG MALAYSIA.....Total Luxury By The South China Sea

Swiss-Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan Pahang Malaysia is a world-class beach resort located on the pristine shoreline of eastern Peninsular Malaysia. Idyllic and charming, this coconut-swaying paradise fronts the azure waters of the South China Sea. With luxurious accommodations, excellent facilities, attentive service and true Malaysian hospitality, every guest of ours can expect to be treated like royalty. Holidaymakers and business travelers alike will find the Swiss-Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan, Pahang Malaysia an unforgettable experience.

Swiss-Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan, Pahang Malaysia comes with 304 well appointed guestrooms. The rooms comprises of 111 Deluxe Garden View, 134 Deluxe Sea-View, 23 Family Suites, 16 Studio Rooms and 20 Executives Suites. A harmonious blend of contemporary design, the Resort's elegantly refurbished guest accommodation in subtle earthy tones combined with exclusively designed soft furnishings create a unique atmosphere and perfect balance between luxury and homely familiarity. Facilities in all rooms include a long bath with a built-in shower, king-size or twin beds, individually controlled air conditioning, satellite TV, broadband internet connection, safe, mini-bar and coffee & tea making facilities. Each room has a private balcony and boasts panoramic view of the South China Sea or the lush green garden.

Dining at the Swiss- Garden Resort and Spa, Kuantan Pahang Malaysia has always been a gourmets delight, now is even more so. Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan, Pahang Malaysia caters for all tastes and occasions, offering a large range of local and exotic dishes in elegant surroundings. The Garden Terrace offers wide range of culinary delights for everyone. The Swiss-Deli at The Blue Chip Lounge is a great place to mix & mingle with friends or meet new ones. Snack on homemade pastries or cakes accompanied with a cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee while catching up with the latest gossip. The Blossom Chinese Restaurant serves Halal Chinese specialities from provinces of Szechuan to Canton. Szechuan Hot and Sour Soup and home-made Chef’s Specialties are among the favourites offered. Each dish is carefully prepared to its final detail by our experienced Chinese Chefs. Our Parrot Bar is just the place for you to relax and enjoy the breeze of South China Sea. With a location so ideal, hidden away from the hustle and bustle and under a lush canopy of trees, Parrot Bar is the place where everybody knows everybody’s name. Indulge in our specially blended cocktails or exotic cool coconut juice. Wind down with pool-playing or just lay in one of the hammocks available. If you need to exercise your lungs, an outdoor karaoke with big wide outdoor screen is also available. As night falls, sit around the bar and enjoy pleasant conversation or simply enjoy juicy and succulent satay, extra large in size, served with our signature homemade peanut sauce.

Malibu Club is our latest thematic bar. With its contemporary Fun Pub bistro concept, Malibu is a great ‘watering hole’ to mingle with friends or show off your moves on the dance floor. Sip our specially blended exotic cocktails while enjoying versatile repertoire by our in-house band from the 70’s, 80’s and also the latest of the 90’s. Dance the night away with our cool DJs spinning the latest and funkiest of music. Be awed by the tastefully decorated interior deliberately put together to reflect FUN. Be sure that the bartenders whip up our special concoction for you to enjoy whilst being entertained by our inspirational live band.

Swiss-Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan, Pahang Malaysia offers a wealth of recreational options. The Resort’s recreational facilities include a free-form swimming pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi and a paddling pool for children. Close proximity of the paddling pool to The Garden Terrace allows parents to keep a close eye on children while enjoying their Cappuccino in the relaxed comfort of the terrace. A children’s playground located near the pool offers another attraction for kids’ fun and excitement. For the active thrill seekers, there are two flood-lit tennis courts for that friendly or action-packed engagement. Sports Lab Fitness Center, a professionally run gymnasium, provides a complete workout for those who want to keep fit and have fun at the same time. Sauna also provides relaxation for the stressed or to tone that fit body.

To keep children busy, the Games Room, the Tupai Kid’s club (adjacent to the Fitness Center) and the Cyber Station, is the ideal spot; educational games, video games, network games, board games, etc. are available to keep even the most restless child or adult occupied and fulfilled for hours. If the preference is for local tours, these may be arranged through our Lobby Activities Desk.

Our Trader’s Loft is the answer to your prayers. With just about everything under the one roof, there is something for everyone from chips to swim wears to souvenirs. All items are sold at competitive prices.

Our Samsara Spa offers the most exotic and traditional treatments and massages to release all your tensions. Indulge in a full range of treatments to free your mind, refresh your spirit and excite your senses. Centuries old Balinese Herbal wonders like the ‘Traditional Cream Bath, Javanese Body Scrub,’ and more are available to pamper every part of your body. The spa also offers health cuisine and health drinks.

Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan, Pahang Malaysia offers six Function Rooms with over 1,000 square metres of contiguous function space, the choices are easy and endless. Whether it’s for business or special occasions, large or small, fancy or more down to earth, Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan, Malaysia is unsurpassed for style, flexibility and comfort.

An international class Resort with 304 rooms, the sea, the sun, Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan Pahang Malaysia offers exceptional service amidst tranquil vista and the tropical breeze...Welcome to Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan Pahang Malaysia.

Bayview Georgetown Penang

2008-06-17T01:47:00.000-07:00

Bayview Georgetown Penang

Bayview Hotel Georgetown, Penang is nestled at the heart of the banking and commercial centre and in its radius are shopping, food and historical places.Its charming capital, Georgetown, is a magical combination of heritage architecture, colourful festivals with sumptuous culinary treats, all imbued in a culture of small-town friendliness.

Address & Contact number
25-A Farquhar Street,
10200 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +(604) 263 3161
Fax: +(604) 263 4124
E-mail: bayviewgeorgetown@bayviewhotels.com
Website: www.bayviewhotels.com/georgetown

Malaysia Top 10 Hotels

2008-06-17T01:31:00.000-07:00

Ancasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Bayview Georgetown Penang

Swiss Garden Resort & Spa

Nexus Resort Karambunai

Jerejak Resort Spa

Mahkota Hotel

Century Suria Apartment

Holiday Villa Subang

Swiss Inn Kuala Lumpur

Renaissance Kota Bahru

Ancasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia – Truly Asia. Welcome to one of Southeast Asia's most culturally diverse nations. This is a country with paradise islands, hillside retreats, tropical rainforests and cosmopolitan cities – truly a landscape that defies imagination.

It is in the warm hospitality, the welcoming greeting, the prompt and efficient service - some of the attributes our guests have commented on. The same things you can look forward to when you stay with us. So, visit Radius International Kuala Lumpur today and begin a business partnership that we treasure from the moment you walk into our sanctuary. With the superb location and good facilities within the hotel, surely your stay will be truly perfect.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

2008-06-16T22:46:00.000-07:00

All of them came from countries like Australia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Indonesia, Tanzania, China, Holland, Africa, South America, South East Asia and of course, Malaysia. With this type of tree flightconcept, birds are able to breed naturally in this unique concept bird park. There are also some facilities here: Souvenir Shops Refreshment Kiosks Rest & Picnic Areas Baggage Services Clean Public Toilets Phone Booths Car Parks Bird Performances Guided Tours Shuttle Transfers from Hotels Hatchery & Education Centre Other Services: Corporate Adoption Programmes Party Packages / Treasure Hunt / Incentive Arrangements Events / Functions / Meeting Services School Education Programmes ECO - Education Programmes Wings Club

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

Located in the serene and scenic Lake Gardens, close to the Orchid Garden and the Tun Abdul Razak Memorial, the Bird Park is one of the largest covered bird park in the world, sprawling 8 acres of verdant valley terrain. Here, for the first time in Malaysia, bird lovers can have a field day watching more than 3000 birds perching and winging about freely-in a totally natural and beautifully landscaped enviroment.

Meet Ujang at the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. Ujang is a magnificent hornbill which we got to know as we were having lunch at the Hornbill Restaurant and CafÃ© within the park. Located at Jalan Cenderawasih in scenic Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana), the park is said to be the largest aviary of its kind in the world. Resembling their natural habitat, the park hosts more than 3,000 birds from 200 species and covers about 8.4ha. stroll through the park along a maze of walkways, amidst greenery, scattered with scenic rest stops for picnics. It is open everyday from 9am to 7pm. For enquiries, call +603 22721010.

Hornbills, Flamingos, Parrots, Cockatoos, Storks, Pheasants, Mynahs Pigeons, Macaws. Ducks, Waterhens and more feathered citizens and ambassadors gathered together from countries like Australia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Indonesia, Tanzania, China Holland, Africa, South America, South East Asia and of course, Malaysia.

Visitors will enjoy strolling through the park along a maze of paved walkways - amidst a profusion of greenery, refreshing air, pleasant trills, coos and whistles of birdsong.
At various points, you'll be delighted to come across miniature gardens, pools and water cascades, bridges, flowering plants, fruit trees...and bird - feeding stations.
At the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, you'll spend engrossing hours spotting and studying the huge and fascinating variety of the feathered beauties found here.
Catch the sweeping flights of Egrets and Whistling Teals, the melodic chirps of yellow - Corwned Bulbuls, the shrieking mimicry of the Hill Mynahs or watch enthralled the ingenious nest making of Baya Weavers. A wonderful time for bird - watching, outdoor fun and recreation awaits you.

KL Bird Park is well known worldwide as "The World's Largest Covered Bird Park" or "The World's Largest Free Flight Aviary", home to more than 3000 birds from approximately 200 species of local and worldwide birds.

Malaysia Maps

2008-06-16T22:34:00.000-07:00

Malaysia Maps

Malacca

2008-06-16T05:07:00.002-07:00

Malacca

Like Penang to the north, Malacca is a fascinating mix of cultures and religions. At various times over the last 500 years the Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British have all settled in this city, and their influence is still felt today. Visitors to Malacca can explore this heritage at the same time they sample the vibrant culture of modern Malaysia.

Geography
Malacca (in Malay, Melaka), the capital of the state of Malacca, is on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia across the Strait of Malacca from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Covering just 1.3 percent of Malaysia's total area, the state is the second smallest in the country.

Muzium Orang Asli (Indigenous Peoples Museum)

2008-06-16T05:07:00.001-07:00

Muzium Orang Asli (Indigenous Peoples Museum):

A quaint museum situated on Orang Asli land that showcases the cultures of the different peoples indigenous to Peninsular Malaysia. Over 3,000 artifacts reveal the history and lifestyles of the many tribes which occupied Malaysia before the advent of urban society. Definitely worth the journey.

Batu Caves

2008-06-16T05:04:00.000-07:00

Batu Caves:

Hindus have used these caves as temples since their discovery in 1878 by William Hornaday. Crowds of Hindus visit the caves in January and February for the spectacular Thaipusam festival, when devout Hindus skewer portable shrines to their bodies and carry them all the way from central KL, about 8 miles away. The caves contain a large number of beautiful statues of the Hindu gods, with a golden, 130 foot statue of Lord Muruga at the entrance. Beware of the thieving monkeys and the bat droppings in the cave, and be prepared to climb 272 stairs to access the cave.

Batu Caves is a fascinating natural wonder and an important Hindu temple, as well as a nice excursion out of the city center

Bangsar and Midvalley

2008-06-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

Bangsar and Midvalley:

Located south of the city, Bangsar is a popular restaurant and clubbing district while Midvalley, with its mega mall, is one of the city's most popular shopping destinations.
Damansara and Hartamas:

Largely suburban, these two districts to the west of the city are home to some interesting restaurants and drinking areas.
Northern suburbs:

This huge area to the north of the city is home to several attractions, such as Batu Caves, the National Zoo and the Indigenous Peoples Museum.

Thean Hou Temple

2008-06-16T05:02:00.000-07:00

Thean Hou Temple:

The Thean Hou temple is one of the largest and most ornate Chinese temples in the region. The six-tiered temple is dedicated to Tian Hou, or The Heavenly Mother. But it also houses two other altars, one for Shui Wei Sheng Niang, the Goddess of the Waterfront and another for Kuan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Its grand architecture and fantastic views make it a tourist favorite.

Tuanku Abdul Rahman

2008-06-16T05:01:00.000-07:00

Tuanku Abdul Rahman:

This is the traditional, colorful shopping district of Kuala Lumpur north of the city center that moves into high gear during the festivals of Hari Raya Puasa (Eid ul-Fitr) and Deepavali.
Brickfields:

This area, located south of the city center, is Kuala Lumpur's Little India, filled with saree shops and banana leaf rice restaurants. Kuala Lumpur's main railway station-KL Sentral-is also located here.

Traveler's tip

2008-06-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

Aquaria:

A gigantic aquarium housing 5,000 varieties of tropical fishes, Aquaria has an underwater tunnel, various exhibits of flora and fauna, and multimedia kiosks.
Petrosains: A museum of the science and technology behind the petroleum industry, located in the Petronas Towers. A great place to bring kids, but it shouldn't be too high on the agenda for older folks.

KL Tower:

1,100 feet above ground, the observation deck on the top floor provides great city views, and you'll actually be a few dozen feet higher than the Petronas Towers since the tower is built on a hill.

Traveler's tip:

The views from the KL Tower are far superior to those from the Petronas Towers, though KL Tower is not a particularly easy place to reach by public transport.

Petronas Twin Towers

2008-06-16T04:56:00.002-07:00

Petronas Twin Towers:

Until recently the tallest buildings in the world, they are now second only to the newly built Taipei 101 building in Taipei, Taiwan. Visitors may pick up passes to marvel at the view from the Skybridge (level 41-42), one of the highest suspended bridges in the world. But note that in general you only have about 10 minutes on the Skybridge, and the views at the KL Tower (see below) are actually better.

Golden Triangle

2008-06-16T04:56:00.001-07:00

Golden Triangle:

The area of Kuala Lumpur located to the northeast of the city center, the Golden Triangle is where you'll find the city's shopping malls, five-star hotels, the Petronas Twin Towers and party spots.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

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Sri Mahamariamman Temple:

This elaborate Hindu temple is known as the starting point of the yearly Thaipusam pilgrimage to the Batu Caves north of the city, when Hindu devotees haul portable altars pierced to their skin with 108 lances.

Sze Ya Temple

2008-06-16T04:51:00.001-07:00

Sze Ya Temple:

Built in 1882, Sze Ya, the oldest Chinese temple in the city, is dedicated to Shen Kong, the guardian deity for the local Chinese tin miners, and several other deities. The ornate interior and elaborate roof ridges are typical of religious Chinese architecture and visitors can still see patrons worshipping gods and ancestors.

Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Association

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Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Association:

The Yuen family built this clan house (kongsi), the largest and oldest in KL, in 1906.

The colorful Chinese architecture on display here is a delight to see

Chinatown

2008-06-16T04:45:00.002-07:00

Chinatown:

Kuala Lumpur has a vibrant Chinatown that should definitely be on your list of places to see.

In Chinese culture, these red lanterns above the street symbolize good luck

Islamic Arts Museum (Muzium Kesenian Islam):

2008-06-16T04:45:00.001-07:00

Islamic Arts Museum (Muzium Kesenian Islam):
One of the most interesting museums in KL, the Islamic Arts Museum shows how Malaysian Islamic culture is connected to the Muslim lands to the west and also celebrates the uniqueness of Malaysian Islamic art.

National Museum (Muzium Negara)

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National Museum (Muzium Negara):

This museum contains exhibits on traditional life of the various ethnic communities in Malaysia, numerous well-explained artifacts including fine clothing and shadow puppets, and a sizeable natural history section showing the range of flora and fauna native to the country.

National Mosque (Masjid Negara)

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National Mosque (Masjid Negara):

The Masjid Negara is unique in that it incorporates Malay-Islamic rather than the usual Arabic-Islamic architecture. It is known for its conspicuous turquoise umbrella-like roof. Visitors are asked to dress modestly--robes for those in shorts and head scarves for women will be provided.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

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Sultan Abdul Samad Building:

Originally the offices of the Colonial Secretariat, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building later served as the first administrative center of the Malaysian government. Built in 1848 by British architects, this historical landmark is famed for its Islamic-inspired architecture. Today, it houses the Courts of Law. The 120-foot high clock tower is a popular gathering point for New Year's and National Day countdown celebrations and parades.

Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka)

2008-06-16T04:40:00.001-07:00

Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka):

Merdeka Square has a special place in the hearts of all Malaysians, for it was here that the Union Jack was lowered for the last time in 1957 and Malaysia gained its independence. Surrounding the area are a number of historical structures like Sultan Abdul Samad building (see below) and the Old City Hall. The Royal Selangor Club and St. Mary's Cathedral are two famous landmarks nearby.

MalaysianParliament

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Malaysian Parliament

Kuala Lumpur

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Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, or simply KL, is the capital of Malaysia. Literally meaning "muddy estuary" in Malay, KL has grown from a small sleepy village to a bustling metropolis (population 6.9 million) in just 150 years. With some interesting sights, the world's cheapest five-star hotels, great shopping and even better food, increasing numbers of travelers are discovering this gem of a city.

Malaysia images

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MLocated on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur lies at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers. KL is a fairly sprawling city with residential suburbs that seem to go on forever. The adjacent towns of Petaling Jaya (originally developed as KL's dormitory suburb), Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang and Port Klang, have merged with KL to create a huge metropolis called the Klang Valley.
Weather
Protected by the Titiwangsa mountains in the east and the Indonesian island of Sumatra to the west, Kuala Lumpur has a year-round equatorial climate which is warm and sunny. Rainfall is plentiful-usually more than 93 inches a year-and especially heavy during the southwest monsoon from September to April. Temperatures tend to remain constant. Maximums hover between 88°-99°F and have never exceeded 99°F, while minimums hover between 71-74°F and have never fallen below 66°F.
People
Kuala Lumpur has a mix of different cultures. Unlike the whole of Malaysia, where Malays comprise the ethnic majority, the majority of Kuala Lumpur residents are Chinese. Additional major ethnic groups represented include Indians, Eurasians, as well as other indigenous races from East Malaysia and the Malaysian peninsula.
Malay (Bahasa Melayu) is the official language but English is widely spoken in the city, especially in business and tourism, and is a required subject in all schools. Malays form the bulk of the members of parliament and dominate the political scene in Malaysia.

In the late 18th century, with Europe in the midst of the Industrial Revolution, large groups of Chinese from Fujian and Guangdong in southern China were brought to Malaysia (then called Malaya) to work in the booming tin mining industry. The Chinese in Kuala Lumpur mostly speak Cantonese with some speaking the Hakka dialect. Like all residents, the Chinese have benefited from Kuala Lumpur's excellent public school system and can communicate in English and Bahasa Malaysia as well as Mandarin.
Indians formed 10% of the population in Kuala Lumpur in 2000. First brought in by the British during their colonization of Malaysia, most Indians practice Hinduism and speak Tamil or Hindi and English. The majority of their customs and traditions are intricately tied with their religion. Hence, during the Hindu festivals such as Deepavali, Indians perform colorful rites and visit temples

Founded only in 1857 as a tin mining outpost, Kuala Lumpur is fairly new as far as Malaysian cities go and lacks the rich history of Georgetown or Malacca. After rough early years marked by gang fighting, Kuala Lumpur started to prosper and was made capital of the Federated Malay States in 1896. Malaysia's independence from Britain was declared in 1957 in front of huge crowds at what was later named Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium), and Kuala Lumpur continued as the new nation's capital. The economic boom of the 1990s brought KL the standard trappings of a modern city, including towering skyscrapers and efficient transportation systems.