Latest news with #MinistryofTourism
Barnama
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
South Korea Praises Malaysia's ASEAN Chair Role In Myanmar Crisis
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — South Korea's Ambassador to Malaysia, Yeo Seung Bae, speaks to Bernama in an exclusive interview at the Korean Embassy, highlighting the success of the recently concluded 12-day K-Culture Festival held from June 11 to 22. Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and various Korean government agencies, the event exceeds expectations, drawing over 35,000 visitors of all ages and backgrounds — a testament, Yeo says, to South Korea's growing cultural appeal among Malaysians. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED By Nur Atiq Maisarah Suhaimi & Nur Elysa Amirah Suhaimi KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Bernama) -- South Korea has praised Malaysia's active leadership as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), highlighting its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. South Korea's Ambassador to Malaysia Yeo Seung Bae said that as ASEAN organises for peace and stability in Southeast Asia, Malaysia as the chair plays an important and active role, especially in addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. bootstrap slideshow 'Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited Bangkok a couple of months ago and met both the military leadership and the opposition leadership. 'By doing this important role as Chair, Malaysia is making a positive contribution to regional peace and stability. 'In that regard, Korea highly appreciates the role of Malaysia, and our government will continue to support Malaysia's active role as the ASEAN Chair,' he told Bernama in an interview recently. In May 2025, Anwar initiated separate dialogues with Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), marking a significant step towards fostering direct engagement between the conflicting parties. Subsequently, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM 2025) held in May also agreed that ASEAN would undertake internal consultations on the proposal to appoint a permanent ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar for a three-year term, a move aimed at ensuring continuity and sustained engagement in addressing the protracted crisis. On June 22, Malaysia called for enhanced collaboration between ASEAN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, with a focus on ending violence, alleviating the humanitarian crisis, and supporting long-term peace in the country.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- The Sun
MOTAC intensifies haj and umrah scam awareness campaigns in Malaysia
TUMPAT: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) is ramping up public awareness initiatives to combat haj and umrah scams, ensuring Malaysians are better informed against fraudulent operators. MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot emphasised the ministry's role in educating the public, despite haj administration being under Lembaga Tabung Haji's purview. 'Our priority is to prevent scams, especially during peak travel seasons,' he said. Speaking at the Kelantan-level Citrawarna Siam Malaysia Festival 2025 at Wat Machimmaram, Shaharuddin noted recurring fraud cases and stressed the importance of public vigilance. 'Awareness helps people identify legitimate services,' he added. MOTAC has revoked licences of fraudulent companies and suspended others as part of strict enforcement measures. 'We will not tolerate such misconduct,' Shaharuddin affirmed.
New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Motac continues awareness campaigns to curb haj, umrah scams
TUMPAT: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) will continue to carry out awareness campaigns to prevent the public from falling victim to haj and umrah-related scams. Motac secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said that although haj affairs fall under the jurisdiction of Lembaga Tabung Haji, the ministry works closely with the board to tackle the growing number of fraud cases. "For Motac, our focus is on educating the public so they do not fall for these scams, including those related to umrah. "This issue occurs every year, and public awareness is crucial in helping people distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent operators," he told reporters after officiating the Kelantan-level Citrawarna Siam Malaysia Festival 2025 at Wat Machimmaram here last night. Shaharuddin said Motac has taken stern action against companies found to be involved in such fraudulent activities. "We have revoked the licences of several companies, while some have been suspended. Motac remains committed to strict enforcement to prevent a recurrence of such cases," he said. – BERNAMA
Barnama
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
MOTAC Committed To Strengthening Arts, Culture Through GSSK - Sec-Gen
TUMPAT, June 27 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has expressed its appreciation for the continued support of arts and heritage associations, in the annual implementation of programmes under the Cultural Sector Support Grant (GSSK) initiative. MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said that, in an effort to stimulate arts and cultural activities nationwide, the ministry is committed to supporting arts, culture, and heritage-based associations by covering part of their event organisation costs through the GSSK initiative. 'Hence, I sincerely hope that arts, culture, and heritage associations will continue to support the ministry's efforts in promoting the national arts and culture agenda, outlined under the National Cultural Policy.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Cuba adds another travel requirement for Miami flyers after visa change
The Cuban government has released key information about the new electronic visa that goes into effect on July 1, along with a mandatory online form that travelers from Miami must complete before boarding. On Wednesday, Cuba's Ministry of Tourism shared further details on social media regarding the updated entry requirements for visitors arriving on the island next week. Cuba's new electronic visa and changes to tourist card rules Starting in July 2024, travelers can request the new electronic tourist visa through Cuba's official government portal. The Ministry clarified that physical tourist cards will no longer be issued at Cuban consulates. However, those who already possess a valid card may continue using it until Dec. 31, 2025, when it will expire. The new tourist visa allows for a single entry and up to 90 days of stay, with the option to extend for another 90 days. Travelers who hold dual citizenship and maintain Cuban nationality do not need to apply for the visa. However, this requirement does apply to U.S. citizens, as the United States is not among the countries exempt from Cuba's visa requirements. For example, children or descendants of Cuban nationals born in the U.S. would need to apply for the tourist visa in advance and complete the process online before traveling. Read more: Elian González breaks silence 25 years later: 'I'm going through difficult times' Mandatory D'Viajeros form before Miami departure All travelers departing from Miami must now also fill out the mandatory D'Viajeros form before their flight. The online form includes customs declarations related to imported goods and required public health information. According to the Cuban government, this 'advance traveler information' system was developed to streamline procedures at ports of entry. 'Each passenger is required to truthfully complete the form, which provides information to the Directorate of Immigration and Foreigners, the General Customs Office of the Republic, and the Ministry of Public Health,' states the D'Viajeros platform. Cuban officials told state-run media that the introduction of the e-visa marks progress toward 'a more modern consular system adapted to today's needs.' The move comes amid a steep decline in Cuba's tourism sector. Even Spanish hotel giant Meliá, which has a significant presence on the island, recently reported major losses due to empty hotel properties. Read more: Immigrant couples face new hurdles as USCIS tightens rules after Trump orders
