He said the project which was launched in August 2008, to date had succeeded in generating fixed income for the Orang Asli community involved by between RM750 and RM1,200 a month.

“We project that in five years time, the Pekan Agropolitan Project in Runchang and Batu 8 here will be able to produce up to 25,000 heads of dorper sheep which will make Pekan the biggest hub for the livestock in Southeast Asia.

“Our hope is to see the income of the Orang Asli participants continue to rise and target in the near future they should be able to derive a monthly income that exceeds RM5,000,” he said when officiating the “Pesisiran Warisan Pekan” project and East Coast Economic Region Development Council’s dorper sheep livestock auction, here Saturday.

According to him, attaining this level of income could be achieved owing to the dedication shown by the Orang Asli participants of the project, particularly their commitment to work schedules.

He said the commitment could be seen in first dorper sheep auction organised by ECERDC last year which generated RM265,000 from the sale of 465 dorper sheep.

“I hope this year we can get more sales compared to last year owing to the productivity of the participants,” he said.

Meanwhile, Najib, who is also Member of Parliament for Pekan, said the “Pesisiran Warisan Pekan”( Pekan coastal heritage town project), when completed, would be able to attract some 700,000 local and foreign visitors by 2020.

He said the project entailed upgrading Jalan Sultan Ahmad and the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, and building trading kiosks, a modern food court, a marketing and exhibition complex for the small and medium industry, and a pedestrian bridge connecting the museum with a mosque.

He said the infrastructure development would enable Pekan to host various events such as the Pekan People’s Carnival, which could be turned into an annual affair to woo more travellers to Pahang and the town.

“All the projects are expected to increase tourist arrivals to Pekan to 700,000 a year in 2020 thereby creating about 935 new jobs.

“The temporary closure of the Abu Bakar Museum has caused tourist arrivals to the town to drop by 72 per cent, from 56,502 visitors in 2007 to 16,045 in 2009,” he said.

According to him, the Pekan heritage coastal project was another ECERDC project in encouraging tourism activities in the district of Pekan which would benefit Pekan residents with the generation of new jobs and entrepreneurs apart from providing a recreational location for the residents there.

On that, Najib said the government had never broken its promises to the people but had always implemented orderly development in bringing about transformation for their betterment.

“Other groups merely make promises especially during election season but the government today is a government that turns vision into a reality.

“Vision can only become reality if the people continue to support the government of today whether at national or state level,” he said.

Source : Bernama

SIC chairman Datuk Mokhzani Tun Mahathir said the Prime Minister told him that he (Najib) was satisfied with the race today and hoped SIC would continue to intensify its efforts for the prestigious race next year.

“He (Najib) is very happy and wants to make sure that the race is well covered and well attended. He was very conscious and asked what we can do for next year’s race which is still in the contract. He wants the race to be really exciting,” said Mokhzani.

After the eventful race, Najib presented the trophies to race winner Fernando Alonso from Scuderia Ferarri Team, Sergio Perez (Sauber F1 Team) who came in second and Lewis Hamilton (Vodafone McLaren Mercedes) who finished third.

The Malaysian Grand Prix was suspended for 51 minutes today when officials red flagged the race after eight laps due to torrential rain at the Sepang circuit.

“When it started raining heavily, we were all worried that it will be a repeat of the 2009 incident where the race had to be stopped mid-way, which is not very nice. But this time we were very passionate…and thank god, the race resumed and it was very exciting,” he told reporters here Sunday.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Haminah Hamidun were among those who witnessed the Formula One Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix and spent time visiting the participating team’s garage.

The majesties were accompanied by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Meanwhile, Mokhzani was satisfied with the spectator turn out for the three days although the 90,000 target for race day fell short by 5,000.

This year’s event recorded an attendance of 119,960 spectators for the three-day event which kicked off on Friday.

“The crowd over the whole weekend was good and today (race day), we had about 85,000 spectators. I am happy as they still waited for the race to continue after it had been suspended due to heavy rain. It was good to know that they waited until the race ended,” he said.

Source : Bernama

Pengerusi SIC Datuk Mokhzani Tun Mahathir berkata Perdana Menteri memberitahunya bahawa beliau (Najib) berpuas hati dengan perlumbaan hari ini dan berharap SIC akan terus memperhebatkan usaha untuk penganjuran perlumbaan berprestij itu tahun depan.

“Beliau (Najib) sangat gembira dan mahu memastikan perlumbaan diberi liputan sepenuhnya dan dihadiri ramai penonton. Beliau sangat mengambil berat dan bertanya apa yang boleh kita lakukan untuk perlumbaan tahun hadapan yang mana masih lagi dalam kontrak. Beliau mahu perlumbaan ini benar-benar menarik,” kata Mokhzani.

Perdana Menteri telah menyampaikan hadiah kepada juara perlumbaan kali ini iaitu Fernando Alonso dari pasukan Scuderia Ferrari, Sergio Perez (Sauber F1 Team) yang menduduki tempat kedua dan Lewis Hamilton (Vodafone McLaren Mercedes) pemenang tempat ketiga.

Perlumbaan hari ini dihentikan selama 51 minit selepas pegawai perlumbaan mengibarkan bendera merah pada pusingan ke lapan berikutan hujan lebat di litar Sepang.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah dan Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah berkenan berangkat menyaksikan perlumbaan berprestij itu dan meluangkan masa melawat garaj pasukan yang bertanding.

Pasangan diraja itu diiringi oleh Perdana Menteri dan isteri, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor serta Menteri Pelancongan Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Sementara itu, Mokhzani berpuas hati dengan jumlah kehadiran penonton sepanjang tiga hari penganjuran perlumbaan itu walaupun sasaran 90,000 penonton pada hari perlumbaan berkurangan 5,000 orang.

Perlumbaan tahun ini merekodkan kehadiran penonton seramai 119,960 sepanjang tiga hari perlumbaan yang bermula pada Jumaat.

Sumber : Bernama

Perdana Menteri berkata perlumbaan F1 menjadi penggerak pertumbuhan kepada negara ini yang meraih pelbagai manfaat menerusi penglibatan dalam acara itu.

Dalam kata-kata aluannya dalam buku cenderahati perlumbaan F1 yang akan berlangsung di Litar Antarbangsa Sepang (SIC) pada Ahad ini, beliau berkata pengendali SIC melaporkan bahawa acara Grand Prix Malaysia tahun lepas telah menjana RM200 juta daripada kegiatan ekonomi.

Daripada satu tinjauan yang dibuat selepas acara itu, pelancong asing yang datang untuk menyaksikan Grand Prix Malaysia membelanjakan sehingga RM7,000 setiap seorang bagi tempoh purata enam hari.

“Ini adalah hasil sampingan daripada perlumbaan Formula One yang menyumbang kepada pendapatan sektor pelancongan,” katanya.

Najib berkata Formula One merupakan satu platform paling berkesan untuk memperkenalkan Malaysia kepada dunia.

“Malaysia ditonton dan didengar di 187 negara yang mempunyai sejumlah 500 juta orang, dan ini adalah hasil daripada Formula One.

“Kita perlu menggalakkan perlumbaan ini bukan saja kepada pasaran tempatan tetapi juga menarik perhatian seluruh rantau Asean. Dengan menggunakan kesempatan daripada perlumbaan ini, kita dapat meningkatkkan pendedahan memperkenalkan Malaysia sebagai sebuah destinasi dan tempat untuk menjalankan perniagaan,” katanya.

Najib berkata bahawa selain pelancongan, perlumbaan Formula One juga memberi manfaat kepada sektor lain.

“Ia melonjakkan lagi rasa bangga rakyat tempatan, meningkatkan kemampuan kejuruteraan menerusi penglibatan Petronas dan Proton dalam sukan ini dan pemindahan ilmu di peringkat antarabangsa daripada segi kepakaran menganjur acara ini,” kata Perdana Menteri.

Najib mengulangi komitmen kerajaan Malaysia untuk terus menyokong acara itu dan menawarkan apa saja bantuan bagi menjayakannya.

Dengan tiga pasukan membawa lambang Malaysia dalam perlumbaan tahun ini, Perdana Menteri berkata beliau yakin acara kali ini akan menjadi sesuatu yang istimewa kepada rakyat Malaysia.

Pasukan-pasukan yang mempunyai kaitan dengan Malaysia ialah Mercedes, Lotus dan Caterham.

“Kita bangga dengan penglibatan mereka dalam perlumbaan ini dan ia merupakan penyertaan terbanyak oleh sesebuah satu negara.

“Saya harap ketiga-tiga pasukan ini memberikan saingan yang kuat dan membuat Malaysia bangga,” katanya.

Ini merupakan kali ke-14 Malaysia menganjurkan perlumbaan F1 ini sejak 1999.

Sumber : Bernama

Beliau melahirkan keyakinan bahawa pakej itu akan mendapat sambutan hangat di kalangan penggemar motosikal warga asing kerana ia menawarkan laluan-laluan dengan pemandangan indah, persekitaraan penggembaraan menakjubkan dan cuaca cerah dan nyaman di negara ini.

“Pada hemat saya pakej pelancongan ini merupakan satu inisiatif yang sangat baik untuk mempromosi Malaysia sebagai sebuah destinasi pengembara motosikal yang paling unggul di rantau ini.

“Tentu sekali mengambil kira Malaysia ini merupakan bumi bertuah yang dianugerahi dengan segala keindahan alam semulajadi, maka sudah tentu apabila kita kembara seperti ini, kita akan dapat banyak pengalaman manis seperti perjalanan ke Genting Highlands, Bukit Fraser, Cameron Highlands, Bukit Larut dan Gunung Jerai,” katanya.

Turut hadir pada majlis itu ialah Menteri Pelancongan Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Menteri Pertahanan Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dan bintang program Amerika Chopper, Discovery Channel Paul Teutul Sr.

Pakej pelancongan itu, usahasama antara World Tour Rider dan beberapa agensi yang menawarkan pelancongan kembara motosikal, menawarkan lima pakej pelancongan motosikal antara lima hingga 12 hari, untuk mempromosikan pemandangan indah di kawasan pergunungan di Malaysia dan destinasi pelancongan menarik yang lain.

Najib turut memperkenalkan 1Malaysia Chopper yang direka oleh Teutul, yang juga merupakan pengasas Orange County Choppers (OCC), untuk menonjolkan semangat 1Malaysia dan kepelbagaian kebudayaan rakyat Malaysia.

1Malaysia Chopper adalah hasil daripada perkongsian pintar antara Kementerian Pelancongan dan OCC yang juga akan menyaksikan Malaysia dipaparkan dalam beberapa episod program popular itu pada April dan Mei tahun ini.

Najib berkata: “Sebagai penonton tetap saluran Discovery Channel, saya berharap saya akan dapat menyaksikan pemandangan-pemandangan indah di Malaysia termasuk 1Malaysia Chopper tidak lama lagi.”

Sumber : Bernama

“Formula One in Malaysia has been an engine of growth in our country with Malaysia reaping numerous benefits from its involvement in the sport,” he said in his message published in the event’s official programme book.

Citing an economic impact report by the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), he said, the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix generated a total economic activity of RM200 million.

He said that survey conducted after the event showed that a foreign tourist attending the Grand Prix in Malaysia stayed an average of six days and spent about RM7,000 during that period.

“This is a part of spillover effect of Formula One in generating tourism revenue with many racing fans who come over to Malaysia for the sole purpose of watching the race most likely extending their stay to visit other fascinating attractions our country has to offer,” said Najib.

He added that Formula One is undoubtedly the most effective platform for Malaysia to be known worldwide.

“Malaysia is now seen and heard in as many as 187 countries with a combined audience of more than 500 million people and this is all thanks to Formula One.

“We should promote the race not only to the local market but also to capture attention of the entire Asean region. Leveraging on such an opportunity would increase the level of exposure that Formula One in Malaysia can give to promote the country as a destination and place to do business,” he said.

Besides tourism, Najib said hosting the Formula One race can also be beneficial to other sectors.

“It has boosted local civic pride, improved engineering capabilities from the involvement of Petronas and Proton in the sport and transfer of knowledge at the international level in terms of organisational expertise of the race,” said Najib.

He also reiterated the Malaysian government’s commitment to continue supporting the event.

With three Formula One teams carrying the Malaysian flag at this year’s Malaysia Grand Prix, Najib said it was indeed a special event for Malaysians.

“We are proud to have them in the World Championship, which constitutes the largest representation of any country in the sport. I am hoping that these three teams will give a good fight and make Malaysia proud,” said Najib.

The three Formula One teams with Malaysian connections are the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, Lotus F1 Team and Caterham F1 Team.

This year marks the 14th edition of the Malaysian Grand Prix since its inception in 1999.

Source : Bernama

He expressed confidence that the package would be a hit among foreign riders due to the scenic routes offered, great riding conditions and the country’s nice and warm weather.

“This tour package is a very good initiative to promote Malaysia as a premier biking destination in the region,” he said, adding that the ride to places such as Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill, Cameron Highlands, Bukit Larut and Gunung Jerai would offer plenty of pleasant experience to the bikers.

Present were Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Discovery Channel’s American Chopper show star Paul Teutul, Sr.

The tour package, a collaboration between World Tour Rider and several agencies specialising in biking tours, consists of five motorcycle travel packages, ranging from three to twelve days’ tours, to promote scenic mountains in Malaysia and other destinations.

Najib also unveiled the 1Malaysia Chopper, designed by Teutul, who is the founder of Orange County Choppers (OCC), to commemorate the spirit of 1Malaysia and the diverse Malaysian culture.

The 1Malaysia Chopper is a result of a smart partnership between the Tourism Ministry and the OCC which would also see Malaysia being featured in several episodes of the popular show in April and May this year.

Najib said: “As a very regular viewer of Discovery Channel, I hope I would be seeing very familiar scenes of Malaysia including the 1Malaysia Chopper in due course.”

Source : Bernama

“Saya sangat gembira dengan pengiktirafan dari The New York Times, yang menyenaraikan Melaka sebagai salah satu tempat yang ‘mesti dilawat’ pada tahun 2012.

Sebagai sebuah negeri yang kaya dengan sejarah, budaya dan kepelbagaian jenis makanan, tidak dinafikan Melaka layak diberikan pujian sebegitu,” katanya dalam laman webnya 1Malaysia bertajuk Khazanah Istimewa Malaysia.

Najib berkata ada kalanya perspektif rakyat asing seperti ini, membantu untuk mengingatkan tentang unsur-unsur yang membentuk keunikan sebagai rakyat Malaysia.

“Ia mengingatkan kita bahawa perkara-perkara yang menjadi kebiasaan bagi kita – contohnya seperti sesi teh tarik di kedai mamak, membeli-belah di pasar malam, serta menikmati buah-buahan tempatan seperti durian dan langsat – sebaliknya menjadi tarikan bagi pelancong dan rakyat asing,” katanya.

Dalam pemerhatiannya, Najib berkata beliau mendapati inilah juga yang dirindui oleh rakyat Malaysia di perantauan apabila beliau ke luar negara dan berinteraksi dengan mereka.

“Bagi kita yang tinggal di negara ini hampir seumur hidup kita, ia satu rahmat bagi kita kerana semuanya begitu mudah untuk kita dapati sepanjang masa,” katanya.

Perdana Menteri berkata mungkin atas kesedaran ini atau mungkin disebabkan oleh peningkatan kos sara hidup, rakyat Malaysia kini cenderung memilih destinasi percutian tempatan.

Khususnya, keluarga yang berpendapatan isi rumah sebanyak RM1,001 hingga RM3,000 sebulan yang merangkumi kumpulan pelancong tempatan yang paling ramai, katanya.

Sambil meminta rakyat Malaysia supaya lebih menghargai keunikan negara, Najib berkata: “Oleh itu, selepas ini, bila anda pergi untuk menikmati segelas teh tarik, menghadiri majlis kenduri kahwin, atau pergi melawat saudara-mara di kampung, renungkanlah seketika dan cubalah hargai persekitaran anda dengan perspektif baru.

“Malah, apa kata anda “tweet” pada saya gambar-gambar yang mencerminkan keunikan Malaysia. Mungkin anda akan dapat membina penghargaan yang baru bagi khazanah-khazanah kecil ini yang menjadikan kita semua sebuah negara, budaya, dan rakyat yang istimewa,” kata Najib.

Dan banyak lagi yang ditawarkan dalam sektor pelancongan yang mampu menambat hati pelancong untuk berkunjung ke Malaysia.

“Kerajaan bercadang untuk menjadikan Malaysia sebagai destinasi percutian yang lebih menarik bagi pelancong tempatan dan asing,” kata Najib.

Katanya pada Disember tahun lepas, beliau telah melancarkan Pelan Tindakan Pelancongan bagi Langkawi, yang bertujuan untuk menjadikan pulau itu sebagai destinasi popular yang setanding dengan Pulau Seychelles, Mauritius dan Bali.

Pelan tersebut dijangka dapat mewujudkan sebanyak 4,200 peluang pekerjaan dan menjana pendapatan sehingga RM3.8 bilion di pulau itu melalui sejumlah 3 juta pelancong yang dijangka tiba menjelang tahun 2015, katanya.

Sumber : Bernama