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Pilot takes first step to popularise RC aircrafts, hosts international jet meeting in Rompin - April 9, 2023

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Published: Friday, 14 April 2023 09:01

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ROMPIN: Darren Tiong's passion for aviation began more than two decades ago when his father gifted him a fixed-wing trainer aircraft and since then there has been "no turning back". The 37-year-old did not only grow up to explore the skies as a pilot but flew high on another turf by taking 'planes' into the air through his hobby in radio control (RC) aircraft, or RC aeromodelling. Yesterday, Tiong organised the 1st Malaysia International Invitational RC Jet Meeting at the Lanjut airstrip here which attracted more then 40 aeromodellers from five countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and South Africa.

The Sarawak-born said it was his father who sparked his interest into aircrafts and he now owns more than a dozen of the model aircrafts. "I was 13 years old when my father bought the fixed wing aircraft and that has now turned into an exciting hobby. I have been flying model jets for about 24 years and have gone to various countries for jet meetings or gatherings. "I have been a regular at the Lanjut airstrip here for flying sessions with the model jets and less than a week ago, we decided to organise the jet meeting which is the first in the country. The aeromodellers are having a field day flying their aircraft. It's the best in the country as there are no high rise buildings and it's far from residential houses," he said when met here. Tiong, who is Malaysia Aeromodelling Association president, said he hopes the jet meetings will serve as a stepping stone for people to learn more about the aviation industry and maybe pursue their interest in RC aeromodelling as a hobby. 

"A hobby in model aircraft is the first step to spark interest about aeronautical engineering and becoming pilots among children. The RC aeromodelling competition today is to give exposure and create enthusiasm among the people and hopefully put Malaysia on the world aeromodelling map. "There is a strong international community of model airplane hobbyists and the jet meeting provides has huge potential to become a major tourism event, which could help make the Lanjut airstrip and Rompin popular. RC aeromodellers were geared up to come here with their planes, so this could emerge as a new tourism product," he said, hoping for the backing from the government in future aeromodelling events. Meanwhile, Tioman assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Hussain, who was present to launch the event, said he has discussed with Tourism Pahang general manager Kamaruddin Ibrahim to look into efforts to tap into the new tourism product. "RC aeromodelling seems to be a new product with a huge following and since the flyers have already identified the 800m Lanjut airstrip as their training ground, I believe the state government must do their best to promote the event. "Apart from the famous Pulau Tioman, the waters off Kuala Rompin is popular with sailfish and marlins and we have huge groups of visitors frequenting the Rompin State Park. Now, if we can bring the RC aeromodelling on board, then there is more reason for people to visit Rompin," he said. Source - NST

Club Med Cherating is here to stay, assures its GM - March 15, 2023

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Published: Tuesday, 21 March 2023 08:31

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KUANTAN: Club Med Cherating, the first all-inclusive resort in Asia, which has been operating in the state capital since 1979 is set to undergo refurbishment works. Newly-appointed Club Med Singapore and Malaysia general manager Olivier Monceau said there had been talks with investors on the refurbishments which would certainly be a major milestone for the resort here. "It is still too early to speak on when and how it is going to happen but knowing that the train station (East Coast Rail Link) and airport (Kuantan International Airport) is built nearby, I think it would be timely for the investors to consider the refurbishments plans. "Road transport from Kuala Lumpur takes about three and a half hours to reach the resort which is quite a distance so the major changes in transportation mode to arrive by plane or train will be a great opportunity for visitors both local and overseas. The faster we activate the refurbishments plans the better," he told reporters during an interview session at Club Med Cherating recently.

On concerns that Club Med Cherating was up for sale, Monceau said just like any other big companies or brands there were sometimes such talks. "It should not be a concern as we have been here since 1979 and we are not planning to move out from here(Kuantan). As I mentioned earlier, the airport is something everyone will have in mind (mode of transportation to lure visitors) so we will remain here," he said.

In 2021, it was reported that the resort was up for sale and the operator was looking for a strategic partner to take over the 85ha property. Meanwhile, on the impact on tourist arrival following the Covid-19 pandemic, Moncea said the Malaysia market had grown swiftly and surpassed their expectations last year. "The occupancy rate in Club Med Cherating was at 75 per cent and our main objective this year is to leverage on last year's experience to accelerate further ahead. "Club Med Cherating was fully booked on six occasions last year… it is known as renting a village where the whole place is booked. Companies brought their teams together allowing all their staff to connect with one another under one roof," he said.

Monceau said the 300 rooms resort located in a tropical forest facing the South China Sea offered a beautiful nature retreat allowing guests to be in their own private space. "We are looking at the future confidently as Club Med here has created and introduced new ideas over the years. We have the Kids Clubs which caters for kids from the age of 4 months to 17 years old where they have activities and facilities of their own to keep them occupied," he said.

Pahang govt in talks with several airlines to revive Kuantan route - March 27, 2023

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Published: Monday, 27 March 2023 08:51

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KUANTAN: The Pahang government has initiated talks with several airline companies to revive operations in and out of the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport (LTSAS) here to boost tourist arrival. State Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Man said that before the Covid-19 pandemic, low-cost carrier AirAsia, Firefly and Malindo Air, since rebranded as Batik Air, used to ply the Kuala Lumpur- Kuantan route. "Currently, we only have Malaysia Airlines servicing the Kuala Lumpur- Kuantan route and Singapore's low-cost airline Scoot Air servicing the Singapore-Kuantan route, and vice-versa. Talks have begun with several Malaysian airlines companies and we are hoping for progress.

"The Pahang government is trying our best to get the airlines to return and revive the routes which they once served. We understand that some delays could be caused by the airline companies flying the more popular and profitable routes," she told reporters after a welcoming ceremony to receive the first batch of 117 passengers who arrived on Scoot Air's Airbus A320 aircraft at (LTSAS) here today. Scoot resumed flights to Kuantan on Nov 30 last year after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Operations were suspended last month for aircraft maintenance before resuming today. The flights, operating three times a week - Wednesday, Friday and Sunday - will depart from Changi Airport. Leong said commercial carrier SKS Airways, which is currently operating the Subang-Pulau Tioman and Subang- Pulau Redang route is also mulling introducing the LTSAS- Pulau Tioman route in the future. Meanwhile, she said tourism industry players from Singapore including travel agents and members of the media will be participating in a four-day familiarisation trip to Pahang in June this year.

"Singapore has been Pahang's biggest tourist source country, with a total of 116,220 people arriving last year. The familiarisation trip will allow us to provide updates on the latest tourist attractions and how people could spend their holidays in Pahang. "Special sessions will be arranged between the travel agents in Pahang and Singapore's tourism industry players so that it will be easier for them to coordinate the holiday trips here instead of getting in touch with agents outside Pahang to visit the state," she said. Reviving the flights between Kuala Lumpur-Kuantan and vice versa will bring huge relief to the people of the state, including tourists, as many have been left with limited flights daily plying in and out from the LTSAS. 

Source: NST

Pahang, Selangor discuss hill slope safety, highland development - Januari 27, 2023

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Published: Monday, 13 February 2023 15:16

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KUANTAN: Safety aspects concerning hill slope areas and highlands bordering Pahang and Selangor will be brought to the attention of the federal government. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said matters concerning hill slopes and highlands, which had never been discussed before, would be raised during an upcoming meeting between the state leaders and the federal government. "There is a need to activate a council which handles issues concerning slopes. So either the Selangor Menteri Besar (Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari) or myself will highlight issues related to this matter to the federal government. "We seek their assistance to help us on matters concerning the hill slopes bordering Pahang and Selangor. 

"This includes conducting studies on safety aspects, enforcement and development projects," he told reporters during a joint press conference with Amirudin after the first meeting between the Pahang and Selangor governments at Wisma Sri Pahang here today. Wan Rosdy said since both the Pahang and Selangor borders included hilly areas especially Genting Highlands and Fraser's Hill, their discussions also focused on the need to avoid overdevelopment. Meanwhile, Amirudin said the meeting today was to help pave the way in coordinating joint efforts involving development, rules and regulations and monitoring at highland areas including Genting Highlands and Fraser's Hill. "We hope the series of meetings (between Pahang and Selangor governments) will help us ensure coordinated works at hill slopes and highlands. Both localities (in Pahang and Selangor) are exposed to similar risks (natural disasters) and at the same time offer good potential (tourism attraction)," he said.

Meanwhile, at the meeting, Wan Rosdy said other issues that were raised included hiking activities at the forest reserves bordering Pahang and Selangor as there were some outdoor enthusiasts who carried out the activities without permission. "Hiking in forest reserves without consent will make it difficult for both state governments in case of any untoward incident. We have discussed the issue and will look into coming out with a solution on the matter. "The other matters discussed included the raw water supply between Pahang and Selangor, food security, the marking of Pahang-Selangor boundary, exploring economic potentials and further enhancing a two-way working relationship between both states."This meeting is the first step towards achieving win-win ties between us," he said, adding a second meeting would be held in Selangor before Ramadan.

He said all the matters raised during the meeting would be scrutinised by the respective state secretaries from Pahang and Selangor before they sit down with a technical committee to be led by executive council members from both states. "The issues have been identified and now we move towards identifying long-term solutions. We have to go into detail and several technical committees might be involved… one might be responsible for slopes and highland issues while another on food security. "These series of discussions will help both state governments to learn from each other, and apply certain success stories… in terms of economic growth and industry, Selangor is more advanced… maybe learn from Pahang in tourism." he said.