Latest news with #BatikAir
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Customs rescue 403 tortoises from two passengers at Tiruchi airport
The Customs officials rescued 403 live Indian Star tortoises from two Kuala Lumpur bound passengers at the Tiruchi international Airport on Wednesday. The officials intercepted the two passengers when they came to the airport to board a Batik Air flight. The officials found 403 live Indian Star tortoises from their trolley bags. The tortoises and the passengers were later handed over to the Forest Department in Tiruchi to take action against them under the Wildlife Protection Act, a message posted in the X platform of the Trichy Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate said.
The Star
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Three Malaysian top executives cycle to stay fit, focused and fulfilled
At a time when corporate leaders are seeking balance amid hectic and demanding schedules, three high-profile Malaysian executives have turned to an increasingly popular sport to stay fit, focused and fulfilled – cycling. But to the three gentlemen – RHB Islamic Bank Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adissadikin Ali, Batik Air chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy and National Heart Institute cardiovascular sports and fitness director and senior consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Prof Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Jeswant Dillon – cycling isn't just a sport, it's a passion. Rediscovering the joy More than a hobby, cycling is rediscovering a childhood ritual, says Adissadikin, 55. 'I used to cycle to school every day in Jasin, Melaka,' he recalls. 'But I only got serious about road biking seven months ago after an earlier health scare.' Now, he rides every weekend, covering up to 40km along the Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE). 'It helps me stay fit and clear my mind. When you're heading a company, you need mental clarity. Sitting in the office for too long can bog you down. Cycling brings balance.' Adissadikin says cycling is an accessible sport, with affordable options for beginners. For him, the pursuit started casually, through a corporate ride event organised by RHB. The bank is big on organising community sports events, like the RHB Lekas Highway Ride. But Adissadikin eventually started taking cycling more seriously. 'I bought my own road bike and started doing 30km-40km weekend rides. I realised that not only was it good for my health, it also helped me stay mentally sharp,' he says. 'Cycling allows me to reconnect with myself.' His usual weekend route along the GCE near his home offers him enough time to ride and come home before his kids wake up, he says. "Sunday mornings are family time. So if I go out by 7am, I'm back by 9am. In life, it's all about balance.' A doctor's prescription If anyone understands the science behind exercise, it's Dr Jeffrey Jeswant, 60. 'I got into cycling through mountain biking more than 15 years ago,' he says. 'As a doctor, I knew the importance of cardiovascular workouts, and I used to jog and play football. But as time passed, I needed something gentler on my joints. Cycling is non-weight-bearing, making it ideal for people recovering from joint injuries,' he explains. 'In group rides, you must stay alert. You're responsible not just for yourself but also the safety of others,' says Dr Jeffrey Jeswant. Today, Dr Jeffrey Jeswant's rides are a mix of solo routes and group rides, including multi-sport events like the Powerman duathlon. 'Cycling helped me transition into relay-endurance sports,' he says. Its benefits are not just physical. Dr Jeffrey Jeswant emphasises how being on a bike cultivates discipline, humility and leadership. 'In the office, you may be the boss. But on the road, you've got to earn your place in the peloton. Others might wait for you once or twice, but after that, you'd better keep up. It can be a humbling experience. 'And that lesson translates back into the workplace. It helps you understand your team better and you become more compassionate.' He also notes the mental benefits of this activity. 'During solo rides on safe roads, my mind gets to wander. That's when the best ideas come,' he adds. 'But in group rides, you must stay sharp and alert. You're responsible not just for yourself, but also for the safety of others.' Building bond on wheels For Chandran, cycling is both a personal passion and a company-wide movement. 'I started with mountain biking in 2018 and eventually moved to road cycling in 2022,' he shares. 'It began as a fitness goal – something to help me lose weight and stay active. And it worked. I used to weigh 85kg–90kg. Today, I'm 74kg.' Chandran says cycling brings out a different side of people. Chandran's enthusiasm and drive for the sport has become contagious at Batik Air, where he actively encourages employees to join him on rides. 'We even created a new wellness section in our in-flight magazine inspired by cycling,' he adds. 'There's something about riding together – whether it's with colleagues or fellow company executives – that brings out a different side of people.' Like Dr Jeffrey Jeswant and Adissadikin, Chandran highlights the absence of hierarchy during group rides. 'At work, I may be the boss. But on the road, my staff have taught me how to gear up hills or pace myself. It levels the playing field.' More than a sport All three leaders agree that cycling is much more than just a physical activity. It's a tool for leadership development, a way to manage stress and a platform for community outreach. 'Cycling teaches you how to face problems,' says Dr Jeffrey Jeswant. 'If your tyre punctures or your chain drops, you've got to figure it out. You can't always rely on others to fix it for you. It mirrors how we troubleshoot in life and at work.' (From left) Adissadikin, Dr Jeffrey Jeswant and Chandran each has his own personal goal in cycling. RHB's sponsorship of cycling events like the Lekas Highway Ride and WCE Century Ride speaks of a larger corporate commitment toward community building. Similarly, IJN's Ride 4 Your Heart initiative promotes cardiovascular fitness and a healthy lifestyle through cycling. Cycling is also woven into Batik Air's social mission. 'We supported the cycling mission of a child and helped raise awareness about the benefits of the sport for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It's meaningful when something personal becomes impactful,' says Chandran. Is cycling the new golf? While golf has long been considered the sport of business networking, these corporate leaders suggest cycling is carving its own path – and perhaps, a more inclusive one. 'Golf can be expensive and time-consuming,' Adissadikin observes. 'Cycling, on the other hand, is accessible. Sure, high-end bikes cost a lot of money, but there are also options for beginners. So anyone can cycle.' For (from left) Chandran, Adissadikin and Dr Jeffrey Jeswant, cycling has evolved from a means of staying healthy to a way of fostering camaraderie and friendship. Dr Jeffrey Jeswant agrees. 'We don't cycle to network, but we end up building strong friendships. That sense of camaraderie – whether you're a doctor, banker or businessman – is real.' 'Cycling, they say, builds bridges. You ride together, you sweat together. We see each other for who we really are,' says Chandran. Shaping the future The growing popularity of cycling, however, is not without its challenges. They all point to the lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure in Malaysia. 'We need more cycling lanes, rental services and safer routes,' Chandran says, noting how cities like Jakarta and Bangkok have embraced car-free zones and airport-adjacent cycling tracks. 'It's about building a culture that supports it.' (From left) Chandran, Adissadikin and Dr Jeffrey Jeswant agree that the country needs dedicated cycling infrastructure to cater to demands and encourage active living. Dr Jeffrey Jeswant, who also sits on the Olympic Council of Malaysia, echoes the need for policy support. 'We're talking to the Youth and Sports Ministry to design cycling-friendly roads and isolated tracks for weekend rides. The demand is there. It's just a matter of will.' They are also constantly setting new personal goals in cycling. Adissadikin is gearing up for his first major ride at the RHB Lekas Highway Ride 2025. Dr Jeffrey Jeswant, a seasoned participant in Ironman and Powerman events, continues to support and mentor other sportsmen, including his son. Chandran dreams of riding overseas one day to explore different landscapes and seasons. And while their rides may vary in speed and distance, one thing is clear: cycling has become a source of inspiration, and a way to build resilience and community. Their advice to those who haven't started? 'Just do it,' says Chandran. 'Start small, be consistent and enjoy the ride.' Dr Jeffrey Jeswant adds: 'Get a health check first, especially if you're over 40. Then get on the bike and take that first step.' Adissadikin sums it up simply: 'Don't do it just because others are doing it. Do it because it gives you joy. Once that happens, you'll never look back.'
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![[Watch] Batik Air Pilot Successfully Lands Aircraft In Severe Weather Conditions](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ftherakyatpost.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Rakyat Post
01-07-2025
- Climate
- Rakyat Post
[Watch] Batik Air Pilot Successfully Lands Aircraft In Severe Weather Conditions
Subscribe to our FREE A Batik Air aircraft experienced a dramatic but controlled landing at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Saturday (28 June), during severe weather conditions that initially appeared concerning to observers. The Boeing 737 aircraft, registration number PK-LDJ, was reported to have landed with its right wing tilted significantly lower than normal due to strong crosswinds. Video footage of the incident that went viral on social media showed tense moments as the aircraft attempted to stabilise its position before successfully landing safely. According to Batik Air spokesperson Danang Mandala Prihantoro, the aircraft landed during heavy rain, and all safety procedures were followed. 'The landing was completed safely and the aircraft sustained no damage,' he said in an official statement. No Damage or Injuries Reported The engineering teams conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft and confirmed that it could return to normal operations. No injuries were reported in the incident. The extreme weather that hit Jakarta on the day of the incident also caused several other flights to circle in the air before being cleared to land. This situation raised concerns among passengers and led to heated discussions about flight safety in adverse weather conditions. However, aviation professionals offered a different perspective on the incident. Aviation Experts: Landing Followed Standard Safety Procedures While the dramatic footage sparked concern on social media, aviation professionals emphasised that the pilot executed a textbook crosswind landing technique during challenging weather conditions. The aircraft's pronounced tilt during approach, which appeared alarming to passengers and viewers, was a deliberate manoeuvre called the 'sideslip' or 'wing low' method, one of three approved techniques for landing in strong crosswinds. 'What looked dangerous to untrained eyes was actually proper procedure,' explained aviation safety experts reviewing the incident footage. According to The technique is considered safe when crosswind speeds remain within manufacturer guidelines, up to 40 knots (74 km/h) for wet runway conditions, such as those experienced during the Batik Air flight. Di Lubuk Linggau sore tadi juga angin kencang, Pesawat Batik Air Jakarta-Lubuk Linggau CGK-LLJ tadi mencoba mendarat tapi angin kencang, akhirnya RTB. Ini kondisi cuaca di sekitar bandara, ada tenda hajatan sampai roboh — Bocah Angon (@TorpedoNuklir) Parts of this story have been sourced from Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Indian Express
01-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Batik Air Boeing 737 narrowly escapes crash amid storm; chilling video of aircraft struggling to land goes viral
A Batik Air Boeing 737 narrowly avoided a crash while landing at Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang amid a strong storm. According to Aviation A2Z, a news and educational website, the incident occurred on June 28 when the domestic flight, with 177 passengers on board, was arriving from Pattimura Airport, Ambon. The viral video shows the aircraft attempting to land safely amid heavy rain and storm. It further tilts to one side, with one of its wings coming alarmingly close to the ground. The video also captures onlookers screaming in fear. However, the plane landed safely, avoiding any damage to life and property. Sharing the video, Daily Mail wrote, 'A Batik Air plane is seen narrowly avoiding a crash landing due to bad weather as it approached the runway at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia. The plane was seen landing at an angle on Saturday before the pilot was able to level the aircraft for a safe landing.' Watch here: A post shared by Daily Mail (@dailymail) Several users expressed safety concerns as the video quickly gained traction. 'Bravo, hats off to the pilots that's intense,' a user wrote. 'These Indonesian airlines are just not good,' another user commented. 'Bro there is literally something going wrong in aviation industry,' a third user reacted. The report stated that the pilots followed standard operating procedures throughout the journey. Indonesia's Director General of Civil Aviation, Novie Riyanto, hailed the pilots and promised a probe would look at both meteorological data and flight operations. According to the meteorologists, the plane encountered a strong crosswind and wind shear. In March last year, two pilots of a Batik Air flight with 153 passengers on board fell asleep mid-air. The incident occurred during the flight's journey from Sulawesi and Jakarta. According to reports, one of the pilots, 32, had asked his 28-year-old co-pilot to take control of the plane as he needed to rest. However, the co-pilot fell asleep as he had been helping his wife care for their twin babies.
The Star
01-07-2025
- The Star
Time to explore the undiscovered wonders of Timor-Leste
When travelling to a foreign land, perhaps one of the more exciting things that could occur is unexpectedly meeting someone hailing from your homeland. For Malaysians visiting Timor-Leste, the possibility of this is quite likely. The Malaysian diaspora here may not be the largest, but it is sizeable enough that you may just bump into a fellow countryman. This is especially so in the capital city, Dili, set in the municipality of the same name. The Embassy of Malaysia in Timor-Leste records 150 Malaysians currently registered with it, as well as a total of 260 Malaysian-owned businesses. Some can even be seen in the short film Tabah Di Timor: Untold Stories Of Malaysians In Timor-Leste . This 2024 production by the embassy highlights the lives of these Malaysians, some of whom have called the small nation home long before it was christened 'Timor-Leste' – it only adopted this name after gaining independence in 2002. Among the featured Malaysians are Yong Pow Sang, 63, and Masrah Hulka, 44. The married couple relocated to the youngest country in South-East Asia 22 years ago. 'We were seeking new opportunities,' said Masrah. Personally, the connection I have with the Sabah-born chef extends beyond just sharing the same home country and state – we also hail from the same district! Talk about a small world. We met one fateful day when our little Malaysian convoy stepped into her restaurant for teatime. Our conversation revealed that she rarely returned to Papar, our shared hometown, as she and Yong – who hails from Kuala Lumpur – had been focused on building their businesses in Timor-Leste. Her restaurant, which she bestowed with her own moniker ('Gia', another name she goes by), serves familiar dishes to Malaysians missing the taste of home. From roti jala and kuih kasturi to fried rice and noodles, everything pairs well with a comforting cup of frothy tea. Bridging two nations Understandably, the lack of direct connectivity between Malaysia and Timor-Leste makes going home regularly a hassle for not just Masrah and Yong, but also other Malaysians residing in the island nation. However, the recent launch of Batik Air's flight from KL to Dili might just make balik kampung much easier for everyone. Being the first Malaysian carrier to serve the route, Batik Air currently operates two flights weekly from KL International Airport Terminal 1. 'It was Datuk Amarjit Sarjit Singh's (ambassador of Malaysia to Timor-Leste) words and actions that made this scheduled service a reality,' said Batik Air CEO Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy. This refers to the fact that Batik Air operated several charter flights between KL and Dili during the Covid-19 pandemic, which were eventually paused. However, Amarjit Sarjit was unwavering in his efforts to resume connectivity between the two nations. 'Looking to the future, Batik Air is excited to play a long-term role in supporting Timor-Leste's connectivity and growth. We are not simply adding a new destination to our network; we are building meaningful bridges that we hope will contribute to shared progress in the years to come,' Chandran added. Courtesy of Batik Air Malaysia and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Timor-Leste, several Malaysian media had the chance to experience the inaugural flight on June 6 and spend the weekend discovering the little nation's vast wonders. Taking off around 2.15am from KL, our flight landed 10 minutes ahead of the scheduled 7.30am arrival time. The flight typically takes approximately four hours and 15 minutes. Dili is one hour ahead of KL. Bleary-eyed as we pulled onto the apron at the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, we were jolted to our senses when strong blasts of water suddenly pelted the aircraft. We looked out to see fire trucks, one on each side of our Boeing 737, generously 'hosing down' the plane for its traditional water salute. Day on the island Why rush when you can revel in the moment? While Dili exudes the same laid-back nature, nowhere is this relaxed lifestyle more apparent than on Atauro. The island is accessible via ferry services. The big ferry costs US$4 (RM17) but the journey will take about three hours longer. The smaller ferry, though costing more at US$10-12 (RM43-51) per person, is relatively faster. Yes, the US dollar is the official currency in Timor-Leste. Ferries dock at Beloi Pier, the only port on Atauro Island. Based on our experience with the smaller vessel, it took roughly 90 minutes from the Dili Port to the Beloi Pier. (Our tip: Come prepared with motion sickness remedies. Choppy waters led to seasickness for quite a number of passengers.) Snorkelling and scuba diving are some of the activities typically done on Atauro, but the high-water conditions that sunny Saturday did not permit these. Still, we had fun exploring the island's villages in pickup trucks, trying not to suffocate as clouds of dust bloomed whenever another vehicle passed by our 'open-air transportation' on the dry dirt road. Congregating at Barry's Place, we had a buffet lunch that included ketupat (a staple in Timor-Leste) and ikan bakar. Seafood is prevalent in the local diet as it is easily obtainable. We did not stay overnight on the island, but if you wish to, you can book a stay at one of the thatched-roof chalets at Barry's Place. Our ferry was scheduled to leave at 2pm. In the island's true unhurried fashion, it only departed an hour and a half later. No matter – it gave us plenty of time to continue lounging on the beach. There was also the fish market to wander around. Amid the stalls of dried fish and freshly caught ones, we spotted a few stands selling clothes and groceries. One thing we didn't spot was stalls selling roosters. But they must have existed somewhere, because some of the locals boarded the ferry later carrying live roosters in boxes. Lovely Dili Even if you don't get to go to Atauro, Dili itself is brimming with littoral beauty. We were entranced by its cerulean waters from the moment we touched down. We also later learned that the city's seaside airport, though small, is historically interesting in that it predates the young country by well over six decades. It was built during the Portuguese colonisation prior to World War II. A great viewing point for fully appreciating the beauty of Dili's coastline is at one of its main attractions, Cristo Rei. Reaching the 27m-tall statue on Fatucama Hill requires hiking up at least 500 steps. Some say 600, while others feel like it is an infinite number of steps. We would've counted, but we were too busy taking in the views (and catching our breath). More than just a tourist attraction, Cristo Rei is religiously significant for the locals. Over 90% of the country's population is Catholic. As the 14 Stations of the Cross are set along the path to the statue, Good Friday processions are held here annually. From up the hill, we marvelled at the view of coastal roads winding alongside the turquoise waters and white sand of Areia Branca Beach – aptly named, as its appellation means 'white sand' in Portuguese. Portuguese is one of the official languages here. The other is Tetum or Tetun, with Tetun-Dili being the most common variation spoken by the locals. Our lovely guides – Luis, Erni and Firda – from Manny Timor Tours taught us Tetun words like maun and mana , the equivalent of respectfully addressing someone as 'brother' or 'sister'. Diak ka lae? A local might enquire. That's basically 'how are you?'; reply with diak (good) or la diak (not good). Communicating is no issue for Malaysian tourists, since the locals also speak English as well as Bahasa Indonesia, which is similar enough to our national language. The latter is more widely spoken, especially by those who received their education during Indonesia's occupation (1975-1999). Speaking of the occupation, gain a better understanding of Timor-Leste's history by visiting the Timorese Resistance Archive & Museum. Our stop here was short, but enough to give us insights into the Timorese people's struggle in gaining independence. We also stopped by Tais Market. As the name indicates, the marketplace focuses on tais – the country's traditional handwoven textile. It comes in many forms here, from shawls to bags and book covers. You will spot roosters tied by their feet at some of the stalls – those aren't for sale. Tais Market sells all kinds of souvenirs (but not roosters). Souvenirs in food form are harder to come by. If you've ever been to Japan and bombarded by its many daintily packaged snacks meant for gifting, expect the exact opposite in Timor-Leste. You can still purchase locally grown coffee and loose-leaf tea, but they won't be packed in single sachets that can be easily distributed back home. Beyond the city Where to get your hands on local tea and coffee? For the former, we bought some at Dili's sole shopping complex, Timor Plaza. For the latter, we ventured to the neighbouring municipality of Ermera. Up to the highlands we went. We made a quick stop at one of the villages along the way, to visit an uma lulik (sacred house). 'You must return to your own village's uma lulik for traditional ceremonies,' our guide Luis said. He stressed the importance of gathering to pray to their ancestors at these sacred buildings, which stand on stilts and are made of local timber and topped with thatched roofs. Uma lulik is a sacred house for ancestral prayers. Our journey resumed. The sun was high by the time we reached Cooperativa Cafe in Ermera. Here, we learned about coffee production and took a tour of the plantation – where other plants like cocoa and vanilla also grew. After a refreshment of coffee with a side of banana fritters, purple sweet potatoes and tapioca (the latter two paired with chopped green chillies for that extra kick), we headed to Liquica for a seaside lunch at the Alma Do Mar Resort. Fully recharged, we continued to our next destination, Aipelo Prison (alternatively spelled Ai Pelo). More precisely, it is the stone prison's ruins that still stand today. Built in the 18th century, it was decommissioned in 1939. Our attempt to glean information from the boards displayed throughout the site was not a success. The English parts on the boards had heavily faded, even more so than their Portuguese and Tetun parts. Fortunately, we had our three guides to enlighten us. Political prisoners and criminals were imprisoned in the lower half of the main building. The top half was used as an administration office. Aipelo Prison is a historical colonial era site in Liquica. This illustrates that hiring a tour guide is advisable when visiting Timor-Leste. Besides, in addition to their local knowledge, they provide something you'll inevitably need: Transportation. Microlets or mini buses are easy to come by in Dili, but they have limited reach. Renting your own car or scooter is possible for adventures beyond the city, but the roads' unfavourable conditions – some potholes are even overgrown with grass – might make you reconsider this option. Unless, of course, you're into that kind of adventure. Admittedly, we've barely scratched the surface when it comes to tourism in Timor-Leste. Our tour guides recommend at least one week to discover their country's various charms. Other places of interest include Jaco island, popular for whale-watching; Nino Konis Santana National Park, the country's first and only national park; and Mount Ramelau, the highest peak in the country. Aileu and Maubisse are also popular, especially among nature lovers and thrill seekers. Their mountainous landscapes serve as great hiking and camping spots as well as mountain biking trails. Look up videos of mountain biking in Timor-Leste and you will see why. Perhaps, that's just the kind of adventure that will entice you to visit Timor-Leste and, as the country puts it, 'explore the undiscovered'. Travel notes Getting there: Batik Air ( operates direct flights twice weekly (Monday and Friday) to Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport from KLIA Terminal 1. Where to stay: Palm Springs Hotel Dili, Hotel Timor, Novo Turismo Resort And Spa, JL World Hotel Dili, The Plaza Hotel. Currency: US dollar is the official currency. Carry cash as debit/credit cards are generally not accepted in stores. More information: Find out more about Timor-Leste at
