QUICK FACTS

1. MaTEx is an industry level certification programme for tourism products and services, comprises five newly developed standards for travel agencies, adventure tourism, product/site operators/owners, event management companies, and MICE/event venues. Standard for homestays and kampungstays are under development and expected to call for applications for its pilot project in January 2020, making it standard number six under certification scheme.
2. Each the standards has approximately between 100 – 150 indicators or requirements for companies to comply with in order to be certified under MaTEx.
3. MaTEx aims to grow tourism businesses to the next level, improve the quality of tourism products and services, and subsequently enhance tourists’ trust and confidence in Malaysia’s tourism products and services. The programme also aims to recognise quality tourism products and services.

BUSINESS CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME AWARD

The theme for the 2019 National Day and Malaysia Day is ‘Sayangi Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih’ (Love Malaysia: A Clean Malaysia) to stress the importance of unity and patriotism for the well-being of the people as well as shared prosperity.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said it was hoped that the theme would instil integrity and strong character among Malaysians.

“The government has also decided to retain the official logo for last year’s celebrations this year, with the addition being the new theme,” he said in a statement here today.

He said the song ‘Malaysia Bersih’ (A Clean Malaysia) will be the main song for the celebration, but ‘Kita Punya Malaysia’ (Our Malaysia) will also be sung to fire up the spirit of patriotism, apart from sowing the culture of integrity and rejecting corruption.

The minister also announced that the National Day Parade on Aug 31 will be held in Putrajaya, and Malaysia Day in Kuching on Sept 16.

Gobind, who also chairs the 2019 National Month Celebrations Main Committee, said the launching ceremony of the national-level National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang events will be held on Aug 3, at Dataran Pahlawan in Malacca.

He said the ceremony was scheduled to be officiated by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail would also be in attendance.

“Malacca was selected as the venue for the launching ceremony due to historical factors, as it is the state where the declaration on the country’s independence was made on Feb 20, 1956, namely in Banda Hilir,” he said.

In the meantime, Gobind said various events have been planned in conjunction with the National Month celebration to invigorate the spirit of patriotism among the people.

He also called on Malaysians to express their love for the country by flying the Jalur Gemilang at their homes, offices, business premises, as well as on their vehicles to enliven the celebration.

“The government also encourages the people to voluntarily come up with various initiatives to celebrate the National Day and Malaysia Day to cultivate the spirit of unity,” he added.

– Malaysiakini/Bernama

Arguably, unforgettable travel memories always make through experiences, rather than just visiting the places of interest. Therefore, the major travel players like TripAdvisor and Airbnb are also better offering experiential travel to the customers, for them to dig into the discovery of local cultures and lifestyles. One thing you must know, Malaysia is an amazing country to explore over a melting pot of multicultural adventure and diversity.There’s something so unique about exploring a new place, not as a tourist, but as a traveller. So, for all the travellers and adventure seekers out there, here’s the ultimate list that you probably want to add into your 2019 to-do-list,

The Kampung Life

To escape from the busy routine, there are plenty of kampung homestay you can go-for to experience the beauty of nature and be surrounded with flora and fauna. Take part in the host family’s lifestyle – be it staying over a traditional rumah papan or a slightly modern house. Get involve in their family activities like tapping rubber, harvesting fruits, catching fish, etc. Add more fun to your visit by joining their traditional games like sepaktakraw, congkak, gasing, and batu Seremban. Additionally, what’s better than having the opportunity to take part in local celebrations like weddings or festivals!

Cultural Immersion

Learn to play and experience the traditional musical instruments, traditional dance, wayang kulit performance or batik painting. Approach the local craftsmen around, they will be more than happy to welcome you for joining the workshops or classes! If you’re an art enthusiast, you’ll be amazed with the uniqueness of the handicrafts, and what’s better, to take home your masterpieces as souvenirs!

Into The Culinary

Malaysia is an amazing place for good food with variety of traditional multicultural dishes hence making it a great place for culinary tourism! As much as you enjoy eating the local food, the experience will be doubled up with fun as you also learning how to cook it, from getting the ingredients at the market, to all the preparation take place for the dishes. Check out for the availability of cooking classes these days, you can’t miss it.

Get Adventures

For adrenaline junkies, you wouldn’t want to miss trying some hardcore activities like water rafting, rock-climbing, or slightly extreme mountain or hill climbing. Malaysia is surrounded with islands and oceans that you can easily access for snorkelling and scuba diving. Go on an adventure by luring into tropical rainforests, jungle trekking and camping to experience the great outdoors scene with only the sounds of insects and sleeping under the stars at night.Getting out of the big city and daily busy routine sometimes would certainly give you better mind and happy soul. Get these tips to travel like a local, observe intimately on the culture, immerse yourself in the unique differences, especially if you get to the smaller cities on the outskirts.

Resourced from Star2.com | 9 January 2019