Search Results for: Malay culture
- World News
‘No homosexuals in Malaysia” – Malaysian Tourism, Arts and Culture minister
Malaysian minister grilled in Germany over policy on gays, Jews ahead of travel fair Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi has caused ripples in Germany after making an ill-informed remark about homosexuality. “Homosexuality? I don’t think we have such a thing in our country.” “I cannot answer whether it’s safe or not,” he was quoted as saying by…
- Thailand News
Malaysian tourists inquire Thai immigration arrival card exemption
Inquiries from Malaysian tourists have flooded hotel operators, eager for the inside scoop on Thailand’s immigration policy regarding the exemption of arrival cards for travellers from Malaysia. Songchai Mungprasitthichai, chairman of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, revealed that Malaysians are particularly curious about potential extensions beyond the current expiry date of April 30. Travellers from all corners of the globe…
- Thailand News
Extortion by Ministry of Agriculture task force exposed by senator
Extortion practices by a special task force from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives were put in the spotlight as Senator Poldej Pinprateep levelled serious accusations against the group during a Senate debate yesterday. The Phaya Nakkharat task force, tasked with overseeing rubber production and trade, allegedly seized approximately 600 tonnes of rubber from a villager in the Sangkhla Buri…
- World News
Groom honours late bride in solo Malaysian wedding ceremony (video)
In a poignant ceremony that has resonated across social media, a groom proceeded with his wedding despite the absence of his bride, who had tragically passed away from lymphoma shortly before the event. The groom, identified as Daniel, had originally married his partner, Nofar, in Japan during the Covid-19 pandemic, with plans to hold a traditional ceremony in her native…
- Politics News
Revolutionising borders: Thai and Malaysian prime ministers unveil mega checkpoint for trade and tourism
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim orchestrated a historic agreement this week, with plans to improve border trade through the new Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla province. The leaders converged at the customs office of the newly minted Sadao border checkpoint on November 27 with both governments pledging to turbocharge road access to the Thai side…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Malaysia enhance bilateral relations to boost border trade and tourism
A significant agreement was recently reached between the leaders of Thailand and Malaysia to bolster their bilateral relations, with a specific focus on enhancing border trade and tourism. The Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, and his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, agreed upon this during their working visit at the newly inaugurated Sadao customs checkpoint in Songkhla. Their meeting, which took…
- Phuket Travel
Fun Phuket facts: history, culture, and natural beauty
With its immaculate beaches, abundant palm trees, and warm blue waters, Phuket, the biggest island in Thailand, entices tourists with the beauty of a tropical paradise. There is more to this picture-perfect getaway than first meets the eye, though. Phuket boasts an extensive and varied past that captivates both residents and visitors, from its mountainous terrain to its cultural events and historical…
- Thailand News
Yala’s sizzling vegetarian fest: A spicy stir of cultures draws tourists like dim sum buffet
The Yala Vegetarian Festival is now sizzling hot like a stir-fry wok. It kicked off with a spicy city-wide procession circling Betong in southern Thailand, and yellow flags popping up like corn in a kettle. This cultural fusion extravaganza, blending Thai spice with Chinese nice, is attracting more tourists than a dim sum buffet. Today, the festival kicked off at…
- Phuket News
Phuket Peranakan festival dazzles, promotes sustainable tourism and local culture
In a resounding celebration of heritage and culture, over 1,000 people gathered for the Phuket Peranakan Festival‘s ‘Extravaganza Carnival’ grand parade. The sparkling event unfolded in the vintage vicinity of Phuket Old Town on a joyous Saturday evening. The iconoclastic carnival, the crown jewel of the three-day extravaganza, resulted in the closure of roads, culminating in a tremendous spectacle. The…
- World News
Durian surplus sparks joy in Singapore as Malaysian supply surges
Durian surplus in Singapore has led enthusiasts to find their favourite spiky fruit available in abundance this year. The unprecedented bounty of the asperous fruit is so significant that claw machines now carry it, creating a thrilling opportunity to cradle a durian for the trivial cost of just 26 baht. A surplus from the leading producer, Malaysia, has driven durian…
- World News
Sarawak ministry mulls Tuak Festival to boost local culture, tourism
As part of its efforts to promote Sarawak culture, the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak is considering the idea of organising a “Tuak Festival.” The event, which may initially be held in Kuching, aims to showcase and promote tuak, a traditional rice wine of the Dayaks, and the culture of the state. Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian…
- World News
Malaysia denies sale of Iskandar film complex, sells operator shares
The Malaysian Finance Ministry has refuted claims that a 49-acre film and television production complex in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Baru, has been sold. Deputy Finance Minister Steven Sim clarified that the land remains under the ownership of state investment firm Khazanah Nasional Bhd through special-purpose vehicle Tanjung Bidara Ventures Sdn Bhd. Instead, the shares of studio operator company Iskandar Malaysia…
- World News
National Unity Index Survey to assess Malaysia’s multi-racial unity
The Ministry of National Unity in Malaysia is set to conduct the National Unity Index Survey (IPNas) for the third time this year, aiming to evaluate the unity levels among the nation’s diverse racial communities. The IPNas, which was carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Ethnic Studies (Kita) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) last year, demonstrated an increase…
- World News
Malaysia to expand cancer centres for equitable treatment access
The Malaysian Ministry of Health aims to expand cancer treatment centres throughout the nation in an effort to provide equal access to high-quality care for patients. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa highlighted that the majority of cancer treatment centres are currently situated in major cities, particularly in the Klang Valley, resulting in patients from smaller towns having to travel long…
- World News
Malaysia’s Road to Gold committee to discuss athlete needs for Paris 2024
The Road to Gold (RTG) committee is set to convene next week to discuss and evaluate the requirements of Malaysia’s athletes in an effort to secure the nation’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, according to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. This comes in response to concerns raised by national track cycling star Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni…
- World News
Malaysia considers five-season paddy cultivation for agro-food ecosystem boost
The Malaysian government is considering a two-year paddy cultivation initiative with five seasons to enhance the country’s agro-food ecosystem. The decision was made during a recent Cabinet Committee on the National Food Security Policy (JKSMN) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The committee also discussed efforts by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) to ensure food supply availability and…
- World News
Malaysia not expanding visa-on-arrival beyond China and India
The Malaysian government has confirmed that there are no plans to extend the visa-on-arrival programme for travellers from countries other than China and India. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the current visa-on-arrival policy is limited to Chinese and Indian visitors entering Malaysia. Saifuddin Nasution Ismail explained that the government does not plan to grant visa exemptions for tourist…
- World News
Malaysia to float egg and chicken prices, ending subsidies from July
Kuala Lumpur’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, has announced that the prices of eggs and chicken will be floated starting July 1. This follows the termination of government subsidies for these items on June 30. The domestic trade and cost of living ministry will oversee the pricing of eggs and chicken. Mohamad Sabu, also known…
- Business News
Saha Group urges Thai govt to prioritise agriculture over wage hikes
The Saha Group, a prominent consumer product conglomerate in Thailand, advised the new Thai government to prioritise the promotion of the agricultural sector instead of significantly raising the daily minimum wage. The group’s chairman, Boonsithi Chokwatana, believes this approach would contribute to sustainable economic growth. Boonsithi also suggested that the government should concentrate on enhancing the economy through educational initiatives…
- World News
‘Run Culture’ – China’s great leap outward
Real estate agents and visa experts in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are swamped with inquiries from Chinese nationals trying to flee the motherland. They want to buy condos and they want to stay. Running away to Southeast Asia is a tantalising prospect after three years locked up or down, depending on your point of view. Many Chinese people are preparing…
- World News
A push for Thai travel to Malaysia
Travel agents in Thailand are pushing for more Thais to make their way to Malaysia. According to the president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, Malaysia’s adventure tourism was growing among young people before the Covid-19 pandemic broke out. The TTAA travelled to Malaysia this week with almost 100 outbound tour firms. Due to a large number of Malaysian travellers in…
- World News
Fowl play by Malaysian cartels forces government to ban export of poultry
The Malaysia government yesterday revealed it is banning the export of all poultry from the country while it investigates the illegal activity of cartels controlling the price and shipment of its produce. Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob made it known Malaysia will halt the exports of 3.6 million chickens a month from June 1, to investigate the cartel pricing allegations.…
- South Thailand News
Thai government, Patani Malay Southern rebels still disagree on key issues
The Thai government and Southern separatist group Barisan Revolusi Nasional still stand apart on several important issues. The two parties met last week in the first peace talks in two years. Reports say the BRN wishes to establish an autonomous region known as Patani Darussalam, which includes Thailand’s Deep South provinces near the Malaysian border of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and…
- World News
Malaysia and Singapore talk travel bubbles
Talks are underway between the Malaysian and Singaporean governments, which could pave the way for vaccinated travel lanes between both countries. According to a TTR Weekly report, Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister has confirmed the talks are taking place. Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri says once the deal is done, the Malaysian PM, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, will announce…
- World News
Thai island vs Malaysian island – Phuket vs Penang
Two ‘pearls’ go head to head, including some reflections by guest writer TravellingMitch who’s from the UK Penang was once the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, for most western travellers the only ‘orient’ they would know outside of Singapore and maybe Hong Kong. At the time Phuket wasn’t even known on the tourist map. It was the 1950s and 60s when jet…
- Phuket News
Kathu Street Festival, preserving culture and tradition
The tenth annual Kathu Culture Street Festival is on until Sunday night (July 29) and is being held on Wichit Songkhram Road, showcasing the cultural heritage of one of Phuket’s oldest and most vibrant communities. Vice Governor Snith says, “this is the second time that I am taking part in the Kathu Culture Street Festival. The festival is important to…
- Phuket News
Kathu Culture Street Festival until Sunday night
The tenth annual Kathu Culture Street Festival is on until Sunday night (July 29) and is being held on Wichit Songkhram Road, showcasing the cultural heritage of one of Phuket’s oldest and most vibrant communities. Vice Governor Snith says, “this is the second time that I am taking part in the Kathu Culture Street Festival. The festival is important to…
- World News
DoubleTree by Hilton Penang invites you to Malaysia’s culinary capital
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang is inviting food lovers to discover the amazing flavors of Penang with a journey of discovery into the island’s unique culinary scene. Part of Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT), this stunning seafront resort is the perfect base from which to explore the gastronomic culture of Penang, which is often labeled the “Culinary Capital of Malaysia”. The…
- Cannabis News
Kratom culture
PHUKET: The arrest of a low-ranking Royal Thai Navy officer for smuggling a large shipment of kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, into Phuket’s primary party town of Patong this week is only a flake on the epidermis of a complicated, political and cultural battle against the illegal drug. The use of the substance in a number of wild concoctions has infiltrated many…
- Phuket News
Kathu Culture Street Festival kicks off today
PHUKET: The Kathu Culture Street Festival, showcasing the unique blend of cultural heritage of the area, starts today with a parade at 4:00pm. The parade will begin at Kathu Municipality and end at the Kathu Public Health Center, followed by an opening ceremony at 6pm. “The goal of the festival is to encourage locals and tourists to learn more about…
