Tag - Tourism

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government is committed to turn all towns in Sabah into “liveable cities” that are comfortable and welcoming to the dwellers, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. Liveable city is the people’s dream and making it a reality is not just a vision but a responsibility of the government, he said. He noted that the Federal Government had in its 2014 National Budget also emphasized on living quality of the people, including by incorporating green technologies in its future development plans. An allocation of RM15 million in initial funding was provided to encourage green and environmental friendly development. “For us in the State Government, we fully support and welcome the initiative and commitment by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak,” Musa said in his speech at a Planning Seminar held in conjunction with World Town Planning 2013 here, yesterday. The text of his speech was delivered by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor. Musa said the Government’s seriousness in creating a comfortable living environment for the people could be seen in many of its development projects, including the recently completed Sabah Art Gallery (SAG). The SAG was the first certified Green Building in Sabah, setting a new standard to be emulated by developers for their future projects. “Apart from that, we have also launched the Eco-Development Project in Tanjung Aru, which was launched personally by the Prime Minister himself,” he said. The Chief Minister also said the local authorities (PBT) play a vital role and should lead in the government’s effort to create liveable cities, by adopting a clear standard and preparing a detailed development planning for their respective towns. The Urban and Regional Planning Department, he added, has a huge responsibility not only in preparing the guideline to be used but also assessing their practicality. The department, he suggested, should also study and learn from the standards and approaches that have been adopted by advanced cities in other countries. “The Urban and Regional Planning Department is in the process of reviewing the planning standard, as part of its effort to ensure today’s planning meets the needs and taste of the people,” he said, commending the department for its commitment towards the Liveable City vision. He also called on all parties, including developers, to form strategic joint ventures for a more coordinated and effective development. He said this was important to ensure that every development project would contribute towards achieving liveable city, to create conducive, safe and rich living environment for the people. Source: Borneo Post

Kota Kinabalu: The emergence of China has brought along a lot of business opportunities for the neighbouring nations and also to the whole world, said Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) President Datuk Michael Lui. The outflow of funds from China investing in viable ventures overseas has become the norm, he said, adding Sabah has many areas which also warrant investments from China for lucrative returns as Sabah has rich resources. These include fossil crude oil, agro-based products, oil palm, timber, seafood products and scenic tourism spots, he said. "KKCCCI, being an NGO, is also willing to serve as a conduit between Consul-General in Kuching to further explore investment opportunities for either side so as to derive beneficial effects for both," he said in extending a warm welcome on behalf of KKCCCI to the new Consul-General, Liu Quan, as the People Republic of China (PRC) Consulate-General in Kuching. Highlighting the importance of having close relationships with the Consulate-General in Kuching, especially the priority of having close rapport of Malaysia-China, Lui said the 36th KKCCCI Management Committee viewed the openness and interaction with Consul-General of utmost importance, be it financial, trading, education or culture. He is confident that with Liu as the new Consul-General, the relationships between KKCCCI and PRC Consulate-General would continue to be even better. Lui also pointed out that KKCCCI has always actively participated in economic and cultural activities endorsed by PRC Embassy in Kuala Lumpur or Consulate-General in Kuching. KKCCCI took part in the China-East Asean Youth Cultural Troupe performing in Kota Kinabalu, and also participated in the visit of the "Zheng He" Naval Training Battleship, he said, adding the chamber organised the pre-school Chinese teachers' training course under the coordination of Fujian Provincial Overseas Chinese Liaison Bureau with the compliments of six experienced lecturers for pre-school education teachers' training from the Liaison Bureau. According to him, the 11-day training course was well attended by the in-service kindergarten teachers from Chinese kindergartens. Lui also expressed his appreciation to the team of training lecturers from Fujian Overseas Chinese Liaison Bureau, and also welcomed their presence in the midst of dinner guests welcoming the Consul-General. The dinner thus for the evening also served as the appreciation dinner for the team, he said, adding that through the close relationships with the Consulate-General in Kuching, KKCCCI would be able to have access to China on matters pertaining educational and cultural ties, and further enhancing rapport. Lui pointed out the recent courtesy call of President Xi Jin Ping of China on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak indeed marked a milestone in the Malaysia-China relationships. The Consulate-General in Kuching also played an important role in promoting more investments from China to Sabah and at the same time propagating our tourism potentials, encouraging more tourists from China coming to Sabah, he said. Source: Daily Express

Kota Kinabalu welcomed cruise liner SuperStar Aquarius with a bang in November as she docked at the city port. Passengers on board were warmly welcomed with a variety of cultural performances and traditional garlanding. Mr. William Ng, Chief Operating Officer, Star Cruises, said, "Today is a milestone moment for Star Cruises as we become the first international cruise line to homeport a ship in Kota Kinabalu.”