PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is set to deepen its tourism ties with Middle Eastern nations by adopting a proven strategy pioneered by Royal Brunei Airlines, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. He highlighted the success of the airline's "Brunei + Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu" model, which offers travellers a complimentary overnight stay in Brunei before continuing on to destinations such as Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu.

The initiative has received encouraging market response and was recently expanded to include Kuching. "Given the strong reception, we are planning to replicate this model for the Middle Eastern and Indian markets, in partnership with Royal Brunei Airlines, to draw more international tourists to our shores," he said in a statement.

KUALA LUMPUR: Hard Rock International has opened the seventh Hard Rock Cafe in Malaysia in Genting Highlands, Pahang. Hard Rock Cafe Genting Highlands is the first located in the clouds, 6,000 feet above sea level, vice president of franchise operations of Hard Rock International Tom Perez said. The cafe, located specifically at NCT Alliance Bhd's Grand Ion Majestic development, offers guests its famous mix of food, music and entertainment.

NCT Alliance executive chairman Datuk Seri Yap Ngan Choy said the cafe is part of the company's efforts to enhance the guest experience in Genting Highlands.  "This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening Genting Highlands as a premier tourism destination while creating unforgettable moments for all who walk in through our doors," he said. The cafe opened to the public on April 30 and offers popular menu items such as the legendary burger and hickory-smoked ribs, along with live music, DJ performances, themed nights and exclusive Hard Rock merchandise. 

Source: NST

KUANTAN: As the highly anticipated RXZ Fighter 2.0 gathering kicks off at Teluk Cempedak today, a Pahang executive council member has reminded motorcycle enthusiasts to prioritise safety at all times. State Communications and Multimedia, Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman Fadzli Mohamad Kamal advised biking enthusiasts travelling from across the country to the state capital here to adhere to traffic regulations and respect other road users.

"All participants should remember that safety must be adhered to during their ride to the event in Kuantan. Ride carefully, and keep your loved ones and families in mind. "Participants must ensure that their motorcycles are roadworthy before making the trip. Although the event celebrates the biking community through various programmes, safety remains the utmost priority," he said in a Facebook posting.  Last year, two motorcyclists who were travelling to attend the RXZ Fighter gathering here were involved in separate road accidents along the East Coast Expressway.

The two-day event, which starts at noon today, will conclude tomorrow.  Meanwhile, Fadzli said the second edition this weekend follows the success of the inaugural RXZ Fighter event held at Serambi Teruntum here last year.

"Last year, around 50,000 participants attended the gathering, and we expect a bigger turnout this year. This event is more than just a gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts as it serves as a platform for youth empowerment, tourism promotion, and social engagement," he said. Meanwhile, event organiser Kelab Permotoran RXZ, in a statement, said that participants stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes worth approximately RM400,000, including a pick-up truck and RXZ motorcycles. The event will also feature five Pahang-born riders currently competing in the 2025 Malaysian Petronas Cub Prix, who will showcase their bike-handling skills. 

KUANTAN: After the Jenderak Selatan Wildlife Conservation Centre in Kuala Krau, the Pahang government is looking at setting up a second endangered seladang or Malayan gaur sanctuary in Lanchang, Temerloh. Local Government, Housing, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff said the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) is in the midst of submitting an application for funds under the 13th Malaysia Plan for the project.

"The Pahang government through Perhilitan plans to build a gaur conservation centre to complement the existing ones at Jenderak Selatan and the wildlife conservation centre in Sungai, Perak. The surrounding areas near Bukit Rengit and Kuala Gandah currently have two conservation centres, namely the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary and Malayan Tiger Conservation Centre.

"If the sanctuary in Lanchang gets the nod, Pahang will have two gaur conservation centres and this will further strengthen the ex-situ conservation efforts for the animal," he said in his winding-up speech at the state assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang here today. Meanwhile, Pahang Public Works, Transport and Health Committee chairman Razali Kassim said upgrading Jalan Pos Sinderut in Lipis are among the seven projects, worth RM858.7 million, approved by the Federal government at five districts across Pahang. 

He said the RM320 million road works at the Orang Asli settlement will be among the five projects carried out by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry while the remaining two projects were under the Works Ministry. Razali said all the seven projects were in the design stages by the Public Works Department.

Meanwhile, State Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Man said the Pahang State Parks Corporation has begun preparations to recognise the Lipis district as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Global Geopark next year. She said the corporation was in the midst of preparing the dossiers for Lipis, which is the country's current largest National Geopark, to be part of Unesco's list in 2026.

The Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had proclaimed Lipis with the National Geopark status early last year when serving as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Source : NST