Proposal to install CCTVs in front of shops in KL - The Star

2 August 2016

Amin Nordin browsing through the contents of Hello KL e-magazine at its launch at Dataran Undrgrnd, Kuala Lumpur. With him are (from left) Malaysian Association of Tours and Travel Agents president Datuk Hamzah Rahmat and Mitra Malaysia Sdn Bhd Tunku Datuk Seri Iskandar Tunku Abdullah.

KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is mulling over the idea of making it compulsory for business premises to install closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) facing their entrances.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Mohd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz said it would help capture footage of crimes that take place along the walkways for police investigation.

“Although DBKL has installed more than 1,000 CCTVs in the city, they mostly face public roads.

“Many shops in developed countries have CCTVs which provide important evidence and give the police leads and deter crime.

“We had a discussion with the Government’s Public-Private Sector Special Task Force on Facilitating Business (Pemudah) and are looking at the possibility of including CCTVs as a condition for getting business premises licences.

“We are also looking at possible incentives for business owners,” he said after launching Hello KL e-magazine at Dataran Undrgrnd (sic) during the KL Hari Raya Eid Mubarak Festival 2016 for tourism industry players and tourists on Monday.

Hello KL is a free bimonthly e-magazine that offers the latest news, trends and developments in the city tourism industry.

Amin Nordin said the first issue focused on Kuala Lumpur’s heritage to mark the Merdeka month.

“The articles cover a variety of topics such as the history before independence and the heritage of some of the oldest parts of the city such as Kampung Baru.

“The content is developed with a focus on telling the stories of Kuala Lumpur, promoting tourist experiences and highlighting important information on industry players,” said Amin Nordin.

He encouraged more tourism players in the city to contribute to the content and said they would benefit by reaching out to the audience for free.

Hello KL has been distributed to about 7,000 tourism players worldwide.

The magazine can be downloaded from www.visitkl.gov.my

Bylaws also being drafted by local authorities to get people to recycle - The Star

10 March 2016

(From left) MBPP Urban Services Department director Mubarak Junus, Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort general manager Calvin Koay, Mohd Rashid, Oon and other officials placing used plastic bottles at the hotel’s designated recycle area.

MORE than 100 agents in Penang are expected to apply for recyclable items collection licences once the Segregation at Source Bylaw and Licensing of Recyclers Bylaw are gazetted on June 1.

The state’s Solid Waste Management Unit chief Oon Lai Kuan said the drafts of the bylaws have been submitted to the state legal adviser Datuk Aliza Sulaiman.

“At the moment, there is no law to compel people to recycle, therefore the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) want to implement both the bylaws.

“The first one is to compelpeople to recycle and second one for recycling agents to have the licences. This way, both councils can track the amount of recycling collections and rate of recycling efforts carried out.

“We will give people some time to get used to the bylaws, but once gazetted, action will be taken against those who fail to abide by them,” he said at the launch of the pilot project for waste segregation at source for the hotel category at the Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort in Tanjung Bungah recently.

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon said that so far, three pilot projects for waste segregation at source had been implemented.

“The state government launched this fourth pilot project for the hotel category and hopes to make waste segregation a routine.

“Other pilot projects will alsobe implemented in other parts of Penang.

“We will cover all the sevencategories of villages, high-rise buildings, housing project for the poor, housing estates, factories, shopping malls and food outlets/hotels by March.

“The pilot project will be closely monitored and any weaknesses identified will be corrected,” he said.

Mohd Rashid also said the MBPP had allocated RM95.64mil for waste management and cleaning of public areas.

During the launching ceremony, the hotel’s general liaison officer Zainal Basiron said that the hotel collected about 2,000kg of recyclable items each month, which are sold for more than RM800.

ICW team up with Lions Club of Perak Silver State, RT Jelapang and Kinta AA to help promote 3R

24 July 2016

Ipoh City Watch (ICW) participated in Ipoh Car Free day for the 5th time today. Over 3,000 people converged at Jln Raja DiHilir (Jln Tambun) in Ipoh since 7 am either to have a brisk walking, jogging, participate in Aerobic session or cycling.

For ICW, our objective has always been to make Ipoh the most liveable city in Malaysia. The recent recognition given by Lonely Planets which declared Ipoh as the only city in Malaysia and 6th city to visit in Asia, has encouraged more people to come forward to help promote cleanliness.

Today, ICW was joined by Lions Club of Perak Silver State, RT Jelapang and Kinta Athletics Association to promote 3R. Over 100 signatures were collected within 2 hours from the public. Apart from that we hold placard with messages to get the public to be responsible and to keep Ipoh clean.

Ipoh City Council mayor, Dato Zamri Man, was one of the participants who have always shown appreciation of what we did. He gave his words of encouragement as he cycled pass our booth which is next to the Japanese Garden.

Tuan Zakuan, Ipoh City Council Secretary and Tuan Zulqarnain Ahmad have also dropped by at our booth to pledge for recycling and to support our good cause.

Action Plans On Recycling - Ipoh Echo

16 Jul 2016

Kuala Lumpur has joined other states namely Selangor, Penang, Perak, Johor and Malacca, to ban the usage of biodegradable containers, especially polystyrene effective January 1, 2017. This does not augur well for the Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) who has strongly objected to such a move as it will affect members of the industry.

During a forum on plastics jointly organised by Ipoh City Watch (ICW), MPMA (Perak Branch), Perak SWCorp, Ipoh City Council and Koperasi Alam Hijau Perak Berhad (KOHIJAU) held at a local hotel in Ipoh, Dato’ Rusnah Kassim who officiated the forum, has thrown a challenge to MPMA to prove two things; how plastics can be reduced from going to the landfills, illegal dumpsites and beaches and what solution MPMA can offer to help reduce the impact of plastics on our health and environment. At the moment, the Perak government stood firm on its decision to ban the use of polystyrene and plastic bags effective June 1, 2017.

As one of the four panelists during the forum entitled ‘The Impact of Plastics on the Sustainability of Environment: Should Plastics be banned?’ attended by about 200 participants, I put forward ICW’s points that we support the government’s move in banning the use of polystyrene and plastic bags. I made my points clear that by 2020, if nothing is done by us, Perak will generate 3 billion tonnes of garbage of which 450,000 tonnes or about 15% of the total garbage, come from plastics. As plastics take a few hundred years to degrade, it will have an impact on our environment. Plastics are also made from petroleum which is a non-renewable source of energy.

The general perception of the public is that chemicals used to make plastics can leach into the food after a prolonged used at certain temperatures although there is no concrete evidence to support this at the moment. Moreover, plastics such as polystyrene and plastic bags can be recycled as claimed. However, there is a lack of interest by the public to collect such items as recyclables due to its low resale value.

At the end of the forum, all four panelists concluded that MPMA (Perak Branch) should be given a chance to prove itself by finding a solution to the challenge thrown by Dato’ Rusnah Kassim.

Thus moving forward, ICW, using its recycling unit KOHIJAU has set up the Perak Action Team for a Sustainable Environment (PATSE) in collaboration with MPMA (Perak Branch), Perak SWCorp and Rukun Tetangga Jelapang. The main objective is to come out with action plans which will help educate, engage and excite the people to involve and embrace 3R (Reuse, Reduce & Recycle).

The team will go on a statewide campaign beginning with Kinta District. PATSE will also hold talks in schools and with any organisation keen to participate in the programme.

For further information, kindly visit www.ipohcitywatch.org or Whatsapp 013 533 0989.

Dr Richard Ng
Ipoh City Watch (ICW)

Ipoh: City of many attractions - Star Metro Perak

15 July 2016 by Ivan Loh

IPOH’S inclusion into Lonely Planet’s list of top 10 Asian destinations to visit this year is not a fluke.

Indeed, to Ipoh folk, the recognition was fully deserved as the city, with its mix of modernisation from development and olden charm, has vast potential in attracting tourists from all over the globe.

The boom of modern hipster and boutique cafes and the olden-style kopitiams, against the backdrop of rising skyscrapers and colonial buildings – things are as quirky as they are interesting.

Kindergarten clerk Lily Lim, in her 30s, said there were plenty of places to visit, especially in the Old Town part of the city.

“The influx of tourists began in the last four to five years.

“There is so much more to see now, including the popular Yi Lai Hong (Concubine Lane) or Panglima Lane, there are also the Han Chin Soo Pet Soo (Han Chin Villa) exhibition centre, a three-dimensional interactive art funhouse and the recently opened Ho Yan Hor Museum,” she told MetroPerak.

“Apart from these tourist attractions, the food is definitely another thing visitors look forward to when they come here,” she said.

“The ever popular nga choi kai or bean sprout chicken, dim sum, pomelos, tau foo fah (soy bean curd dessert) are some of the well-known items here in Ipoh,” she added.

Lonely Planet has listed Ipoh, the only city from Malaysia, at number six on its inaugural Best in Asia 2016 list, which was topped by Hokkaido (Japan), followed by Shanghai (China), Jeonju (South Korea), Con Dao Islands (Vietnam) and Hong Kong.

Apart from the attractions at Old Town, marketing communications manager Joey Loh said there were other attractions such as the Chinese temples built at limestone hills – Sam Poh Tong, Perak Tong and Kek Lok Tong.

“There are other places near Ipoh that visitors could go to.

“Within travelling distance from Ipoh are white water rafting and eco-tourism destinations in Gopeng, Kellie’s Castle in Batu Gajah and other nearby attractions,” she said.

Loh also said that the street food offered in Ipoh was cheaper than those found in metropolitan cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

“Street food, cafes, restaurants and fine-dining eateries. We can be called a food paradise now,” she added.

Many netizens too agreed that Ipoh is a nice place to visit.

They commented on The Star Online’s Facebook posting of the article that they were proud that the city was recognised by Lonely Planet.

Cecilia Yap said: “Proud that I’m from Perak, plenty of yummy food, Love Ipoh kacang Putih and all the historical places!”

Mathavi Nadarajah Thevar said: “Macam tak percaya kan? Masa kita pergi banyak tempat yang berpotensi kan. Lagi seronok daripada KL.” (Unbelievable right? When we visited, there were lots of places with potential. More fun than KL.”)

Another social media user, Marcus Kho, said he liked the serenity of the city, which was surrounded by hills.

Meanwhile, Ipoh City Watch president Prof Dr Richard Ng said the announcement by Lonely Planet has put Ipoh on the world map ahead of Visit Perak Year 2017.

“We are definitely proud to hear that Ipoh has finally been given the due recognition by travellers around the world who have visited the historical city to be named as a destination for world travellers for the next 12 months,” he said.

“With that in mind, the local authorities and community leaders must work together to ensure that visitors would have a pleasant visit here,” he said.

“There needs to be a task force, consisting of the Ipoh City Council, police, welfare department, non-governmental organisations, the Ministry of Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNKK) and Consumer Association of Perak, to look into ways to capitalise on this recognition with Visit Perak Year looming,” he added.

Dr Ng said it was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the city to showcase its attractions and to live up to its namesake as a food paradise.

“Cleanliness will be an issue and the city council needs to ensure all the food outlets be rated ‘A’ before year end.

“All these outlets must also ensure the toilets are clean, practice garbage separation at source, avoid using polystyrene and clean up their drains,” he said, adding that businesses must be monitored to ensure they would not charge exorbitant prices that could tarnish the city’s name.

“The Police, the Perak Anti-Drugs Agency and the Welfare Department must work hand-in-hand to keep ‘jaga kereta’ touts, who are usually drug addicts, at bay,” he added.

Lonely Planet names Ipoh as the sixth hottest place to visit in Asia

Ipoh is undergoing a quiet renaissance. Until now, domestic tourists seldom lingered beyond a weekend sampling ayam tauge (chicken and beansprouts) and Ipoh's famous white coffee. Backpackers considered this pleasant, mid-sized city an overnight stop between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. These days, renewed enthusiasm for Ipoh's heritage is seeing old shophouses restored, while new cafes and craft shops are springing up...

Ipoh is undergoing a quiet renaissance. Until now, domestic tourists seldom lingered beyond a weekend sampling ayam tauge (chicken and beansprouts) and Ipoh's famous white coffee. Backpackers considered this pleasant, mid-sized city an overnight stop between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. These days, renewed enthusiasm for Ipoh's heritage is seeing old shop houses restored, while new cafes and craft shops are springing up within historic buildings. Meanwhile, the ribbon is being cut on brand-new accommodation, from hostels to luxury hotels.

The key to enjoying Ipoh is tackling it by neighbourhood. Its pavements seem designed to shred sandals while its sights sprawl over a large area. Start with the old town's charismatic lane ways and revived period buildings. Grab a trail map to seek out the best heritage structures and street art. South of here, Ipoh's Little India has glittering shops and some fine eateries.

East of the river in Ipoh's new town, a cluster of canteens serve up regional classics like ayam tauge and some of the creamiest beancurd pudding around. Just north of this foodie hub are the city's more upmarket hotels alongside the shiny Parade shopping mall. As Ipoh's confidence grows, it's an exciting place for an urban interlude, not to mention a convenient gateway for travel to the Cameron Highlands or Pulau Pangkor.

Lonely Planet has ranked Ipoh as the 6th best place in Asia to visit in the next 12 months. Describing Ipoh as Malaysia’s renaissance city whose ‘coffeehouses and heritage houses are staging a long overdue comeback’, Lonely Planet sings praises for Ipoh’s old and new charm and cuisine.

One of the draws of Ipoh, according to the Lonely Planet article, is the ‘colonial golden triangle’ which covers several of Ipoh’s colonial buildings that are still standing proudly west of the Kinta River. The Ipoh train station, described as the ‘Taj Mahal’ of commuter hubs for its white domes, as well as the 100 year old Town Hall, white Court House, and Birch Memorial Clock Tower were all built in colonial times.

Lonely Planet also highlighted Ipoh’s growing number of hipster cafés, renewed love of Ipoh coffee (locals would approve of this, for sure), street art, temples and the racy history of Concubine Lane.

To an Ipoh native, the beauty of this old town is obvious and precious, and word has been spreading steadily to other parts of the country for a while now. Ipoh is already groaning under the weight of local day-trippers who head up there for the small town charm and delicious food. Ipoh is so popular among the locals that on weekends, you will have to queue up for quite a while if you want to enjoy some of Ipoh’s best meals.

With Lonely Planet’s highlight on Ipoh, those queues just got a little longer. Go soon  and beat the crowds.

Lonely Planet’s Best Places to visit in Asia

1. Hokkaido, Japan
2. Shanghai, China
3. Jeonju, South Korea
4. Con Dao Islands, Vietnam
5. Hong Kong, China
6. Ipoh, Malaysia
7. Pemuteran, Indonesia
8. Trang Islands, Thailand
9. Meghalaya, India
10. Taitung, Taiwan

Ipoh gets listed in Lonely Planet - The Star

13 July 2016 by T. Avineshwaran

Ipoh's old world charm and booming hipster cafes has impressed the largest travel guide book publisher in the world, Lonely Planet, after the city was listed as one of the best Asian destinations to visit in 2016.

In their pick of where to go in the next 12 months, Lonely Planet listed Hokkaido, Japan at first place, followed by Shanghai, China and Jeonju, South Korea.

Ipoh is the only city in Malaysia to be listed, at sixth place.

According to the website, the lesser-known food capital has new flair thanks to a crop of boutique cafes that have sprung up in its historic quarter.

"At the heart of Ipoh’s renaissance is other worldly concept hotel Sekeping Kong Heng, replete with glass attic rooms and wall-free rooftop quarters.

"Art-cafes like Roquette, Burps & Giggles and Everyday Lifeshop have appeared nearby, among creaky kedai kopi (coffee shops) and elegant colonial buildings.

"But food pilgrims still clamour for Ipoh’s old favourites: Lou Wong’s chicken with crisp beansprouts, and tau fu fah (tofu pudding) at Funny Mountain," said the website's description.

It also mentioned wild escapes, like birdwatching by bicycle through Kinta Nature Park or whitewater rafting near Gopeng are a must visit for tourists.

"Also, clifftop temples and fragrant Gaharu Tea Valley nearby, Ipoh’s revival seems sure to tempt new crowds," concluded Lonely Planet.

The other tourist spots listed by Lonely Planet are Con Dao Islands in Vietnam; Hong Kong, Pemuteran in Indonesia; Trang islands inThailand; Meghalaya in India and Taitung in Taiwan.