Latest news with #VisitMalaysia
Focus Malaysia
21 hours ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Is it worth the trouble to train taxi drivers?
I DON'T know whether to laugh or cry when reading the Bernama report 'VM2026: Gov't Plans Language, Etiquette Training for Taxi Drivers ‒ Loke' published last Sunday. It was reported that Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook emphasised that taxi drivers play a crucial role as the first point of contact for visitors, shaping their initial impression of the country. He said: 'The taxi industry is more than just transportation, but represents the heartbeat of public service and serves as the first impression of the country for tourists. The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve public transport quality ahead of the anticipated tourism surge in 2026.' To me, it was like stepping back in time when I drove metered taxis in the Klang Valley from 2000 to 2010. For Visit Malaysia 2007, taxi drivers were trained under the old two-day Mesra Malaysia programme, which I did not attend as I was one of the certified trainers for this course. Later in July 2012, the Tourism Taxi Ambassadors programme was launched by then prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at Dataran Putra. In attendance were tourism minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, several other cabinet ministers, and more than 500 taxi drivers assembled there. Training had commenced earlier in March and as of June 28, about 2,315 taxi drivers have been selected to undergo training. It was reported that some 4,000 taxi drivers will be appointed as ambassadors after they have completed a one-day course at the Malaysian Tourism Centre. During the launching ceremony, Najib told taxi drivers they are the 'pulse of the ecosystem' for tourism as they meet and interact with tourists who come to the country, and well-trained taxi drivers can help shape and improve tourists' perception of Malaysia. He said, 'If taxi drivers are polite, courteous, and customer-friendly, speak good things about the country, and show a positive attitude, tourists will feel welcome. Tourists meet thousands of taxi drivers and through their interactions, tourists' perception of Malaysia is formed.' He said the government decided to appoint taxi drivers as tourism ambassadors as it realises that cabbies are the front-liners in welcoming and interacting with tourists and explained that taxi drivers have been trained and given guidance on how to project a good image of Malaysia. But all the hype and training had largely been in vain, and I should know. I trained taxi drivers in 2014 under different programmes for taxi companies and government agencies, including the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) for 1,000 Teksi 1Malaysia (TEKS1M) drivers. The 2012 Tourism Taxi Ambassadors programme was introduced as taxi drivers were seen as a vote bank and influencers in the 2013 General Elections. The training did not stop Kuala Lumpur from having the worst taxi drivers in the world in 2015, as ranked by In 2014, Uber was introduced to Malaysia, forcing MyTeksi to also using private cars to compete and morph into Grab. Instead of continuing to rent permits, cabbies switched to private cars and ran more trips than taxi drivers, as passengers could hire them easily and even pay less. As a result, most taxi drivers switched to e-hailing, leaving only the stubborn and still trying to fix fares, or those who could not learn how to receive bookings via apps, especially the elderly. Now, these taxi drivers wait patiently for long hours at train stations or shopping malls for passengers. If they could be roped in to attend training on language and etiquette, they must surely rank as the most difficult to train participants in the world. In any case, domestic and foreign visitors have been using e-hailing apps back home and when they travel, and hardly use local taxis. Therefore, announcing the plan to train taxi drivers during the third annual general meeting of the Malaysia Taxi, Rental Car, Limousine and Airport Taxi Association appears to be a move just to win over taxi drivers. But the number and role is a pale shadow of their former self. ‒ July 29, 2025 YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: VOCKET
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
AirAsia launches KL, Kuching–Pontianak direct flights from Sept 12
KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Malaysia has introduced two new direct routes linking Kuala Lumpur and Kuching to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The flights, set to commence on September 12, 2025, will make AirAsia the sole airline operating international flights to the city. The expansion follows AirAsia's rapid growth in Indonesia, including recent launches of the Kuala Lumpur–Palembang route in July and the upcoming Kuala Lumpur–Semarang service in September. 'With the introduction of Pontianak, AirAsia Malaysia will operate to a total of 17 destinations in Indonesia through 223 weekly flights between the two countries, solidifying its position as the airline with the widest network serving Indonesia,' the company stated. These new routes aim to enhance regional connectivity and support tourism targets, including Malaysia's goal of attracting 4.3 million Indonesian tourists in 2025 and Sarawak's target of five million visitor arrivals by year-end. Additionally, the expansion aligns with Indonesia's national target of 16 million international arrivals, with Malaysia remaining a key source market. The routes were unveiled during the Sarawak Travel Fair in Pontianak, officially launched by West Kalimantan Governor Drs Ria Norsan. He highlighted the benefits of the new flights, stating, 'West Kalimantan stands ready to welcome more Malaysian visitors while providing convenient access for Indonesians seeking business opportunities, leisure travel and medical services in Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur.' Malaysia's Consul in Pontianak, Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim, emphasised the significance of the new connectivity in strengthening bilateral ties. 'With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, this expansion comes at the perfect moment to further boost tourism, foster cultural exchange and enhance regional ties between both nations,' he said. AirAsia Malaysia CEO Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra noted the strong demand for travel between Malaysia and West Kalimantan as a key driver for the expansion. 'By launching flights from our main hub in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, we are providing greater convenience and flexibility for our guests while contributing to the tourism growth and economic development of both Malaysia and Indonesia,' he added. - Bernama
The Star
20-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Protecting Melaka's Peranakan legacy for the past 40 years
MELAKA: The Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum here stands as a cherished cultural beacon, preserving the soul of Melaka's Peranakan community for the past four decades, says Datuk Lim Ban Hong. Speaking at the museum's 40th anniversary celebration at a leading hotel on Saturday (July 19), the Klebang assemblyman praised the museum's lasting legacy since its establishment in 1985, calling it more than just a historical site but a living testament to family dedication and community pride. 'Forty years is no small feat, and what began as a humble family initiative has grown into an iconic cultural institution known far beyond our shores,' he said. Lim shared that the museum, housed in the ancestral home of the Baba Chan Kim Lay's family, offers a unique window into the lives, values and aesthetics of the Peranakan community. 'It's a living archive, a time capsule where history is not just displayed but felt. "This museum is a 'Rumah Penuh Jiwa' (a house full of soul) where every embroidered kebaya, every piece of furniture, every porcelain dish carries with it a story of resilience, elegance and cultural fusion,' he added. Lim highlighted the museum's role in shaping cultural appreciation among the younger generation, saying it helps foster greater understanding between communities and strengthens Malaysia's shared identity. 'It teaches us that heritage is not just about the past but who we are today and how we carry these values forward,' he said. He also pointed to Melaka's growing popularity as a cultural and tourism destination, noting that the state attracted 15 million tourists during Visit Melaka Year 2024. 'This clearly shows that Melaka's charm and rich heritage continue to resonate with visitors. 'We will see a better momentum for the tourism industry this year with Malaysia set to chair Asean and host World Tourism Day, where the Historic City has been chosen as the venue," he said. Lim said the state government has now set an ambitious target of 16.5 million tourists for 2025, with even bigger goals in sight for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 'We are not just preserving heritage but bringing it to life and sharing it with the world," he said.
The Star
29-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Bangkok Festival set to draw 10,000 visitors, bolster Malaysia's 2026 tourism drive
BANGKOK, June 29 (Bernama): The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture is targeting 10,000 visitors for the Malaysia Food and Culture Festival 2025, held from June 29 to June 30, 2025, at Samyan Mitrtown, Bangkok. Its Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, stated that with the venue's average daily footfall of about 50,000 people, the festival is expected to attract at least 20 per cent of visitors over the two days. "The strategic location, situated near a major university and surrounded by office buildings and family-friendly spaces, makes it an ideal venue for engaging students, professionals, and families alike,' Tiong told Bernama on Sunday (June 29). He added that the vibrancy of the festival invites the public to experience the essence of Malaysia through its rich culinary offerings, captivating cultural performances, and exclusive tourism promotions, all in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. Tiong, who is on a working visit to Bangkok from June 27 to July 3, officiated at the festival, aiming to enhance bilateral tourism cooperation and lay the foundation for stronger ties ahead of VM2026. He emphasised that the festival plays a significant role in the lead-up to next year's Visit Malaysia, aiming to boost visibility and strengthen Malaysia's image as a welcoming and diverse travel destination. "This initiative directly contributes to our 2025 tourism targets of achieving 43 million international tourist arrivals and generating RM283.8 billion in tourism receipts for the country,' he said. Tiong noted that the festival is part of Tourism Malaysia's ongoing efforts to promote VM2026, particularly by encouraging Thai tourists to explore Malaysia's unique attractions. "Hosting the festival at such a high-traffic and accessible location allows us to showcase Malaysian culture and cuisine to a wide audience, encouraging more Thai and regional travellers to consider Malaysia for their next holiday destination,' he added. According to Tourism Malaysia's records, Thailand contributed 2.26 million visitors to Malaysia in 2024, generating RM3.994 billion in tourism receipts. - Bernama
Barnama
29-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Bangkok Festival Set To Draw 10,000 Visitors, Bolster Malaysia's 2026 Tourism Drive
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing officiate the Malaysia Food and Culture Festival 2025 in Samyan Mitrtown, Bangkok. By Kenny Teng BANGKOK, June 29 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture is targeting 10,000 visitors for the Malaysia Food and Culture Festival 2025, held from June 29 to June 30, 2025, at Samyan Mitrtown, Bangkok. Its Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, stated that with the venue's average daily footfall of about 50,000 people, the festival is expected to attract at least 20 per cent of visitors over the two days. bootstrap slideshow 'The strategic location, situated near a major university and surrounded by office buildings and family-friendly spaces, makes it an ideal venue for engaging students, professionals, and families alike,' Tiong told Bernama on Sunday (June 29). He added that the vibrancy of the festival invites the public to experience the essence of Malaysia through its rich culinary offerings, captivating cultural performances, and exclusive tourism promotions, all in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. Tiong, who is on a working visit to Bangkok from June 27 to July 3, officiated at the festival, aiming to enhance bilateral tourism cooperation and lay the foundation for stronger ties ahead of VM2026. He emphasised that the festival plays a significant role in the lead-up to next year's Visit Malaysia, aiming to boost visibility and strengthen Malaysia's image as a welcoming and diverse travel destination. 'This initiative directly contributes to our 2025 tourism targets of achieving 43 million international tourist arrivals and generating RM283.8 billion in tourism receipts for the country,' he said. Tiong noted that the festival is part of Tourism Malaysia's ongoing efforts to promote VM2026, particularly by encouraging Thai tourists to explore Malaysia's unique attractions.
