The Star Online: Metro: South & East
The Star Online: Metro: South & East |
- Zoo tickets to go up by 50%
- Thousands throng hall to get BR1M 2.0 vouchers
- Fireworks smuggling foiled
| Posted: 04 Feb 2013 04:58 PM PST MALACCA: Entrance fee to the the Malacca Zoo here is expected to be increased almost 50% once the facelift of the menagerie has been completed following its privatisation on Jan 1. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the ticket prices are likely to be increase within this year when the upgrading works at the zoo have been completed. "We are trying to unveil an outlook to complement the facility in Singapore, hence, the ticket prices would commensurate the fresh image of the Malacca Zoo," he said. On Friday, the Chief Minister launched the new logo for Malacca Zoo after a private company took over the management of the zoo earlier this year from National Park and Wildlife Department. Mohd Ali said some RM8mil has been allocated for the facelift and the upgrading works would be executed in stages, stretching for two years. "The increase in ticket prices is unavoidable for the private management to continue injecting more attractions at the zoo," he said. Currently the ticket cost RM15 for adults while RM6 for children. Mohd Ali said the Malacca Zoo was re-branded Zoo and Night Safari under its new management - Konsortium KKW Sdn Bhd. He said the zoo is expected to attract more than one million visitors this year with a projected revenue of RM8mil - a far cry from 750,000 visitors and ticket sales of RM3.5 million in 2012. He also added that the expansion programme would see the consortium, comprising Koperasi Hang Tuah Jaya, Koperasi Bela Masyarakat (KOBEMAS) and Wildlife Sdn Bhd unfurling a slew of programmes to attract visitors including animal show, guided safari tour, night train and treasure hunt. |
| Thousands throng hall to get BR1M 2.0 vouchers Posted: 04 Feb 2013 05:01 PM PST KUANTAN: There was a hive of activities at the Sultan Ahmad Shah silver jubilee hall here recently as 3,482 people filled the premises for a common objective. They gathered at the hall to receive the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) 2.0 vouchers of RM500 each. Many of them came in chaffeured cars while others in buses, taxis and some by foot. Scores of volunteers from political parties assisted the recipients to register their names before they were given a seat and some light refreshments. Teruntum assemblyman Datuk Chang Hong Seong, his wife Datin Koo Mui Ling and Kuantan MCA division chief Datuk Ti Lian Ker were present to give out the vouchers. In his speech, Chang said special arrangements were made with Bank Simpanan Nasional which set up counters to facilitate recipients in cashing out the voucher on the spot. He said those who were not in need of urgent cash could do so later at three other authorised banks namely Public Bank, CIMB and Maybank. "The BR1M 2.0 was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the tabling of the budget last September. "The payment of RM500 is aimed at reducing the financial burden of the people especially the low income groups. "The Government has again fulfilled its pledges with the presentation ceremony today," he said to the applause of the people. Chang urged the people to continue giving their support to Barisan Nasional and the Prime Minister to ensure continuous growth and progress. He said the Government's long-term target was to eradicate hardcore poverty and increase the income of the people. "The people should spend the money wisely to purchase basic necessities, for their children studies or save it for the rainy day. "We hope the people would appreciate the efforts of the Government," he said. Chang said the country was expected to achieve between 4.5% and 5.5% economic growth this year. He said the financial position of the country remained strong and allegations that the country was going bankrupt was not true. |
| Posted: 04 Feb 2013 05:02 PM PST KUANTAN: An attempt to smuggle fireworks worth RM224,000 was thwarted by Customs officers during a high-speed chase which ended at a dead end in an orang asli settlement near Chini. The driver managed to evade arrest but not before abandoning the consignment of illegal items in the three-tonne lorry. Customs Department assistant director-general (enforcement) Datuk Zainul Abidin Taib said acting on a tip-off, a team of Customs officers spotted the lorry along Jalan Muadzam Shah-Kuantan last week and tried to flag it down for inspection. Zainul Abidin said however, the driver refused to stop instead sped off, triggering a high-speed chase which ended in the settlement. "Initial investigations showed the illegal consignment was smuggled into the country to be sold in Kuantan due to the festive season. "The fireworks were worth RM146,000 in unpaid taxes," he told a press conference at Wisma Kastam here. Also present was Pahang Customs director Datuk Sarip Ismail. Zainul Abidin commended Pahang Customs officers for carrying out another 10 successful raids for the month of January which saw other seizures including contraband cigarettes and making six arrests. He said the value of the total 11 cases for January was about RM731,000 with unpaid taxes amounting to RM2.31mil. "We would like to thank the public for providing information to help us eradicate smuggling activities in the country. "For every success, we would consider offering incentives in cash for informers whose identities would be kept confidential," he said. Zainul Abidin said for the whole of last year, Pahang Customs achieved success in 112 cases with seizure worth RM2.82mil and unpaid taxes of RM2.856mil. He said last year, seven suspects were taken to court and in various stages of prosecution. "For this year, four suspects have been charged including one for drug trafficking under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. "Our target is to nab more offenders red-handed and charge them in court to serve as a deterrent," he said. Zainul Abidin also reminded the people not to have any dealings with illegal items as it was an offence under the law. He also urged the public not to believe in auction activities involving cars, motorcycles or cellphones purportedly organised by the department. "We have received some complaints on this matter and are investigating. "Normally, we would put up in our website to inform the public of any auction and allow them to view the products," he said, adding that those interested should go to the nearest Customs offices personally to verify the information. Alternatively, they can visit its website at www.customs.gov.my or contact 03-8882 2100 or 03-8882 2300. Those with information on any smuggling activities can contact the toll free line at 1-800-88-8855. |
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