19/09/2024

THURSDAY | SEP 19, 2024

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Refine strategies to boost local tourism, stakeholders urged

Five more cults to be gazetted as deviant in Malacca MALACCA: Five more cults and their teachings are being gazetted as deviant by the Malacca government, bringing the total number of such groups declared as deviating from the true teachings of Islam in the state to 36 since 1986. State Mufti Datuk Abdul Halim Tawil said among the cults and their teachings are the Ajaran dan Fahaman Irwan Bin Alias , Ajaran Suhaini Bin Mohammad or Ajaran Si Hulk, Amalan Dan Kaedah Perubatan Encik Adam Bin Isa (Tabib Adam) and Penyelewengan Ajaran Risalah Bab Kesucian Yang Dibawa Oleh Wayang Hadi Kesumo (Hadi Minallah). “All these five cults and teachings have been submitted to the State Legal Advisor’s Office and will be gazetted soon. “We do not rule out the possibility that there are people in Malacca who practise (their ideologies) and are followers of these groups. “The movement of these groups takes place secretly as their teachings have been declared as haram (prohibited) because they deviate from Islamic teachings,” he said on Tuesday. He added that the teachings, declared deviant by the Malacca Fatwa Committee, were subject to Section 35 of the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Malacca) 2002, submitted by the state mufti and received consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. “We urge all Muslims, including their family members, to report any suspicious activities to the state Islamic Religious Department immediately for appropriate action to be taken,” he said. – Bernama BUTTERWORTH: Heavy rain and storms combined with high tides have caused large waves to hit the Penang coast, particularly around Pantai Bersih. The Butterworth Outer Ring Road operator has warned the public to stay away from the beach area due to the high waves, which reached the back of the Bagan Ajam Rest and Service Area (R&R). “Visitors to the R&R stop are advised not to approach the beach area,” the operator said in a Facebook post. Videos circulating on social media showed large waves flooding shops and stalls in Pantai Bersih and the R&R area, resulting in the collapse of a restaurant floor. Other areas, such as the Padang Kota’s Medan Renong food court, were also affected by breaching seawater. Since Sunday, 150 incidents of fallen trees have been reported in Penang Island City Council (MBPP) areas and 65 in the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) zones. Public can contact the MBPP and the MBSP hotlines at 04-263 7637 / 04-263 7000 for emergencies. – Bernama High waves warning at Penang coast

PETALING JAYA: Tourism industry stakeholders must focus on refining pricing strategies, boosting marketing efforts and investing in infrastructure and service quality if they wish to halt the holiday stampede to neighbouring countries, said Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Faculty Of Business, Economics and Social Development senior lecturer Dr Zaleha Mohamad. She was commenting on the 100,000 Malaysians who left for destinations in Southern Thailand during the long weekend in conjunction with Malaysia Day on Sept 16. Popular tourist spots in that country include Hat Yai, Songkhla, Phatthalung, Trang and Krabi, according to surveys conducted by Thai authorities. She said Malaysia urgently requires a coordinated approach to promote local tourism and address gaps that could make a significant difference in its success. “Malaysians currently prefer Thailand as their vacation destination instead of visiting domestic tourist areas.” Zaleha said Malaysia’s prices for food, staycations and entertainment are often higher than those of neighbouring countries, which deter budget-conscious travellers. “Even duty-free goods are more expensive in Malaysia, which prevents tourists from enjoying a o Malaysia urgently requires coordinated approach, improve affordability and quality of services to enhance appeal, say experts Ű BY FARAHATUN NISA OMAR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Zaleha said discovering the unique offerings within Malaysia can be just as enriching and enjoyable as travelling abroad, and it also helps contribute to the local economy. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

2,800 tonnes annually, worth over RM130 million. From this, 30.8% or RM40 million (of the imports) come from Pakistan,” he said. Gelatine is manufactured from peptides and proteins produced by partial hydrolysis of collagen extracted from the skin, bones and connective tissues of animals such as cattle, chicken and fish. It is used in the food industry, and functions as a stabilising agent for meat products, thickener in sauces, foam texturiser in milk products and a softening agent in bakery and ice cream products. Gelatine is also utilised in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and photography industries. – Bernama Asia” campaign has achieved some recognition, its marketing has been less assertive and lacks variety. Nik Alif urged the government to focus on improving the affordability and quality of tourism services to stay competitive in the global market, particularly by enhancing infrastructure in rural areas that feature appealing tourist destinations “Thailand’s marketing is more prominent and targeted, effectively reaching niche sectors such as wellness, adventure and luxury tourism, which is far more popular than Malaysia’s. “With campaigns like ‘Amazing Thailand’, it has successfully positioned itself as a leading global tourist destination. It has showcased its rich culture, bustling cities and picturesque beaches. “Thailand’s strength is in its marketing, which is impactful, and promoted around the world.”

Saarani, who is also SADC chairman, revealed that the global gelatine market was worth over US$3.7 billion (RM15.91 billion) in 2023, and is expected to grow with a 6.6% compound annual growth rate from 2023 until 2028. “Only 7% of this represents halal gelatine. “With the industry’s vast global potential, Perak, via the SADC, intends to take the steps needed to become a major player in this strategic industry. “The import of halal gelatine in Malaysia has reached more than within Malaysia can be just as enriching and enjoyable as travelling abroad, and it helps contribute to the local economy too.” Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness senior lecturer Nik Alif Nik Hashim said Thailand is known for its lively nightlife, night markets, street food and Thai massages, making it a popular holiday destination. Nik Alif said the short distance to Thailand makes it easy for Malaysians to make quick trips there. The lower prices of goods, hotels and food also make Thailand a budget-friendly choice. He added that Thailand’s rich culture, history and friendly locals, combined with accessible travel routes to the country, and its shopping havens, relaxation offerings and adventure spots appeal to Malaysian travellers. He said while the “Malaysia Truly

good shopping experience due to the higher prices. “Duty-free shopping can be appealing for certain high-end or luxury items, but if prices remain high overall, travellers will be turned off. “Transparent pricing and clear communication about the benefits of duty-free shopping are essential to enhance its appeal.” Zaleha said while Malaysia’s infrastructure is generally good, there are areas in which improvements in service quality, accessibility and amenities could enhance the tourist experience. She said the government should capitalise on the country’s unique cultural and natural assets, such as its diverse heritage, tropical rainforests and culinary variety to differentiate itself from competitors. “Malaysians should explore and support local tourism more actively. Discovering the unique offerings

Perak plans to be major halal gelatine producer IPOH: The Perak government, through the State Agricultural Development Corporation (SADC), has signed a joint venture agreement with Pakistani halal gelatine manufacturer Leiner Pak Gelatine Ltd to grow the halal gelatine industry in the state. halal products. It said this would enable Perak to develop and grow its halal gelatine industry, turning the state into a major global halal gelatine producer. The state development corporation announced the initiative during the joint venture agreement exchange ceremony held in Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

The agreement was signed by SADC subsidiary Ladang Lekir Sdn Bhd and Leiner Gelatine Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Leiner Pak Gelatine. In a statement, the Perak government said the joint venture was part of its efforts to become a major halal product manufacturer, especially in the gelatine industry, which currently only represents 7% of the world’s

conjunction with the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2024 in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. Ladang Lekir was represented by its chairman Ahmad Yani Aminuddin, while Leiner Gelatine was represented by its managing director Khawaja Ahmed Hassan. The agreement exchange was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister