Blog Makanan di Kuala Lumpur: 12b - Makanan di Malaysia - Blogger - Blog Makanan di Malaysia

Blog Makanan di Kuala Lumpur: 12b - <b>Makanan di Malaysia</b> - Blogger - Blog Makanan di Malaysia

Blog Makanan di Kuala Lumpur: 12b - <b>Makanan di Malaysia</b> - Blogger

Posted: 30 Jun 2014 01:18 AM PDT

attractionI am going to take you to a country which is full of islands. Any guess? Yes, you are right. It's Malaysia. There are878 islands in Malaysia. This country is known for its stunning sights and attractions. We are going to explore its astounding natural beauty that magnetizes vacationers/ tourists or visitors attraction. It's a country of exclusive culture and tradition. It's one of the best places on the globe with delicious cuisine and hospitable people. Kuala Lumpur is its capital with charming iconic Petronas Twin Towers.  Malaysia has many offshore geographical places. There would be around 510 which include ridges, sandbank and rocks. It's a multicultural state with many festivals and celebrations. Tour to Malaysia, is really a unique and pleasant experience.

There're lots of choices to stay in Malaysia, so it's tough to decide where to stay?

Mid-range hotels and 5 stars hotels with Chinese, Indian or Malaysian traditional cuisine and cozy rooms are easily available for vacationers/visitors anywhere in cities. You can enjoy luxury hotels or resorts located on islands. Accommodation is so cheap in Malaysia, you can easily get a room for $ 3 to $ 9 USD/night. Private rooms are available for $ 11 to $ 20 USD/night. You can camp in Taman Negara and can save lodgings cost.

Anyways, here're some suggestions.

Lone Pine Hotel, located Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island, posses welcoming staff, stunning swimming pool, lip-smacking food, and calm atmosphere with beautiful sea views. You can get a huge variety of cocktails in bar corner.

Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, located on Batu Ferringhi beach, Penang Island, is a fantastic family resort, offers services such as water sports, tennis court, delicious food, pools, cozy rooms, hospitable staff and family entertainment center. Its cuisine includes Bar & Grill pizzas and seafood, tea/coffee, snacks, pastries.

where to stay

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, in Kuala Lumpur City Centre, is a fantastic hotel with superb services. Welcoming staff, comfortable rooms, suspended pool and delicious Malaysian food make it more worthy staying.

Tanjong Jara Resort, located on Batu, Dungun, is one of the top 25 hotels in Malaysia, offers services such as Spa village, Pools, tennis court, delicious dining out, air-conditioned rooms, seafood and bar. You can spend a relaxing morning with coffee and newspaper on the beach.

Berjaya Tioman Resort, located in Pulau Tioman, is a traditional Malay style resort, offers services like pools, golf, tennis court, spa, coffee, snacks, global drinks, tasty food, air-conditioning cozy rooms and water sports including diving, fishing, snorkelling etc.

The Majestic Hotel, Majestic Malacca, Cameron Highlands Resort and Sama-Sama Hotel, in Kuala Lumpur, Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa and Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi, Miri Marriot Resort & Spa, Mega Hotel, Grand Palace Hotel and Imperial Palace Hotel in Miri, Seven Terraces, Yeng Keng Hotel, Museum Hotel and Hotel Panega are also wonderful places to stay in Malaysia. 

As far as meal is concerned, you can have it in restaurants, western hotels , cooking own when living in camping or as a street meal and just have to pay $1 to $3 USD /head for street meal, $4 to $6 USD/head in restaurants while western food is a bit expensive. Malaysia is a Muslim country that's why drinks are expensive here. Anyways, here are some suggestions of restaurants for you.

Dining in the Dark, located on Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, is an amazing restaurant deeply into darkness and offers delicious food including soups, desserts etc.

Malaysian-Food-2

Black Forest, located on Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, offers German cuisine.

Kebaya, located on Stewart Lane, Georgetown, Penang Island, offers good services and food.

Living Room Cafe Bar & Gallery, located on Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island, is a good place for families, lovebirds, special occasion or groups. You can enjoy Bar, Asian and Eclectic cuisine here until late night.

Top Spot Food Court, located Bukit Mata Kuching, Kuching is a family restaurant, offers best seafood and opens until late night.

Jambu Restaurant and Lounge, located on Crookshank Road, Kuching is a restaurant offers best pasta in town. It also deals with Bistro, Bar for cocktails and Tapas etc.

Black bean, The Heritage, Tribal Stove and Bella Italia are also superb restaurants in Kuching with the fantastic setting near river.

La Casa Kuantan, Crocodile Rock Pizza & Grill Restaurant, Satay Zul, and Dallah Restaurant in Kuantan offer great services with superb cuisine.

Malaysia is a country with many attractions or points of interests and more exciting thing is those are quite cheap. Here're some suggestions, and you must visit those places once you are in Malaysia.

Birch Memorial Clock Tower, located in one of the biggest cities of Malaysia named "Ipoh". Here're plenty of attention-grabbing sights such as museums, temples and historical buildings.

attraction

Galeria Perdana, Rice Museum, and  Padi Langkawi, in Langkawi, are amazing places with precious stuff and collection, to visit. Langkawi is a beautiful island with lovely beaches and plenty of interesting sights. Ave Stella Maris Catholic Chapel is a beautiful church. Langkawi Wildlife Park and Underwater World are educational and exciting places with lots of fun.

The Islamic city "Kota Bharu" is a great city with royal places, museums, and plenty of other eye-catching sights.

Taman Negara National Park is a beautiful park in oldest rainforest Taman Negara. It's a place with lots of activities like trekking, safaris, and canopy walks.

activities

Islamic Art Museum, Petronas Twin Towers, Putrajaya Bridge, Petrosains Science Discovery Centre, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Thean Hou Temple, and Lake Garden Parks are some suggested amazing places to visit in Kuala Lumpur.

Mount Kinabalu National Park, is the best choice for hiking, this Park is full of fun and will never disappoint you on your visit.

Malaysia is a land of festivals and celebrations as multicultural people exist here. Tourists or vacationers can enjoy these festivals almost every month of the year. Here are some suggestions for our visitors.

Tamil Community celebrates festival named "Thaipusam". It's a unique festival that is worth seeing. It can be best observed at Batu Caves in Selangor or Penang, in Januanry.

Chinese New Year is celebrated in February and last for 15 days. You can enjoy lion dances, fireworks, and delicious Chinese meal.

In April, Good Friday and Malaysia Water Festival are celebrated.

Wesak Day, and Harvest Festival are celebrated in May.

June is a month with amazing festivals like Hari Gawai and Dragon Boat Festivals.

July and August are the months with festivals such as the Rainforest World Music Festival, Independence day, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hungry Ghost Festival.

September becomes more colorful with Malaysia Day and Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hari Raya Haji, Deepavali Festivals of Lights, and Christmas are celebrated in October, November and December.

Malaysia is not less than a heaven for shopaholics. Super international brands have covered Malaysian market and have luxury stores here. Sales at shopping mall attract many tourists every year. Mega Sales held on Christmas and Independence Day and last up to two months.

Utama, BB Plaza, Fahrenheit88, Lot10, Plaza Low Yat, Suria KLCC and Sogo are some remarkable shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur.

shopping3

ICT@Komtar, Island Plaza, Midlands One Stop, Plaza Gurney, Prangin Mall, Queensbay Mall and Straits Quay are some suggested shopping centers in Penang.

Langkawi Fair is a beautiful place for a shop in Langkawi.

Malaysia is a country with beaches. Therefore, beach holidays can be enjoyed all around the year. Summer season is mild, and usually climate is pleasant in Malaysia so you can visit it in all seasons. Anyhow, December and January are two peak tourists' seasons.  From June until August is also a good time to enjoy beaches activities.

when to fly

I assure you, your vacations to this country holding natural beauty, would be a treasured and unforgettable experience.

Keracunan <b>Makanan di</b> Bazar Ramadhan KKM - The <b>Malaysian</b> <b>...</b>

Posted: 07 Jul 2014 04:50 PM PDT

Sumber: www.starproperty.my

Sumber: www.starproperty.my

Kenyataan akhbar ini merujuk kepada laporan di akhbar Harian Metro bertajuk "Juadah Beracun" dan akhbar Berita Harian; "Masuk ICU selepas makan roti john yang disiarkan pada hari ini Jumaat 4 Julai 2014.

Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) ingin melaporkan sehingga hari ini sebanyak 36 kes telah dikenalpasti mendapat gejala-gejala keracunan makanan akibat memakan Roti John yang dibeli dari Bazar Ramadhan Taman Seri Muda, Shah Alam. Seramai 24 orang masih dirawat di hospital, manakala 12 orang dirawat di klinik pesakit luar. Kesemua kes adalah di dalam keadaan stabil. Tiada kes kematian dilaporkan.

Keputusan awal bagi ujian ke atas lima (5) spesimen klinikal didapati positif Salmonella spp. Manakala ujian ke atas spesimen dari pengendali makanan terbabit serta swab persekitaran masih belum diperolehi keputusannya. Ia dijangka siap dalam tempoh tiga (3) hari.

KKM telah menjalankan langkah-langkah pencegahan dan kawalan bagi membendung wabak ini. KKM dan Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan akan terus bekerjasama dalam memastikan keselamatan makanan di semua Bazar Ramadhan.

KKM menasihati agar masyarakat sentiasa menjadi pembeli yang bijak dan mengutamakan kebersihan, keselamatan dan kualiti makanan yang ingin dibeli. Masyarakat perlu mengambil langkah-langkah untuk mencegah keracunan makanan yang mungkin berpunca daripada premis-premis makanan:

Memilih makanan yang dijual oleh penjual yang mengamalkan kebersihan.

Menegur penjual yang tidak mengamalkan kebersihan.

Melaporkan penjaja/peniaga yang kotor kepada Pejabat Kesihatan/Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan.

Para peniaga makanan di bazaar Ramadhan perlulah sentiasa bertanggunjawab dengan sentiasa mengamalkan kebersihan dalam pengendalian makanan bagi memastikan keselamatan makanan.

Sekian, terima kasih.

YBhg. Datuk Dr. Noor Hisham bin Abdullah Ketua Pengarah Kesihatan Malaysia Tarikh : 4 Julai 2014

Maklumat tambahan bagi pengendali makanan yang selamat

Di antara tip-tip pengendalian makanan yang selamat ialah:

  1. Sentiasa menjaga kebersihan diri dengan basuh tangan setiap kali sebelum mengendalikan makanan atau dengan secara kerap semasa menyediakan makanan.
  2. Basuh dan bersihkan permukaan dan peralatan untuk penyediaan makanan.
  3. Lindungi kawasan dapur daripada serangga, makhluk perosak dan haiwan lain.
  4. Pisahkan makanan mentah dari makanan yang telah dimasak untuk elakkan pencemaran silang.
  5. Masak makanan atau panaskan makanan secara menyeluruh dengan sempurna
  6. Pastikan suhu makanan selamat, dengan tidak membiarkan makanan yang telah masak di bawah suhu bilik melebihi daripada 4 jam.
  7. Pastikan makanan yang telah dimasak sentiasa panas (lebih daripada 60°C) sebelum dihidangkan.
  8. Jangan simpan makan terlalu lama dalam peti sejuk.
  9. Gunakan air dan bahan mentah yang segar dan selamat
  10. Basuh buah-buahan dan sayur-sayuran terutamanya yang dimakan mentah.
  11. Jangan gunakan makanan selepas tamat tempoh.

Anim Agro Technology: INDUSTRI CENDAWAN <b>DI MALAYSIA</b> (Part 3)

Posted: 21 Jul 2014 01:15 PM PDT

Anim Agro Technology: INDUSTRI CENDAWAN DI MALAYSIA (Part 3)

INDUSTRI CENDAWAN DI MALAYSIA (Part 3)

 

INDUSTRI CENDAWAN DI MALAYSIA merupakan satu industri yang semakin manarik minat ramai usahawan terutama dikalangan orang muda. Industri Cendawan  di negara kita dimulakan sekitar tahun 1960'an dengan skala kecil-kecilan dan masih agak kurang dikomersilkan sehingga tahun 2000. Bagaimana pun selspas tahun 2010, industri cendawan telah pun dimasukkan sebagai salah satu daripada 7 jenis makanan penting didalam Dasar Agro Makanan (DAM). Cendawan mendapat permintaan yang tinggi dikalangan masyarakat terutama di negara maju sebagai makanan dise dan juga makanan untuk kesihatan. Laporan daripada FAO menyatakan kadar permintaan cendawan adalah sebanyak 16 - 17 juta metrik tan setahun (Dibaca sebagai 16,000,000 - 17,000,000 kg setahun) dengan negara China menguasa 65% pengeluaran, EU (22%), USA (5%) dan Indonesia (1%). Negara utama yang direkodkan sebagai pengguna cendawan didunia adalah seperti USA (30%), German (15%), Perancis (11%), Itali (11%), UK (11%), Kanada (10%) dan lain-lain negara. China kini merupakan negara paling maju dalam industri cendawan sama ada dalam bentuk pengeluaran cendawan segar dan juga cendawan kering. Malaysia juga mengimpot banyak cendawan daripada negara China setiap tahun untuk menampong kadar permintaan yang terus tinggi setiap tahun. Sebut sahaja makanan cenawan, kita amat mudah membelinya daripada pasaraya terutamanya cendawan kering daripada negara China. Makanan berasaskan bahan cendawan dihidangkan setiap hari oleh mereka yang lebih pentingkan kesihatan dan mempunyai kemampuan membeli. Artikel petang Ahad 1 Ramadan ini saya menulis dalam "Anim Agro Technology" mengenai industri cendawan di Malaysia untuk dijadikan bahan bacaan dan rujukan.


Dasar Agro Makanan Negara (DAM) menyatakan kadar penggunaan dan permintaan candawan segar di Malaysia akan meningkat sebanyak 16% iaitu daripada 15,000 mt setahun pada tahun 2010 kepada 37,000 mt setahun (2015) dan sebanyak 67,000 mt setahun pada 2020. DAM juga telah mengunjurkan kapasiti eksport hasil cendawan akan berkembang daripada 15,000 mt setahun pada 2010 kepada sebanyak  298,000 mt setahun pada 2020. Bagi tujuan tersebut berdasarkan perancangan, tambahan kawasan pengeluaran cendawan sebanyak 78 hektar (2010) perlu ditambah kepada seluas 340 hektar (2020). Kawasan baru yang sesuai perlu dibangunkan dengan kluster cendawan yang memudahkan operasi pengeluaran. Pada masa ini kawasan Pagoh di Muar, Sepang dan Sekitar Selangor dikatakan telah menjadi tumpuan pengeluar cendawan. Strategi lain yang boleh dilakukan mengikut DAm adalah dengan meningkatkan tahap produktiviti iaitu daripada hanya sebanyak 190 mt/ha (2010) kepada sebanyak 193 mt/ha (2020). Berbagai  teknologi bagu perlu diperkenalkan bagi tujuan ini. Dalam kes lain, peningkatan kualiti cendawan perlu dikemaskan dengan cara kawalan kualiti bahan media, SALM dan juga SOM kearah persijilam MyGAP. Selaras dengan itu bekalan Benih yang Berkualiti (oleh pihak swasta komersil yang mengusahakan Pusat Pengeluaran Benih Cendawan dan pentauliahan Skim Pengesahan Benih) perlu diujudkan.Pengukuhan R&D (Pusat Penyimpanan Kultur Germplasma Cendawan di Malaysia amat membantu industri ini.


Jadual diatas menunjukkan pengelasan pengusaha cendawan di Malaysia berdasarkan laporan statistik Jabatan Pertanian pada tahun 2012. Laporan menunjukkan bahawa daripada 397 pengusaha yang terlibat seramai 297 orang (75%) adalan kategori pengusaha kecil dengan kadar pengeluaran kurang daripada 50 kg sehari. Sementara seramai 90 orang adalah dikelaskan sebagai pengusaha kategori sederhana atau 23% dengan kapasiti pengeluaran cendawan segar sebanyak 50 - 500 kg sehari. Bakinya hanya 10 pengusaha berskala besar (2% sahaja) yang menghasilkan sebanyak lebih 500 kg sehari. Antara beberapa pengusaha cendawan yang besar seperti CnC Mushroom Sdn Bhd di Muar, Ganofarm Sdn Bhd di Selangor dan beberapa lagi. Mereka mendapat insentif dalam industri ini seperti khidmat pengembangan teknikal, bantuan insentif harga (Pada beberapa tahun dulu), pinjaman dalam kewangan (Dari Agrobank dan TEKUN) dan yang terkini adalah dibawah program Agropreneur Muda Tanaman Cendawan. 


Selain daripada dimakan segar, cendawan yang berkhasiat ini kini telah diproses dalam berbabai jenis pproduk hiliran (IAT). Banyak produk makanan berasaskan cendawan telah direka dalam mempelbagaikan pasaran cendawan agar lebih bernilai tinggi. Terdapat produk makanan ringan cendawan Snack (Teknologi Vacuum Fry) yang popular masa kini dipasaran (Sila lihat foto diatas). Selain itu ada produk sos cendawan, serunding cendawan, samosa cendawan, Nugget Cendawan, Burger Cendawan, Sate Cendawan, Nasi Goreng Cendawan, Sup Cendawan, Rendang Cendawan, Inti PAstri Cendawan, Karipap Sendawan, Tempura Cendawan dan banyak lagi. Kini permintaan makanan yang berasaskan cendawan semakin mendapat permintaan. Antara yang paling laku dipasaran adalah produk 'Cendawan Goreng' yang dijual di Pasar Malam, Pasar Tani, Pasaraya dan banyak lokasi lagi. Ia merupakan makanan snack yang laris dan berkhasiat. Semuga artikel ini memberikan info berguna kepada anda semua. Wasallam!.

INDUSTRI CENDAWAN... BAGAIMANA...
TIRAM KELABU... VARIETI UTAMA...
ADA MODAL... ADA KEMAHIRAN JUGA...
TINGGI RISIKO... UNTUNG BERGANDA...

By,
M Anem,
Senior Agronomist,
Room 210, Hotel Premiere,
(Seminar Hari Cendawan 2014),
Bandar Bukit Tinggi,
Kelang, Selangor,
Malaysia.
(29 Syaaban 1435H)

folio makanan tradisional di malaysia - Makanan di Malaysia - Blogger - Blog Makanan di Malaysia

folio <b>makanan tradisional di malaysia</b> - Makanan di Malaysia - Blogger - Blog Makanan di Malaysia

folio <b>makanan tradisional di malaysia</b> - Makanan di Malaysia - Blogger

Posted: 27 Jun 2014 01:04 AM PDT

attractionI am going to take you to a country which is full of islands. Any guess? Yes, you are right. It's Malaysia. There are878 islands in Malaysia. This country is known for its stunning sights and attractions. We are going to explore its astounding natural beauty that magnetizes vacationers/ tourists or visitors attraction. It's a country of exclusive culture and tradition. It's one of the best places on the globe with delicious cuisine and hospitable people. Kuala Lumpur is its capital with charming iconic Petronas Twin Towers.  Malaysia has many offshore geographical places. There would be around 510 which include ridges, sandbank and rocks. It's a multicultural state with many festivals and celebrations. Tour to Malaysia, is really a unique and pleasant experience.

There're lots of choices to stay in Malaysia, so it's tough to decide where to stay?

Mid-range hotels and 5 stars hotels with Chinese, Indian or Malaysian traditional cuisine and cozy rooms are easily available for vacationers/visitors anywhere in cities. You can enjoy luxury hotels or resorts located on islands. Accommodation is so cheap in Malaysia, you can easily get a room for $ 3 to $ 9 USD/night. Private rooms are available for $ 11 to $ 20 USD/night. You can camp in Taman Negara and can save lodgings cost.

Anyways, here're some suggestions.

Lone Pine Hotel, located Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island, posses welcoming staff, stunning swimming pool, lip-smacking food, and calm atmosphere with beautiful sea views. You can get a huge variety of cocktails in bar corner.

Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, located on Batu Ferringhi beach, Penang Island, is a fantastic family resort, offers services such as water sports, tennis court, delicious food, pools, cozy rooms, hospitable staff and family entertainment center. Its cuisine includes Bar & Grill pizzas and seafood, tea/coffee, snacks, pastries.

where to stay

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, in Kuala Lumpur City Centre, is a fantastic hotel with superb services. Welcoming staff, comfortable rooms, suspended pool and delicious Malaysian food make it more worthy staying.

Tanjong Jara Resort, located on Batu, Dungun, is one of the top 25 hotels in Malaysia, offers services such as Spa village, Pools, tennis court, delicious dining out, air-conditioned rooms, seafood and bar. You can spend a relaxing morning with coffee and newspaper on the beach.

Berjaya Tioman Resort, located in Pulau Tioman, is a traditional Malay style resort, offers services like pools, golf, tennis court, spa, coffee, snacks, global drinks, tasty food, air-conditioning cozy rooms and water sports including diving, fishing, snorkelling etc.

The Majestic Hotel, Majestic Malacca, Cameron Highlands Resort and Sama-Sama Hotel, in Kuala Lumpur, Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa and Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi, Miri Marriot Resort & Spa, Mega Hotel, Grand Palace Hotel and Imperial Palace Hotel in Miri, Seven Terraces, Yeng Keng Hotel, Museum Hotel and Hotel Panega are also wonderful places to stay in Malaysia. 

As far as meal is concerned, you can have it in restaurants, western hotels , cooking own when living in camping or as a street meal and just have to pay $1 to $3 USD /head for street meal, $4 to $6 USD/head in restaurants while western food is a bit expensive. Malaysia is a Muslim country that's why drinks are expensive here. Anyways, here are some suggestions of restaurants for you.

Dining in the Dark, located on Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, is an amazing restaurant deeply into darkness and offers delicious food including soups, desserts etc.

Malaysian-Food-2

Black Forest, located on Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, offers German cuisine.

Kebaya, located on Stewart Lane, Georgetown, Penang Island, offers good services and food.

Living Room Cafe Bar & Gallery, located on Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island, is a good place for families, lovebirds, special occasion or groups. You can enjoy Bar, Asian and Eclectic cuisine here until late night.

Top Spot Food Court, located Bukit Mata Kuching, Kuching is a family restaurant, offers best seafood and opens until late night.

Jambu Restaurant and Lounge, located on Crookshank Road, Kuching is a restaurant offers best pasta in town. It also deals with Bistro, Bar for cocktails and Tapas etc.

Black bean, The Heritage, Tribal Stove and Bella Italia are also superb restaurants in Kuching with the fantastic setting near river.

La Casa Kuantan, Crocodile Rock Pizza & Grill Restaurant, Satay Zul, and Dallah Restaurant in Kuantan offer great services with superb cuisine.

Malaysia is a country with many attractions or points of interests and more exciting thing is those are quite cheap. Here're some suggestions, and you must visit those places once you are in Malaysia.

Birch Memorial Clock Tower, located in one of the biggest cities of Malaysia named "Ipoh". Here're plenty of attention-grabbing sights such as museums, temples and historical buildings.

attraction

Galeria Perdana, Rice Museum, and  Padi Langkawi, in Langkawi, are amazing places with precious stuff and collection, to visit. Langkawi is a beautiful island with lovely beaches and plenty of interesting sights. Ave Stella Maris Catholic Chapel is a beautiful church. Langkawi Wildlife Park and Underwater World are educational and exciting places with lots of fun.

The Islamic city "Kota Bharu" is a great city with royal places, museums, and plenty of other eye-catching sights.

Taman Negara National Park is a beautiful park in oldest rainforest Taman Negara. It's a place with lots of activities like trekking, safaris, and canopy walks.

activities

Islamic Art Museum, Petronas Twin Towers, Putrajaya Bridge, Petrosains Science Discovery Centre, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Thean Hou Temple, and Lake Garden Parks are some suggested amazing places to visit in Kuala Lumpur.

Mount Kinabalu National Park, is the best choice for hiking, this Park is full of fun and will never disappoint you on your visit.

Malaysia is a land of festivals and celebrations as multicultural people exist here. Tourists or vacationers can enjoy these festivals almost every month of the year. Here are some suggestions for our visitors.

Tamil Community celebrates festival named "Thaipusam". It's a unique festival that is worth seeing. It can be best observed at Batu Caves in Selangor or Penang, in Januanry.

Chinese New Year is celebrated in February and last for 15 days. You can enjoy lion dances, fireworks, and delicious Chinese meal.

In April, Good Friday and Malaysia Water Festival are celebrated.

Wesak Day, and Harvest Festival are celebrated in May.

June is a month with amazing festivals like Hari Gawai and Dragon Boat Festivals.

July and August are the months with festivals such as the Rainforest World Music Festival, Independence day, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hungry Ghost Festival.

September becomes more colorful with Malaysia Day and Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hari Raya Haji, Deepavali Festivals of Lights, and Christmas are celebrated in October, November and December.

Malaysia is not less than a heaven for shopaholics. Super international brands have covered Malaysian market and have luxury stores here. Sales at shopping mall attract many tourists every year. Mega Sales held on Christmas and Independence Day and last up to two months.

Utama, BB Plaza, Fahrenheit88, Lot10, Plaza Low Yat, Suria KLCC and Sogo are some remarkable shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur.

shopping3

ICT@Komtar, Island Plaza, Midlands One Stop, Plaza Gurney, Prangin Mall, Queensbay Mall and Straits Quay are some suggested shopping centers in Penang.

Langkawi Fair is a beautiful place for a shop in Langkawi.

Malaysia is a country with beaches. Therefore, beach holidays can be enjoyed all around the year. Summer season is mild, and usually climate is pleasant in Malaysia so you can visit it in all seasons. Anyhow, December and January are two peak tourists' seasons.  From June until August is also a good time to enjoy beaches activities.

when to fly

I assure you, your vacations to this country holding natural beauty, would be a treasured and unforgettable experience.

Perkasa hidupkan <b>tradisi Melayu di</b> kota London | The <b>Malaysian</b> <b>...</b>

Posted: 13 Jul 2014 10:50 PM PDT

Posted: 1:50 pm, July 14, 2014 by editor
ibrahim_ali_1806_840_560_100

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 Julai :  Suasana kemeriahan Ramadan seperti yang dirasai di negara ini turut disemarakkan kepada rakyat Malaysia beragama Islam yang berada di luar negara.

Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa (Perkasa) United Kingdom (UK) dan Eropah pada Sabtu lepas mengambil inisiatif menghidupkan tradisi Melayu di kota London melalui aktiviti gotong-royong penyediaan makanan tradisi iaitu bubur lambuk.

Perkasa UK dan Eropah dalam satu kenyataan di sini memberitahu acara itu bertujuan menghidupkan dan memartabatkan budaya Melayu semasa Ramadan di kota London.

"Di samping itu, (ia bertujuan) menyemai tradisi (membuat) bubur lambuk agar diteruskan oleh generasi muda, termasuk yang berada di luar negara," menurut kenyataan itu.

Ditubuhkan pada Mei lepas, Perkasa UK dan Eropah mempunyai keanggotaan seramai 253 orang yang terdiri daripada para profesional dan mahasiswa.

Sementara itu, Presiden Perkasa Malaysia Datuk Ibrahim Ali memberitahu Bernama program julung kali, yang dianjurkan Perkasa UK dan Eropah dengan kerjasama Restoran Pak Awie, bertujuan mengeratkan silaturahim sesama rakyat Malaysia khususnya yang beragama Islam di negara itu.

"Saya selaku presiden Perkasa berasa gembira dengan pemikiran anak muda untuk menganjurkan agihan bubur lambuk ini kepada umat Islam di kota London.

"Bubur lambuk hasil gotong-royong anggota Perkasa menghasilkan 500 bungkus berjaya diagihkan dalam masa sejam. Acara beginilah yang memberi makna dan akan memupuk sikap saling tolong-menolong di kalangan rakyat Malaysia di luar negara," katanya.

Ibrahim berkata pihaknya bercadang untuk menganjurkan satu lagi program agihan bubur lambuk di luar negara sebelum Aidilfitri nanti. – BERNAMA

folio <b>makanan tradisional di malaysia</b> - Blog Makanan di Kuala <b>...</b>

Posted: 07 Jun 2014 01:22 PM PDT

attractionI am going to take you to a country which is full of islands. Any guess? Yes, you are right. It's Malaysia. There are878 islands in Malaysia. This country is known for its stunning sights and attractions. We are going to explore its astounding natural beauty that magnetizes vacationers/ tourists or visitors attraction. It's a country of exclusive culture and tradition. It's one of the best places on the globe with delicious cuisine and hospitable people. Kuala Lumpur is its capital with charming iconic Petronas Twin Towers.  Malaysia has many offshore geographical places. There would be around 510 which include ridges, sandbank and rocks. It's a multicultural state with many festivals and celebrations. Tour to Malaysia, is really a unique and pleasant experience.

There're lots of choices to stay in Malaysia, so it's tough to decide where to stay?

Mid-range hotels and 5 stars hotels with Chinese, Indian or Malaysian traditional cuisine and cozy rooms are easily available for vacationers/visitors anywhere in cities. You can enjoy luxury hotels or resorts located on islands. Accommodation is so cheap in Malaysia, you can easily get a room for $ 3 to $ 9 USD/night. Private rooms are available for $ 11 to $ 20 USD/night. You can camp in Taman Negara and can save lodgings cost.

Anyways, here're some suggestions.

Lone Pine Hotel, located Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island, posses welcoming staff, stunning swimming pool, lip-smacking food, and calm atmosphere with beautiful sea views. You can get a huge variety of cocktails in bar corner.

Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, located on Batu Ferringhi beach, Penang Island, is a fantastic family resort, offers services such as water sports, tennis court, delicious food, pools, cozy rooms, hospitable staff and family entertainment center. Its cuisine includes Bar & Grill pizzas and seafood, tea/coffee, snacks, pastries.

where to stay

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, in Kuala Lumpur City Centre, is a fantastic hotel with superb services. Welcoming staff, comfortable rooms, suspended pool and delicious Malaysian food make it more worthy staying.

Tanjong Jara Resort, located on Batu, Dungun, is one of the top 25 hotels in Malaysia, offers services such as Spa village, Pools, tennis court, delicious dining out, air-conditioned rooms, seafood and bar. You can spend a relaxing morning with coffee and newspaper on the beach.

Berjaya Tioman Resort, located in Pulau Tioman, is a traditional Malay style resort, offers services like pools, golf, tennis court, spa, coffee, snacks, global drinks, tasty food, air-conditioning cozy rooms and water sports including diving, fishing, snorkelling etc.

The Majestic Hotel, Majestic Malacca, Cameron Highlands Resort and Sama-Sama Hotel, in Kuala Lumpur, Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa and Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi, Miri Marriot Resort & Spa, Mega Hotel, Grand Palace Hotel and Imperial Palace Hotel in Miri, Seven Terraces, Yeng Keng Hotel, Museum Hotel and Hotel Panega are also wonderful places to stay in Malaysia. 

As far as meal is concerned, you can have it in restaurants, western hotels , cooking own when living in camping or as a street meal and just have to pay $1 to $3 USD /head for street meal, $4 to $6 USD/head in restaurants while western food is a bit expensive. Malaysia is a Muslim country that's why drinks are expensive here. Anyways, here are some suggestions of restaurants for you.

Dining in the Dark, located on Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, is an amazing restaurant deeply into darkness and offers delicious food including soups, desserts etc.

Malaysian-Food-2

Black Forest, located on Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, offers German cuisine.

Kebaya, located on Stewart Lane, Georgetown, Penang Island, offers good services and food.

Living Room Cafe Bar & Gallery, located on Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island, is a good place for families, lovebirds, special occasion or groups. You can enjoy Bar, Asian and Eclectic cuisine here until late night.

Top Spot Food Court, located Bukit Mata Kuching, Kuching is a family restaurant, offers best seafood and opens until late night.

Jambu Restaurant and Lounge, located on Crookshank Road, Kuching is a restaurant offers best pasta in town. It also deals with Bistro, Bar for cocktails and Tapas etc.

Black bean, The Heritage, Tribal Stove and Bella Italia are also superb restaurants in Kuching with the fantastic setting near river.

La Casa Kuantan, Crocodile Rock Pizza & Grill Restaurant, Satay Zul, and Dallah Restaurant in Kuantan offer great services with superb cuisine.

Malaysia is a country with many attractions or points of interests and more exciting thing is those are quite cheap. Here're some suggestions, and you must visit those places once you are in Malaysia.

Birch Memorial Clock Tower, located in one of the biggest cities of Malaysia named "Ipoh". Here're plenty of attention-grabbing sights such as museums, temples and historical buildings.

attraction

Galeria Perdana, Rice Museum, and  Padi Langkawi, in Langkawi, are amazing places with precious stuff and collection, to visit. Langkawi is a beautiful island with lovely beaches and plenty of interesting sights. Ave Stella Maris Catholic Chapel is a beautiful church. Langkawi Wildlife Park and Underwater World are educational and exciting places with lots of fun.

The Islamic city "Kota Bharu" is a great city with royal places, museums, and plenty of other eye-catching sights.

Taman Negara National Park is a beautiful park in oldest rainforest Taman Negara. It's a place with lots of activities like trekking, safaris, and canopy walks.

activities

Islamic Art Museum, Petronas Twin Towers, Putrajaya Bridge, Petrosains Science Discovery Centre, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Thean Hou Temple, and Lake Garden Parks are some suggested amazing places to visit in Kuala Lumpur.

Mount Kinabalu National Park, is the best choice for hiking, this Park is full of fun and will never disappoint you on your visit.

Malaysia is a land of festivals and celebrations as multicultural people exist here. Tourists or vacationers can enjoy these festivals almost every month of the year. Here are some suggestions for our visitors.

Tamil Community celebrates festival named "Thaipusam". It's a unique festival that is worth seeing. It can be best observed at Batu Caves in Selangor or Penang, in Januanry.

Chinese New Year is celebrated in February and last for 15 days. You can enjoy lion dances, fireworks, and delicious Chinese meal.

In April, Good Friday and Malaysia Water Festival are celebrated.

Wesak Day, and Harvest Festival are celebrated in May.

June is a month with amazing festivals like Hari Gawai and Dragon Boat Festivals.

July and August are the months with festivals such as the Rainforest World Music Festival, Independence day, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hungry Ghost Festival.

September becomes more colorful with Malaysia Day and Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hari Raya Haji, Deepavali Festivals of Lights, and Christmas are celebrated in October, November and December.

Malaysia is not less than a heaven for shopaholics. Super international brands have covered Malaysian market and have luxury stores here. Sales at shopping mall attract many tourists every year. Mega Sales held on Christmas and Independence Day and last up to two months.

Utama, BB Plaza, Fahrenheit88, Lot10, Plaza Low Yat, Suria KLCC and Sogo are some remarkable shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur.

shopping3

ICT@Komtar, Island Plaza, Midlands One Stop, Plaza Gurney, Prangin Mall, Queensbay Mall and Straits Quay are some suggested shopping centers in Penang.

Langkawi Fair is a beautiful place for a shop in Langkawi.

Malaysia is a country with beaches. Therefore, beach holidays can be enjoyed all around the year. Summer season is mild, and usually climate is pleasant in Malaysia so you can visit it in all seasons. Anyhow, December and January are two peak tourists' seasons.  From June until August is also a good time to enjoy beaches activities.

when to fly

I assure you, your vacations to this country holding natural beauty, would be a treasured and unforgettable experience.

Orang muda perlu warisi <b>kuih tradisional</b> - Utusan Online

Posted: 14 Jul 2014 11:02 AM PDT

DUA peserta bergotong-royong membuat kuih goyang dalam Karnival Kuih Tradisional Aidilfitri Melaka 2014 di Jasin, Melaka, kelmarin.

JASIN 14 Julai - Golongan muda masa kini perlu didedahkan dengan kuih tradisional Aidilfitri serta cara pembuatannya agar tradisi itu dapat diwarisi serta tidak lekang ditelan zaman.

Timbalan Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Pembangunan Pantai, Sungai dan Pulau-pulau negeri, Datuk Ghazale Mohamad berkata, pendedahan itu amat perlu bagi memberi gambaran kepada golongan masa kini yang sudah tidak kenal jenis kuih-kuih tradisional Melayu.

Menurutnya, generasi masa kini kebanyakannya hanya didedahkan dengan kuih raya moden serta kuih tradisional yang dibuat menggunakan cara moden dan tidak asli.

"Justeru, kuih tradisional dan cara pembuatannya yang asli perlu didedahkan kepada golongan tersebut agar generasi akan datang terus berpeluang menikmati keenakan dan keunikan tradisi turun-temurun ini.

"Jika tradisi ini dapat dikekalkan, akan mampu dijadikan tarikan pelancong dari dalam dan luar negara ke Melaka untuk melihat sendiri dengan lebih dekat cara pembuatan kuih-kuih tersebut," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian selepas merasmikan Karnival Kuih Tradisional Aidilfitri Melaka 2014 di Kompleks Japerun Rim di sini semalam.

Yang hadir sama Pengarah Pelancongan negeri, Datuk Lim Chow Beng dan Pengarah Tourism Malaysia Melaka, Jefri Munir.

Program selama dua hari itu menghimpunkan kira-kira 400 peserta yang bergotong-royong memasak kuih tradisional Aidilfitri termasuklah kelemai (dodol), bahulu, denderam, karas, kuih ros dan kuih koya sebelum diagihkan kepada fakir miskin sekitar kawasan Rim.

Jelas Ghazale yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Rim, program yang julung kali dianjurkan itu bertujuan untuk memperkenal semula kuih-kuih tradisional Melayu yang biasanya dibuat menjelang Aidilfitri.

"Selain mengembalikan memori zaman dahulu, kuih ini juga mampu menonjolkan keunikan makanan tradisional Melayu kepada masyarakat luar," ujarnya.

Sementara itu dalam majlis sama, Ghazale turut menyampaikan sumbangan Aidilfitri berbentuk barang makanan harian dan duit raya kepada 55 fakir miskin dari 11 kampung sekitar kawasan Rim.

Bagi penerima uzur serta tidak mampu berjalan pula katanya, beliau sendiri akan mengadakan siri lawatan dari rumah ke rumah bagi menyampaikan sumbangan tersebut.

"Sumbangan ini diharap dapat menceria dan memberi kegembiraan kepada golongan kurang bernasib baik untuk menyambut kedatangan Aidilfitri seperti orang lain," tambahnya.

Penyakit dan <b>makanan tradisional</b> - Utusan Online

Posted: 25 May 2014 08:21 AM PDT

Oleh KHAIRUNNISA SULAIMAN

MALAYSIA boleh dikatakan syurga makanan. Pelbagai jenis makanan lazat sama ada tradisional, Timur atau Barat semuanya boleh dinikmati dengan mudah di negara ini sama ada di gerai, restoran sehingga restoran lima bintang. Makanan boleh dikatakan punca pelbagai penyakit. Tetapi adakah makanan tradisional memberikan mudarat kepada kesiha-

tan? Makanan tradisional seperti rendang, masak lemak, kari, asam pedas, keropok, kerepek, pulut panggang, seri muka, kuih lopes - sekadar menyebut beberapa menu - biasanya diadun dengan bahan seperti santan, kelapa, gula, pulut, sagu, garam dan serbuk perasa secara berlebihan bagi mendapatkan rasa yang enak serta membuka selera.

Bahan-bahan berkenaan biasanya menyebabkan pelbagai penyakit seperti diabetes, darah tinggi atau jantung jika diambil secara berlebihan tanpa kawalan.

Pegawai Penyelidik Kanan, Pusat Penyelidikan Teknologi Makanan, Sains Makanan dan Keselamatan Makanan, Institut Penyelidikan dan Kemajuan Pertanian Malaysia (MARDI) Umi Kalsum Hussain Zaki berkata, masyarakat Melayu sejak lama dulu mengambil nasi sebagai makanan asasi atau ruji tetapi tidak mendatangkan banyak masalah.

"Kajian menunjukkan masalahnya bukan terletak kepada karbohidrat tetapi cara dan kuantiti makanan diambil," katanya semasa ditemui di pejabatnya baru-baru ini.

Menurutnya, Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) mempunyai carta pemakanan atau piramid makanan sebagai panduan bagi masyarakat untuk menjadi lebih sihat.

Umi Kalsum berkata, biasanya kita melihat makanan tradisional Melayu tidak seimbang dan tidak mengikut keperluan badan.

"Apa yang penting kita perlu mengambil nasi atau apa juga makanan dengan kuantiti yang sesuai dengan usia, jantina dan aktiviti seseorang. Misalnya seorang kanak-kanak memerlukan karbohidrat dan protein yang tinggi berbanding dengan mereka yang kurang menggunakan tenaga," katanya.

Misalnya mengenai makanan segera, Umi Kalsum menjelaskan, tiada larangan asalkan tidak keterlaluan dan hadkan hanya dua kali sebulan.

"Tapi jangan sesekali tinggalkan sarapan pagi kerana makanan diperlukan untuk membakar lemak, dan semasa berpuasa jangan sesekali meninggalkan sahur," katanya.

Akan tetapi jelas Umi Kalsum, amat sukar sebagai pengguna menentukan berapa kalori yang kita ambil dalam makanan yang kita makan. Berapa kalori dalam semangkuk nasi? Atau berapa kalori terdapat dalam sepinggan mi goreng atau nasi lemak? Adakah kalori yang diambil sesuai dengan keperluan seharian?

"Sebagai pengguna, kita hanya boleh membuat anggaran kalori yang diambil. Dan apa yang penting, kita seimbangkan apa yang kita makan setiap hari," katanya.

Umi Kalsum mengambil contoh, sate yang dihidangkan dengan bawang dan timun amat baik kerana sate yang dibakar menghasilkan agen pengoksidaan manakala bawang dan timun adalah anti oksida. Ini adalah keseimbangan.

"Masyarakat dahulu walaupun mereka mengambil santan, gula dan garam berlebihan dalam makanan, mereka menyeimbangkannya melalui mengambil ulam-ulaman dengan banyak serta membuat kerja berat seperti bersawah dan berkebun.

"Gaya hidup masyarakat sekarang tidak memerlukan banyak tenaga seperti mereka yang bekerja di pejabat menyebabkan mereka menyimpan banyak tenaga dalam badan dan menjadi lemak dan gula.

"Ini menyumbang kepada obesiti dan pelbagai penyakit kronik lain seperti diabetes, darah tinggi dan jantung," katanya.

Seelok-eloknya kawal pemakanan tetapi jangan sampai menahan lapar dan membiarkan badan dalam keadaan kelaparan.

Gula dalam makanan akan dibebaskan menjadi tenaga dan kandungan gula dalam badan dikira dengan indeks glisemik.

Apabila gula dalam darah adalah tinggi, ini akan menyebabkan diabetes dan pesakit memerlukan diet yang berbeza.

Menyentuh tentang makanan tambahan atau suplemen, Umi Kalsum berkata, jika badan mendapat makanan berkhasiat, suplemen tidak diperlukan.

"Seelok-eloknya ambil bahan semula jadi. Jika selesema selain mengambil vitamin C, apa kata gantikan dengan memakan limau.

"Lagipun vitamin yang berlebihan akan dibuang melalui air kencing," katanya.

Selain itu lakukan senaman dua hingga tiga kali seminggu.

"Anda tidak perlu ke gimnasium kerana kerja rumah juga adalah senaman ringan yang boleh mengeluarkan peluh dan membakar lemak," katanya.

Umi Kalsum menyarankan masyarakat mengubah gaya cara pemakanan secara beransur-ansur. Misalnya menggantikan roti biasa dengan roti gandum.

"Bagi mereka yang beragama Islam pula, amalkan berpuasa sunat Isnin dan Khamis bagi menyeimbangkan makanan yang diambil. Jika makan lebih, banyakkan senaman.

"Seelok-eloknya masak di rumah dan bawa bekal ke pejabat sebab makanan yang dimasak sendiri lebih bersih dan berkhasiat," katanya.

Ujarnya lagi, makanan tradisional tidak mengundang penyakit jika ia diambil secara seimbang.

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]
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