2011-10-12
14Oct
13Oct
Minister on the move
Sabah's Head of State, Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Juhar Hj Mahirrudin, receives a token of remembrance from YB Datuk Masidi Manjun during the the 26th Annual Art Selection Exhibition and Prize Giving Presentation on 9th October 2011 at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu
Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Juhar Hj Mahirrudin berkenan menerima cenderakenangan daripada YB Datuk Masidi Manjun ketika Majlis Pameran dan Penyampaian Hadiah Karya Pilihan Tahunan ke-26 pada 9 Oktober 2011 bertempat di Shangri La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu.
11Oct
Enlighten yourself on sun bears at BSBCC
Animal lovers can learn more about the elusive and endangered Malayan sun bear (pic) when the visitor’s platform at the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) in Sabah is ready. BSBCC chief executive officer and wildlife researcher Wong Siew Te said construction of the platform has just begun and it was expected to open in June, next year.
He said little was known about the sun bear, which is the smallest bear species in the world and one of the rarest.
“The sun bear’s name comes from its distinctive golden-coloured chest patch, which resembles the sun,” he said during his talk on the bear at the Malaysian Nature Society headquarters yesterday.
He lamented that few Malaysians knew the importance of conserving this “wonderful, playful animal”, which faces extinction through illegal poaching and habitat destruction.
BSBCC is focused on rehabilitation, conservation, education, research and welfare of sun bears, he said.
Source: The Star (By ISABELLE LAI )
01Oct
Climbathon: Mt Kinabalu International Climbathon – The Adventure Series To Debut In 2012
A new and exciting event called the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon - The Adventure Series will debut next year to spur Sabah's tourism industry. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the internationally known Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon which produced many strong climbers from Malaysia and across the globe ends this year.
He said this is done to provide a wider range of tourism products in the state through recreational activities and not just sports.
"This event will be replaced by a new and more challenging series called the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon - The Adventure Series, which is 23 kilometres compared to the 21 kilometres previously.
"We will begin the event next year when the tracks are fully completed and participants no longer need to race to the peak of Mount Kinabalu," he told reporters after attending a presentation ceremony, here Friday.
Celcom presented a RM30,000 sponsorship for the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon taking place on Oct 22 and 23.
Masidi said the new route has long been used by local residents but needed to be improved for the safety and comfort of participants.
"The new route will cross through several villages in Kundasang. It starts at Dewan Taman Kinabalu and then into Timpohon, Masilou and other villages around Mount Kinabalu.
"Participants will also be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of villages there," he said.
The ministry also plans to make the event an annual affair.
Source: Bernama
29Sep
Sabah Experiences Double-Digit Growth In Tourist Arrivals
Sabah, has for the first time, experienced a double-digit growth in tourist arrivals this year, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun. He said the number of tourist arrivals increased to 12 per cent as of July, contributed by countries such as China, Taiwan, Korea and Australia.
He said Sabah usually experienced a six percent increase at the highest.
"The most significant arrivals were from China with a majority of high end tourists.
"There was even one month when their arrival shot up to 42 per cent," he told reporters after representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman at the launch of the Accor Hotels'''' Sabah website here today.
Masidi also expects visitors from China, with about 76,200 as of July, to possibly overtake those from Korea which is currently at around 80,000.
"I recently met with the new chairman and managing director of Malaysia Airlines and suggested that the airline start direct flights between Kota Kinabalu, Beijing and Shanghai.
"We need to give MAS some time to adjust to their new management. But the feedback that I got was that it is only the issue of availability of aircraft," he said.
He said at present, there was only the Kota Kinabalu-Hong Kong route being served.
"We expect a big influx of visitors from China if Kota Kinabalu is connected to more cities in China, with the country fast becoming a world economy, and more millionaires being created there than in any part of the world," Masidi added.
Source: Bernama
