Sunday, 10 August 2014

The Malaysian Bar - National Symposium on Islamic Banking and ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

The Malaysian Bar - National Symposium on Islamic Banking and <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

The Malaysian Bar - National Symposium on Islamic Banking and <b>...</b>

Posted: 08 Aug 2014 01:56 AM PDT
Home arrowCommittees arrowIslamic Finance arrow National Symposium on Islamic Banking and Finance 2014, Sarawak (24 and 25 June 2014)
National Symposium on Islamic Banking and Finance 2014, Sarawak (24 and 25 June 2014) PDF Print E-mail
Friday, 08 August 2014 09:56am

Contributed by Sumitha Shaanthinni Kishna, Assistant Director, with photos by Jul Indra Tofan, Administrative Assistant, Practitioners Affairs Division and LawCare Department

The Bar Council, Association of Islamic Banking Institutions Malaysia ("AIBIM") and Advocates' Association of Sarawak ("AAS") jointly organised the "National Symposium on Islamic Banking and Finance 2014" ("Symposium"), which was held on 24 and 25 June 2014 in Sarawak.  Lawyers from all over the country as well as legal counsel from banks, totalling 369 participants, attended the Symposium held at Hilton Kuching Hotel, Sarawak.

Image

Due to the overwhelming response and the limited space, participants who were unable to attend the Symposium at the main ballroom, joined it via live streaming in a smaller room adjacent to the main ballroom.

Image

The Symposium began with speeches by Dato' Mohd Reza Shah Abdul Wahid, President of AIBIM and Leonard Shim, Chairman of AAS (Kuching Branch).  The guest of honour, Bakarudin Ishak, Assistant Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, delivered his keynote presentation entitled "Unleashing Value Proposition of Islamic Finance" and also took questions from the floor.

The speakers, Mohd Johan Lee Abdullah, Managing Partner of Messrs J Lee & Associates; and Assoc Prof Dr Rusni Hassan, Member, Shariah Advisory Council of Bank Negara Malaysia and Deputy Dean, Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance of the International Islamic University Malaysia, gave exemplary presentations.

Image

Image

The participants were actively engaged with the speakers, who were full of wit and zest, especially during the question-and-answer sessions. 

The Bar Council Islamic Finance Committee thanks AIBIM and AAS for their assistance in organising a very successful event.  We look forward to continuing this collaboration in the future.



busy
 
International Malaysia Law Conference 2014 (24 to 26 Sept 2014)
The Malaysian Bar's flagship conference, themed "Reshaping the Legal Profession, Reforming the Law", will be held at The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur, 5 Jalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, from 24 to 26 Sept 2014. Don't miss this signature event! Click on the link above for more details.
Regional Training Series 2014 | Workshop on Solicitors' Remuneration Order 2005, Johore (21 Aug 2014)
Organised by the Bar Council Professional Standards and Development Committee and the Johore Bar Committee Professional Development Committee, this workshop will be held at 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm, at Johore Bar Auditorium, Level 1, No 5 Jalan Tun Abd Razak, Susur 1/1, 80000 Johor Bahru, on 21 Aug 2014 (Thursday). This workshop carries three CPD points. Click on the link above for more details.
World Bar Conference, Queenstown, New Zealand (4 to 6 Sept 2014)
Organised by the New Zealand Bar Association on behalf of the International Council of Advocates and Barristers ("ICAB"), this conference will be held at 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, at the Heritage Hotel, 91 Fernhill Road, Queenstown, New Zealand, from 4 to 6 Sept 2014 (Thursday to Sunday). Registration fee for Members of the Bar before 30 Apr 2014 is NZD1,250, and after 30 Apr 2014 is NZD1,375. Click on the link above for more details.
27th LAWASIA Conference, Thailand (3 to 6 Oct 2014)
Organised by LAWASIA, this conference themed "Cutting Edge Issues for LAWASIA Lawyers" will be held at 28 Charoenkrung Soi 70, Bangkholame, Bangkok 10120, Thailand, on 3 to 6 Oct 2014 (Friday to Monday). ​ ​Registration fee for LAWASIA members is AUD850 and for non-LAWASIA members is AUD1,242.​ Click on the link above for more details.
MAICSA Annual Conference 2014 (9 and 10 Sept 2014)
Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators ("MAICSA"), this conference themed "Challenges of the Changing Corporate and Regulatory Landscape" will be held at Connexion @ Nexus, Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur, on 9 and 10 Sept 2014 (Tuesday and Wednesday). Click on the link above for more details.
APAG Training Day — Best Practices in International Arbitration Conference, Japan (12 Sept 2014)
Presented by the International Bar Association ("IBA") Asia Pacific Arbitration Group ("APAG"), this conference will be held at 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, 2F Creo Auditorium, Tokyo, Japan, on 12 Sept 2014 (Friday). Click on the link above for more details.
28th Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture (9 Oct 2014)
Co-organised by the Sultan Azlan Shah Foundation and University of Malaya, this lecture by the Right Honourable Lord Carnwath, Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, will be held at 5:00 pm on 9 Oct 2014 (Thursday). For invitation cards, kindly contact the University of Malaya Law Faculty by telephone at 03-7967 6501/6502/6500. Click on the link above for more details.


Your Login



We have 18 guests online

Malaysian Bar Council: Even in death, he reminds us of our duty

Foreign tourists still think <b>Sarawak</b> safe - The Borneo Post Online

Posted: 07 Aug 2014 11:58 AM PDT

by Lian Cheng, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on August 8, 2014, Friday

KUCHING: Foreign tourists are not perturbed by the senseless killings at Abell Road where two British medical students were stabbed to death after an alcohol-fuelled confrontation.

Ferdi Urlings, 56 and Merle Urlings, 40, who were sitting right across the road from where the killings were committed, said they were not disturbed by the news as such incidents happened everywhere.

"It happens in all cities. We are not worried or frightened. If it is your time, it is your time," said the Urlings.

They said in Amsterdam, Holland, where they come from, stabbing happened almost every evening.

Despite being pre-warned by their traveling agency back in Holland that when night fell, it could be quite dangerous for tourists, the Urlings still thought that Sarawak was a nice place.

"We have been to Mulu, Miri, Sibu and now Kuching. The people here are nice, the environment is nice and the natural surrounding is nice."

"This kind of incidences (killings) happen all over the world. Sometimes, things go well. Other times, bad things just happen. It is the same everywhere."

Having a good long three weeks traveling across Sarawak, the Urlings who touched down in Sarawak on July 22 and are due to leave on Aug 9 said they would continue to recommend their friends back home to visit Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Frans Larooi, 56, also from Holland and who happened to pass by the crime scene was not so optimistic.

"To think that it happened so near our hotel is a bit frightening, coming to think of it," said Larooi who would be here for a week.

After spending three weeks travelling to Langkawi, Penang and other places in Peninsular Malaysia, he still said Malaysia was generally quite a safe place.

Josta de Lange who happened to meet Larooi because they stayed in the same hotel, though not worrying for her safety while travelling in Kuching, expressed regrets for the parents of the victims as well as parents of the suspects.

"This is terrible and tragic. Not only parents of the victims will feel sad, the parents of the suspects are equally heart-broken," said de Lange.

Bouquets of flowers as well as wreaths were seen placed at the crime scene yesterday. Sarawak Economic Development Corporation not only expressed their regrets through a wreath, it also held a vigil last night to pay respect to the two victims.

Related News

• Glittering future cut short

• Murder giving wrong image — Mayor

• Two British nationals believed stabbed to death in early morning fracas

• Abdul Karim dismayed at murder of British students

• Fourth suspect in British students' murder remanded for seven days

• Wan Junaidi: Talks soon on operating hours

• Public safety, long hours and police presence in the limelight

• Abang Johari: City's golden triangle night spots safe

• Sarawak still safe to visit — Lo

Print Friendly

Reasons to stay at Tune <b>Hotel</b> Bintulu, <b>Sarawak</b> - Best <b>Kuching Hotels</b>

Posted: 01 Jul 2014 01:00 AM PDT

Browse > Home / Hotel Reviews / Reasons to stay at Tune Hotel Bintulu, Sarawak

July 1, 2014 by Borneo Kid  
Filed under Hotel Reviews

Why pay more when you can have 5 star sleeping experience at just 1 star price? Tune Hotel concept is having limited service hotels offering beds at very affordable prices by getting rid of costly full service extras that you just don't need and should not have to pay for.

There are five reasons why you choose Tune Hotel Bintulu to stay. Firstly, the power shower high-pressured makes a shower so amazing that we do not want to quit showering. Secondly, King Koil 5 star beds with fluffy plush pillows, crisp cotton bed linen and a 250-thread count duvet. Third, central and convenient for guests to major shopping and food & beverage outlets just around the hotel. Fourth, daily housekeeping service is there to ensure the hotel are in clean environment for guests have pleasant stay. Fifth, 24-hour security to ensure guests are safe and accessibility to main lobby is limited to guests with room keycards after midnight.

Tune Hotel Bintulu

Tune Hotel Bintulu

Tune Hotel Bintulu is located at Assyakirin Commerce Square, near Medan Jaya. It's strategically near two shopping outlets, Sing Kwong Supermarket and Farley Supermarket. Within the hotel compound are Ipoh Town Coffee Shop, Laundry Shop, Convenient Store and Terminal Lounge and Karaoke but restaurants available around the hotel are just walking distance only.

Tune Hotel Bintulu

The differences between Tune Hotel Bintulu and other Tune Hotels are that they provide each room with mineral water everyday, mini fridge, electric jug, a table, a chair and a mini cupboard. Tune Hotel Bintulu known as corporate hotel since most of the guests staying come for business trips since Bintulu is a place of oil and gas town.Image credit to Tune Hotel Bintulu

Tune Hotel Bintulu has much more bigger space compared to Tune Hotel Kuching. Tune Hotel Bintulu also has a lounge which is a pub cum karaoke. You may request rooms at the back roll for more quiet.

Lalaland Cafe and Lounge

Lalaland Cafe and Lounge

Image credit to Lalaland Cafe and Lounge

Just across the hotel, there is a chill out place called Lalaland Cafe and Lounge. This is a cafe with a mini bar for drinking of wine, liquor, beer and drinks to choose from. A nice atmosphere to hang out with buddies and family. You can chill up at the mini bar section while waiting for your dinner to be served. The cafe serves western cuisines such as steaks, salads, burgers and pastas with reasonable price.

Once you reach Bintulu, it is highly recommemded and you must not miss out trying the deep fried chicken feet at Spring Garden Cafe located at end of the town. Once you have tried, you may need to order another round as it's the best in town and the shop is usually flooded with customers all the time. When the food is good, there's always a price to pay, which is the waiting time.

Not far from Tune Hotel Bintulu, are the major attraction places. They are Tanjung Batu Beach, Taman Tumbina, Similajau National Park, Kampung Jepak, Bintulu Promenade, Council Negeri Memorial, Kuan Yin Tong Temple and Pasar Utama Bintulu with Pasar Tamu.

Having listed above reasons that Tune Hotel is worth staying, there is now no reason for you to not stay there given its great location and 5 star comfort. Happy Staying!

  • Share/Save/Bookmark

Tags: , , , , , , ,

New <b>hotel</b>, mall extension boosts Boulevard&#39;s presence in <b>Kuching</b> <b>...</b>

Posted: 09 Jun 2014 09:45 AM PDT

by Sharon Kong, sharonkong@theborneopost.com. Posted on June 10, 2014, Tuesday

KUCHING: The joint launch of Boulevard Group of Companies'four new establishments – Imperial Hotel Kuching, Boulevard Shopping Mall, Lexus Kuching and Toyota 3S Centre – will strengthen the group's presence in Kuching.

During the opening ceremony, Shin Yang Group of Companies' group executive chairman, James Ling Lu Kiong affirmed that the launch of its new four-star hotel targeted at business travellers was timely as Sarawak celebrates Visit Sarawak Year 2014 and Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

The hotel's strategic location between the airport and the central business district (CBD) will certainly be an advantage to both business and leisure travellers, he added.

"Imperial Hotel Kuching also has much to offer in the form of meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions (MICE) facilities," he said during the launching ceremony yesterday.

The event was graced by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Adenan Satem and his wife as well as Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu Numpang.

Also present were Shin Yang Group of Companies' group executive director Tan Sri Datuk Ling Chiong Ho, Boulevard Jaya Sdn Bhd general manager Heu Nging Ching, Boulevard Group of Companies directors Tan Sri Lau Hieng Wui and Dato' Sri Law Kiu Kiong, UMW Toyota president Datuk Ismet Suki and other honoured guests.

"Kuching has really been transformed into a well-known MICE destination when our state government under the vision of our former Chief Minister, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud spearheaded the set up and established the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) in 2006 and the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in 2009 to tap into this vast potential MICE market," he highlighted.

The number of international conferences and conventions held in Kuching over the last few years, the latest being the Asean Tourism Forum 2014 in January and Routes Asia 2014 in March earlier this year were testimony to the enormous success of our state government's vision and efforts.

Imperial Hotel Kuching aims to tap into this market by offering comprehensive MICE facilities including two ballrooms, nine multi-functional meeting rooms, extensive pre function foyer, VIP lounges and a covered outdoor terrace to suit conferences and events of different sizes and preferences.

"Imperial Hotel Kuching's extensive conference and meeting facilities with a total floor area of 5,856 square metres equipped with the latest technological audio video equipment will most definitely support the state government's objective to make the city of Kuching and Sarawak the destination of choice not only for tourism but also for international conventions and events," James affirmed.

In addition, Ling acknowledged that the evolution of today's business world has created the need for a high level of technological solutions and supports to both business and leisure travellers on the go.

On that note, Imperial Hotel Kuching takes great pride at being the first hotel in Sarawak to subscribe to the Hospitality Entertainment Solution, the latest hassle free offering from Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) with the latest ICT and entertainment package comprising of In-Building Broadband Solution (IBS), TM's IPTV service – Hypp TV and powered by TM's high speed broadband (HSBB) network connectivity.

"It is an honour for our hotel to work in partnership with Telekom Malaysia, the largest integrated solutions provider in Malaysia to extend our discerning guests with good WIFI connectivity, be it for entertainment or work related, a weather proof uninterrupted access of internet and good quality HyppTV entertainment and news channels," he said.

Looking at Boulevard Shopping Mall's expansion, James observed that retail offerings have expanded to more than 230 offerings with a good mix.

"Furthermore, three floors of link corridor are connected with this addition to the Phase 1 Mall to give shoppers a more comforting and convenient accessibility.

"After this extra phase of addition, the mall has finally being transformed and fully completed making it the largest on stop lifestyle mall in Sarawak with 1.7 million square foot of retail space," he added.

Print Friendly
Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, 24 July 2014

The Damai Beach Resort in Sarawak is Perfecting Its Public Spaces ... - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

The Damai Beach Resort in <b>Sarawak</b> is Perfecting Its Public Spaces <b>...</b> - Hotel in Sarawak Blog

The Damai Beach Resort in <b>Sarawak</b> is Perfecting Its Public Spaces <b>...</b>

Posted: 18 Jul 2014 12:05 PM PDT

/ / / / / /

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia
July 18, 2014 at 2:05 PM | by | Comments (0)

View from our Superior Poolside Room at the Damai Beach Resort

The Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers, especially the area surrounding the city of Kuching. A short drive outside the city sits the Sarawak Cultural Village and Mount Santubong, where you can learn about Iban longhouses and explore the exotic wildlife of the rainforest.

There are a number of hotels in Kuching that are very affordable and within a 45-minute drive, but if you want to stay on the coast, the area's flagship resort is the Damai Beach Resort in Sarawak. It recently underwent a series of refurbishments that included upgrades to the main pool, children's pool, and dining areas, and further renovations are taking place as we speak.

Damai is in the midst of adding a new ballroom and parking facilities, which it hopes will attract more events to the property. One other addition that's not being advertised but we saw while on site is the addition of a swim-up bar in the main pool.

The property and location, which you can see an aerial shot of here, is definitely one of its shining attributes. Nicely tucked between the coast and the rainforest, Mount Santubong towers up in the background, which is an especially nice view when swimming or kayaking in the calm waters of the South China Sea. There is a pretty significant tide effect on the beach, so definitely be prepared to use the pool at certain times during the day (we're guessing that the tide is one reason they decided to redo the pool).

Superior Poolside and Oceanview Rooms

The property has 252 rooms that come in a variety of different types. Some are standard hotel rooms, either tucked in beside the pool, oceanfront, or upon the hill looking out over the water. There are also stand alone Chalet units grouped together on one side of the property, each with a private exterior entrance and offering more of a beach bungalow feel. Some have ocean views, so be sure to ask when booking.

Chalet "Beach Bungalow" Rooms

We were impressed with how the property has come together, and we look forward to checking in on it down the road once the new construction is complete. We're hoping that other minor tweaks are made along the way. The fitness center could use a revamp, and there is currently no Wifi in the rooms.

Rates for the Damai Beach Resort start at $82 with breakfast included for two people. This resort also makes a good respite while attending the Rainforest World Music Festival - which our bro Jaunted said is one of the year's best music festivals.

Disclosure: Will stayed at the Damai Beach Resort as a guest of the hotel.

[Photos: Will McGough]

Medan <b>Hotel</b> to open soon - The Borneo Post Online

Posted: 16 Jul 2014 12:23 PM PDT

SIBU: A new business-class hotel will open on July 23 at Wong King Huo Road to cater to the vibrant development of Central Sarawak.

Situated next to Medan Commercial Centre, the new Medan Hotel with 136 rooms is now standing tall, providing comfort for the travellers with its concept of a home away from home.

The new property is owned and operated by the subsidiary company of Hock Peng Organisation – a diversified group involved in property development, construction, hotel and retail business.

"The eight-storey hotel with a cafe on the ground floor is surrounded by a shopping mall and over 135 units of shop houses and is just a five-minute ride from Sibu town," the organisation's deputy managing director Pemanca Dr Francis Toh said.

The organisation group also operates the Li Hua Hotel chain in Sibu, Bintulu and Mukah.

"The Medan Hotel chain operates in Betong, Sibu Bus Terminal, and now, at Wong King Huo Road," he added.

The new hotel was built in line with their vision in property development to meet the fast growing Central Sarawak, with Sibu as the gateway.

He said the third largest town in the state was the commercial, administrative, education and transportation hub of Central Sarawak.

"The central region encompasses basically the whole Rajang River stretching from Bakun to Tanjung Manis and the Igan River Basin. Both
are a vast area that caters to the needs of about half of the population of Sarawak," he pointed out.

Central Sarawak also covers more than half of the land mass of the state.

Based on the number of hotel rooms here, there is a demand for more rooms, and the opening of Medan Hotel and Medan Commercial Centre would indeed be welcome news.

The new business-class hotel was designed with facilities like a coffee house, a conference room for 150 people, two 17-person lifts, security card access system, closed circuit television system, Wi-Fi service, Astro television programmes, 32-inch LCD TV, hot and cold water system and Fire Brigade approved fire protection system.

"The best part of the design is the covered walkway linking the hotel with Medan Mall shopping complex and the surrounding commercial area that includes eateries and entertainment outlets," Toh further said.

The location was also picked because of its quiet spot in the midst of the bustling commercial centre.

"We want our guests to enjoy a feeling of home away from home and with a shopping paradise at the door step," he added.

On the top floor, the hotel has an open-air party space for 80 people – a spot that provides the best view of the town on Sibu's 'rooftop'.

Rooms are from RM98 nett onwards, inclusive of breakfast.

Print Friendly

Manhunt as FIFA partner flees Rio <b>hotel</b> to avoid arrest - The Borneo <b>...</b>

Posted: 10 Jul 2014 10:34 PM PDT

Brazilian police launched a manhunt on Thursday for an executive of a FIFA partner company handling World Cup ticket packages after he escaped from his Rio de Janeiro hotel to avoid arrest on charges of illegally selling tickets, authorities said.

Raymond Whelan, the British CEO of Match Hospitality, a Swiss-based subsidiary company of FIFA in charge of World Cup ticket packages, allegedly fled the beachfront Copacabana Palace Hotel after a judge ordered him and 10 other suspects to be held in detention. He is accused of leading a network that illegally sold game passes.

"The Englishman fled through the hotel's back door and is considered a fugitive," Rio police said in a statement, just three days before the Germany-Argentina final at Rio's Maracana Stadium.

"We saw him in [security] footage leaving in a hurry," Fabio Barucke, the case's lead investigator, told reporters, adding that Whelan had fled an hour before police arrived.

Brazilian TV showed footage of Whelan, wearing a blue shirt, walking with another man who points to him to sit on a chair near the service exit before he left the hotel, which is heavily guarded and houses top FIFA officials.

Whelan is accused of being involved with a scalping network that has sold thousands of tickets worth millions of dollars, going back to the 2002 World Cup.

Whelan, who denies the charges, was initially arrested at the same hotel on Monday but was granted preventive release the next day. His passport was seized by the authorities.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Print Friendly

Top <b>Hotels in Sarawak</b> | Cuti Cuti Malaysia Holiday and Hotel Portal

Posted: 25 Apr 2014 11:08 PM PDT

RH Hotel, Sibu

The RH Hotel is one of the established hotels located in the heart of Sibu, one of the major towns of Sarawak which is also widely regarded as the 'gateway' to the central regional hub of the state. The hotel is easily accessible which can be reached through a bridge from Wisma Sanyan, the largest shopping center in Sibu.

The hotel houses 226 rooms which come in different shapes and sizes. Decorated and equipped with the best possible facilities to the customers, it is one of the most ideal places to stay whether it is for leisure or business. Standard facilities in the room include a Mini-Bar, Astro TV services, complimentary water and coffee and tea, ironing facilities and safe deposit boxes. The hotel also offers Wi-Fi internet access to the guests in the rooms. Hairdryers, bath-robes and a modern bathtub is also provided in the bathrooms so you can have the most comfortable stay here.

The rooms here are affordable with their Superior rooms starting from RM260, Deluxe rooms from RM300, Executive from RM350, Junior Suites from RM550, Executive Suites from RM1100 and the Presidential Suite starting from RM 4000. The hotel is located at Jalan Kampung Nyabor and can be reached at (6) 084-365 888.

Dynasty Hotel, Miri

Dynasty Hotel is one of the oldest hotels located in Sarawak's popular oil town Miri. Located in the heart of Miri city, the 3 star hotel houses some 130 rooms that are designed to cater to the leisure and business traveller here. Its location is strategic as it is nearby to Miri's commercial and shopping areas. For a taste of the authentic Sarawakian lifestyle, Dynasty Hotel provides a truly cultural and modern stay for its guests.

Located at Lot 683, Block 9, Jalan Pujut-Lutong, you can call 60 85 42 1111 for reservations or further enquiries. The rooms are designed elegantly to provide the most comfortable option one can get in staying here. Luxurious and modern, there are 2 non-smoking floors available where all the rooms are equipped with facilities like air-conditioning, hair dryer, satellite and cable television, internet access as well as a mini bar. Apart from accommodation, Dynasty Hotel also offers other services like meeting rooms and conference facilities with 5 function rooms to cater to any event of up to 150 people. Wedding banquets are also a common favourite at this hotel as its Chinese restaurant here are renowned for serving the best Chinese food in Miri.

Asian Hotel and China Town Inn, Kuching

Asian Hotel in Kuching is one of the most affordable hotels located within the heart of Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak. It is located just beside the waterfront and is easily accessible as it is about 8kms from the Kuching International Airport. Located within Kuching's central district, it is also nearby to the local attractions here that include the Chinese Museum, Sarawak Museum, the Indian Mosque, the Sarawak Textile Museum, the Kuching Waterfront as well as the Tua-Pek Kong Temple. It is located at No.3 Jawa Street and can be reached at 6 082 231 133.

China Town Inn is one of the 2 branches operated by Asian Hotel. It is locate within Chinatown of Kuching made up of 3 shophouses which have been restored. Located at 2nd Floor, Lot 8-9, No. 117-119 at Jalan Padungan, this is where one can stay at one of the most traditional and cultural accommodations in Kuching that exudes the Chinese tradition.

The Grand Margherita Hotel, Kuching

The Grand Margherita Hotel is the first international hotel established in Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak. It is a majestic building located by the riverfront with a great view of the Sarawak river and its surrounding landscape. Located within the heart of Kuching, it is easily accessible and is nearby the business and commercial areas of the city. Furthermore, it is also very near to the Kuching International Airport which brings about tourists and business travellers alike. Nearby to the Hotel are local attractions like the Tua Pek Kong temple, the Chinese Museum, the Kuching Waterfront as well as the Fort Margherita.

The hotel offers 288 highly comfortable rooms that are equipped with world class facilities and offerings. The rooms are very well equipped with standard facilities that include tea and coffee making facilities, IDD phone services, air-conditioning, satellite television and such. On top of that, there is also an Executive Club here that offers services for the business traveller. It is considered to be one of the most established hotels and is the only hotel at the riverfront in the state where it can be reached at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuching or call 6082423111 for more information or reservations.

Mega Hotel, Miri

Mega Hotel is one of the most established hotels operating within the heart of Miri city, known as the oil town of Sarawak. It is situated within the business and entertainment district of the city, making it one of the most convenient hotels around. Whether you are here for leisure or business, Mega Hotel is an ideal accommodation choice as it is easily accessible as well as affordable, offering the best choices in Miri.

There are many different choices in terms of rooms that are offered in Mega Hotel which are catered to different range of stays where each of the rooms come with several facilities for optimum luxury and comfort. The bathrooms are equipped with a shower and a bath while the rooms offer individually controlled air-conditioning, IDD phone services, a mini bar, complimentary coffee and tea, hair dryer, a safe deposit box, satellite television channels as well as Wi-Fi internet access.

If required, there are also non-smoking floors, 24 hours reception, security with room service as well as more than enough parking spaces. Rooms are accessed using keycard system while the hotel also offer laundry and dry cleaning facilities too. A business center is available for travellers who need to use facilities like photostating, courier, email and such. The hotel is located at Lot 907, Jalan Merbau and can be reached at 6085-432432.

Hotel Bahagia, Sibu

Known to be one of the most convenient hotels in Sibu, Hotel Bahagia also offers the most affordable accommodations here. It is located in the heart of Sibu town area where it can be accessed through the major business and entertainment areas of the town. Here is where you can reach the major offices and shops around Sibu which are only a stone's throw away from the hotel.

There are many choices of accommodations here which include the Standard rooms which are ideal for 2 people or the Double rooms or Deluxe rooms for more while there are also the double-bed rooms here for the business travellers. Each of the rooms are well equipped to provide the best and most comfortable stay for the traveller. Individually controlled air-conditioning are provided while one can also enjoy IDD telephone services, television as well as free Internet access.

Room rates start from RM55 for the Double rooms and for the Family suites, they start at RM120. One can easily find food here that include fast food chains like Sugarbun and KFC while there are more than enough parking spaces around here. It is minutes away from the Sibu Market as well as Wisma Sanyan, the largest shopping mall here. Call 084-331131 for reservations and for further information.

Top UK &#39;Think Tank&#39; Staged BN&#39;s Latest PR Stunt On Palm Oil <b>...</b>

Posted: 23 Jul 2014 01:37 PM PDT

Top UK 'Think Tank' Staged BN's Latest PR Stunt On Palm Oil – INVESTIGATION
Alfred Jabu flew out Sarawakians to dress up as grateful "rural folk" and parade at the IEA as people who had benefitted from SALCRA

Alfred Jabu flew out Sarawakians to dress up as grateful "rural folk" and parade at the IEA as people who had benefitted from SALCRA

The prominent London-based free market 'think tank', the Institute of Economic Affairs, has been put in an embarrassing position over an apparent conflict of interest, thanks to remarks by Sarawak's Deputy Chief Minister, Alfred Jabu.

Jabu, in a speech earlier this week, boasted about his "world-wide acknowledgement" by the Institute, thanks to being granted a platform in January, at the launch of a supposedly independent report on palm oil, commissioned by the IEA.

Sarawak Report has now investigated the matter and uncovered compromising links between the on-going PR campaigns sponsored by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council and this IEA report.

The report, entitled "Commercial Agriculture: Cure or Curse? Malaysian and African Experience Contrasted", reflects the arguments of the MPOC and praises the Malaysian palm oil industry, claiming it "has a good record with regards to sustainability":

 "Certainly, some loss of forest and wildlife habitat has occurred as a result of the expansion of agriculture, including oil palm, in Malaysia, but the extent of this loss appears to have been exaggerated. The majority of palm oil plantations are located on the Malaysian mainland peninsula – nowhere near the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo where the Borneo orang-utans are to be found. Over 50 per cent of Malaysia's land area remains under forest cover and many areas are given full protection against logging"[IEA Report, October 2013]

Massive deforestation - the reality of Sarawak's oil palm industry

Massive deforestation – the reality of Sarawak's oil palm industry

The author of the report, which clearly defies all the known evidence about this most rapidly deforested area on the planet, is a member of the Institute's own Editorial Board, Keith Boyfield, who told Sarawak Report that the entire report was commissioned by the IEA, which published it as a 'discussion paper'.

Yet Boyfield, who operates his own consultancy, has enjoyed two recent trips to Sarawak, funded by none other than the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC).

Not only that, it turns out that Boyfield was accompanied on at least one of these occasions by senior staff of the IEA, including the chief operating officer, Glynn Brailsford, who also enjoyed the hospitality of the MOPC.

And their chief host on these trips?  None other than Boyfield's fellow panellist at the IEA event, Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu, the Chairman of the controversial SALCRA (Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority)!

Keith's Malaysian Government host Alfred Jabu enjoying a platform at the IEA with the launch of its research on palm oil

Keith's Malaysian Government host Alfred Jabu enjoying a platform at the IEA with the launch of its 'research paper' on palm oil

Only natural!

Boyfield has confirmed to Sarawak Report that his trip was funded by the Malaysian Government:

"We got an invitation from the Malaysian Government….They [the MPOC] certainly were responsible for organising some of it. That was the background. The study was commissioned by the IEA"

When informed that there have been a number of PR drives of this nature by the MPOC, Boyfield appeared to contradict the IEA's ethical guidelines, which bann government sponsorship and tied funding, saying:

"Well that's only natural!"

He also confirmed he was hosted and escorted by SALCRA to their own plantations. SALCRA has forced thousands of native customary land owners into statutory 'joint ventures' with the state government to grow palm oil with highly controversial outcomes.

The trip in April 2012 was variously described in Sarawak's government controlled media as a "press trip" (Borneo Post), a trip of "international experts" (Star) and as "a visit by an 8 member delegation of the IEA" (Sarawak Monitor)

Hearing SALCRA's side of the story - but was this genuine or "tied" research?

Hearing SALCRA's side of the story – but was this genuine or "tied" research? [The Star Archive]

 Rock solid rules on 'tied funding'

These visits and links to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council by the author of the report and "fellow" of the IEA clearly breech the purpose of the Institute's own "rock solid rules" against any "tied funding" to research or government sponsorship, as explained by a spokeswoman for the Institute this week:

"in terms of our funding we don't take any tied money, so the paper would have been commissioned purely on the merit of the work that is in it.  And again we don't accept any money from government or government agencies" 

Responding to our queries, the spokeswoman admitted that given the clear involvement of the MPOC and Jabu in Boyfield's research and the IEA's own compromising links, "it is a very complex and inter-twined matter".

She added "I understand obviously that it may be the case that the conclusions in Keith's paper aren't necessarily a true reflection of how things are, and that may well be to do with a number of other factors, but in terms of the relations we have, we did not take any tied money".

Posing as representatives of SALCRO "smallholders" at the IEA

Posing as representatives of SALCRO "smallholders" at the IEA

It is a weak position to take and the Institute's will have been further embarrassed by the fact that Jabu and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council have not hesitated to extract maximum positive PR from both the IEA visits to Borneo and the resulting return trip to London to launch the IEA's positive report on Malaysia's record.

'Native smallholders' flown to the UK

To take advantage of the IEA event the MPOC flew over three "Sarawak smallholders" to join Alfred Jabu on stage.

The MPOC named the trio on their promotional 'faces of palm oil' Facebook page, as Thomas Lamit, Rebecca Lambet and Briku Busang.

All three dressed up in tribal costume for the evening, in order to present themselves to the British onlookers as delighted native beneficiaries of the SALCRA 'joint venture' programmes.

Later, the same trio dressed in ordinary clothes, posed outside the Houses of Parliament to record a You Tube video, in which they took turns to condemn NGOs and to boast how they now have new homes and cars, thanks to oil palm and SALCRA.

This video, entitled 'Human Faces of Palm Oil', was sponsored by SALCRA and the MPOC.  In it the lead speaker claims, untruthfully, that "palm oil cultivation in Sarawak is done on land already cleared long ago, so there is no destruction of forest".

Apologists for SALCRA attacking NGOs in London

Malaysian Government funded this "smallholder's" trip to the UK to attend the IEA event and produce promotional material on oil palm

Screen Shot 2014-07-23 at 14.36.25

In the same video Rebecca Lambet describes her own family's rich new lifestyle, including multiple car ownership.

These are circumstances that bear little relation to the reality of life for most dirt poor Dayaks living on SALCRA plantations.

Furthermore, these PR friendly "smallholders'" are noticeably advanced English-speakers, considering they are supposed to be rural folk.

Despite the IEA's attempt to distance themselves from "tied funding" these 'faces of palm oil' clearly had their trip funded by the Malaysian public.

PR dividends for the Malaysian Oil Palm Industry 

It is therefore clear is that Keith Boyfeild and his IEA event have just provided the latest platform for yet another publicly funded publicity stunt by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council in their on-going 'greenwash campaign' promoting palm oil.

And the MPOC generated publicity around Boyfield's Sarawak visits wholly undermines any attempts by the IEA to claim distance or objectivity for their research.

Boyfield and Jabu on his 'press trip' in 2012. He lavished praise to the Sarawak media about BN's record in Sarawak and attacked foreign criticism about human rights and the environment.

Boyfield (3rd left) and Jabu on his 'press trip' in 2012. In the article he lavished praise on BN's record in Sarawak, saying it was time to "correct misperceptions in western countries"

For example, during his MPOC funded visit in 2012, Boyfield was quoted extensively by the KTS-owned Borneo Post (below), who portrayed him as a senior international journalist, relentlessly praising the Sarawak state government and its record on logging, oil palm and the environment:

"The state government should do more to promote the positive things it has been doing with regards to nature conservation to correct misperceptions, especially among western countries…Keith Boyfield, the spokesperson for a delegation of foreign media to the state, said…

Sarawak oil palm expert, thanks to his week long trip?

Sarawak oil palm expert, thanks to his week long trip?

He opined that at the moment Sarawak had been too modest in its campaign to tell the world about its conservation efforts, and because of that it had been subjected to criticisms particularly in Britain and Europe about the way oil palm plantations were being developed here…

"Most of the things we hear about are always threats to the habitats and also constant theme of the elimination of mangrove swamps and rainforests when in actual fact that doesn't appear to be the case," he said...

Boyfield, who is a regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and other leading newspapers and journals including Financial Centres International, said before this there had been a lot of criticisms in Great Britain and Europe about the way oil palm plantations were being developed in Malaysia and Indonesia…

"There also have been sort of view from people in Britain that Malaysians or the people of Sarawak are cutting down all the virgin rainforests and eliminating the habitats for mammals like orang utans so that they could grow oil palm," he noted.

He explained that the purpose of the delegation was basically to see with their own eyes whether some of the claims and accusations made in the western media corresponded to reality, saying what they discovered proved that those reports were untrue."[Borneo Post 28/4/12]

Boyfield's quoted opinions on these matters appear to have been furnished by his week long visit, hosted by SALCRA and being shown round SALCRA plantations by Alfred Jabu. They contradict widely known facts and betray a lack of genuine investigation on the ground.

Indeed his own reports on Twitter at the time focused less on the conditions in dirt poor Dayak longhouses and more on his sponsored accommodation in the Taib family's Hilton Hotel!

Report from the ground? - excited tweets from Boyfield about his luxury experience of Sarawak.

Report from the ground? – excited tweets from Boyfield about his luxury experience of Sarawak in Kuching's Hilton

A bit of time in the interior of Sarawak would surely have informed Mr Boyfield a little better, because according more quotes in the Borneo Post, he then came out with the astonishing claim that the state's oil palm plantations were merely conversions from the traditional rubber plantations and that the virgin jungle remains intact!

"This is because from what we see so far is it appeared that your palm oil plantations have actually switched from other commodities such as rubber and now you have been cultivating palm oil instead of other commodities.

"It is not so much of you cutting down lots of primary rainforest as claimed by some western media," he [Boyfield] commented [Borneo Post]

Fact check for Keith Boyfield

These remarks by Boyfield were repeated throughout the Sarawak media at the time and also later when the IEA report was produced.

One widely disseminated article was entitled "British experts say criticisms from foreign NGOs on environment are exaggerated":

British experts say criticisms from foreign NGOs on environment are exaggerated

"The Institute of Economic Appeal (IEA) has produced a report entitled "Commercial Agriculture: Is It A Cure Or A Curse, Malaysian and African Experience Constructed" by Keith Boyfield.  

The report highlights the roles played by SALCRA in spearheading a move to develop native customary right land into commercial plantation….. This very favorable report was produced by The Institute of Economic Appeal an Independent Body following a visit by its 8-member delegation to Sarawak sometime in April 2012, 

During the visit, members of the delegation led by Mr. Keith Boyfield had dialogue sessions and discussions with members of local business community, representatives of statutory bodies and general public including participants in the land development schemes. 

They visited Palm Oil Plantation at Sungai Stengang in Stungkur, conducted interviews with many SALCRA scheme participants and visited Palm Oil Mill. After visiting Sarawak they visited Peninsular Malaysia for the same purpose.

Great PR material for BN's cyber-bloggers

Great PR material for BN's cyber-bloggers

To the contrary, we suggest it is time that Boyfield shook off the MOPC, took a more independent visit and checked his facts.

Because, this expert of one week was soon engaging in public debates and making his ignorance plain – claiming for example that "property rights are pretty well respected in Malaysia" and that the concept of Land Grabs is too "emotive" and "nuanced" with respect to the oil palm debate.

Academic tour or the usual tourist junket courtesy of the Sarawak government ?

Academic tour or the usual tourist junket courtesy of the Sarawak government ?

Mr Boyfield should contact Sarawak's expert native land rights lawyers, who have seen numerous court victories ignored by the state government and outfits like SALCRA, and think again.

No immigrant workers?

Boyfield has also claimed that during his 'academic visit' to Sarawak he observed that everyone he met working on oil palm plantations was a local person and not a migrant worker! 

"In Sarawak it strikes me because traditionally its been a much poorer part of Malaysia than the peninsula they're able to recruit locally". 

Mr Boyfield should contact any of the grassroots indigenous groups, who could tell him of the major problem with respect to the vast immigrant labour force in Sarawak and the uneconomic wages for local people, even on their own SALCRA "smallholdings", and then speak again.

Great dividends from SALCRA?

In yet another article, promoting his concept that the Malaysian Palm Oil Industry should be encouraged to expand into Africa for the benefit of the world poor, Boyfield even plays the SALCRA 'dividend game', ie spouting big figures without finishing the maths:

"In Sarawak, standards of living have been transformed by commercial agri-business… Farmers associated with SALCRA, a group set up to develop native land rights in Sarawak, have earned $163m individend payments since 1985″ [Keith Boyfield, The Enquirer, Liberia]

Given Boyfield himself acknowledges that there are around 22,000 SALCRA members, this sum in fact calculates over the 30 year period to about $200 a year per family, in return for the sacrifice of their rightful native lands and forests to the government controlled 'joint ventures', managed by Alfred Jabu.

World's worst CEO? Ordinary shareholders have gained little from SALCRA - only BN cronies and himself have profited

World's worst CEO? Ordinary shareholders have gained little from SALCRA – only BN cronies and himself have profited

As everyone in Sarawak knows, the smallholders from SALCRA have received virtually nothing in return for the surrender of their lands and that Jabu's dividends have been paltry compared to the rich profits made by privately run oil palm ventures.

Neither did these native customary rights land owners receive one ringgit from the huge sums raised out of logging the timber from their lands to make way for the SALCRA palm oil plantations (less than 5% of virgin forest remains in Sarawak – just another fact check for Mr Boyfield).

Only government ministers, like Alfred Jabu and their cronies, have raked in hundreds of millions from the land grab policies of the State of Sarawak.  The Dayak remain as poor as ever.

Attacking NGOs

MPOC was about to hire FBC Media, before SR exposed their illegal activities

MPOC was about to hire FBC Media, before SR exposed their illegal activities and closed them down

But rather than check his facts and balance his arguments, this British consultant has chosen instead to adopt the Malaysian Palm Oil's obsession with attacking NGOs.

In Malaysia free speech and independent opinion are treated like crimes by BN politicians, who find all criticism highly damaging, since they usually can't answer it.

But, why should a British onlooker condemn legitimate concerns raised by NGOs in the same way?

This week, when Jabu again went on the attack over native protests against Sarawak's latest dam building and 'industrialisation programme', the DCM as ever blamed "selfish foreign NGOs who are being paid" for "inciting" them.

He revealed his own paid for PR in the process:

"From overseas they get support from negative NGOs, but these people from overseas what do they know about our internal potential? I went over to London last January at the invitation of the Institute of Economic Affairs to be one of the panel speakers whereby my presentation to overseas has been acknowledged worldwide by the Institute of Economic Affairs in London. And I have been invited again to go to Belgium to tell the NGOs in Europe about our need to survive. Our own people, not because of the selfishness of the NGOs who are being paid, I know i've got records, by countries they collect money to finance the NGOs to disturb us here and I'm going to fight that, for the sake of Sarawak."  [recorded speech] 

Sarawak Report will investigate Jabu's Belgium event.  But, meanwhile why has Mr Boyfield has adopted the same anti-NGO line in his supportive articles for the MPOC?

"GLOBAL food security and the need to save Africa's poor from starvation have dominated international discussions for decades, and were key themes at the latest G8 summit. Yet the goal has triggered a raft of accusations from campaigning NGOs that business is guilty of "land grabs" across tropical Africa. The Guardian's George Monbiot, for example, claims that we are about to witness "a new set of agreements that allow foreign companies to grab [Africa's] land, patent their seeds and monopolise their food markets. This is scaremongering of the worst order and symptomatic of an ill-thought out attack on capitalism's role as a generator of prosperity."[Keith Boyfield, The Enquirer]

FBC Media would have been proud of all this from Mr Boyfield – they were the last British champions for the MOPC and they adopted exactly the same theme in their "Develop or Die" series, which was later disowned by the BBC.

But, when Ministers like Alfred Jabu start hurling unsubstantiated accusations about "paid NGOs", engaged by foreign powers to undermine Malaysia, someone should remind him about the millions of ringgit that are being wasted by the Malaysian Government itself on engaging this sort of blatant PR from consultants like Keith Boyfield.

It is always public money wasted, because people like Boyfield always get rumbled.

[Sarawak Report is still awaiting promise clarifications by the IEA, in response to our critique of its "complex and intertwined" relationship with the MOPC]
Posted by at 1 comment:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)