Fat taxAirlineSamoa Air , Air FranceConcept--- The fare is
calculated by multiplying a base fare (depending on the route
flown) by the total weight of the passenger plus their luggage. So
a passenger flying from Apia to Asau weighing 80 kg and carrying 20
kg of luggage would pay US$ 132 for the flight (100 kg x US$ 1.32
base fare[8]), while another passenger weighing 60 kg and traveling
without luggage would pay US$ 79.20 (60 kg x US$ 1.32 base fare)
for the same flight.Pros a reduction of 1kilo weight of a plane
will result in fuel savings worth US$3,000 a year and a reduction
of CO2 emissions by the same token (Journal of Revenue and Pricing
Management) promote healthier lifestyle Cons If a weight tax were
rolled out throughout the aviation industry, it wouldn't just
affect overweight people. It would affect tall people, muscled
people, pregnant women, and men generally, as they tend to weigh
more than women. The first is that they are worried about a
backlash, quite understandably, although the polls suggest more
people think it would be a good idea (but youd have to believe the
sample bias in the poll is small to believe this a question for
another day). The second is that price discrimination may be fairer
from the perspective of user-pays principles but it may not
generate more revenue for the airline because it is difficult to
know how the high-weight travellers will respond to price increases
compared to how the low-weight travellers will respond to price
decreases. It is conceivable that revenue may not change or indeed
fall. That is clearly a major risk. The third is that there is a
capital cost to generating the infrastructure needed to weigh
people and their baggage. That cost would have to be weighed
against the present discounted value of the revenue benefits of
price discrimination but as indicated above the revenue benefits
may be zilch. The fourth is that they may be worried about legal
consequences. The fifth is that theyve got bigger problems on their
plate such as a global economy that could be headed for GFC mark II
at any stage, the elevated price of jet fuel and its volatility,
and the partial breakdown of the connectivity between the oil price
and the Australian dollar.Examples: Air Canada, which removed life
vests from its planes to make each flight 25 kilos lighter, and
other initiatives by low-cost carriers such as charging for excess
luggage and making oversized passengers book two seats.Tourism vs
foreign workerThe government recorded 3.1 million foreign workers
in the country, of which two-thirds are illegalThe 2010/2011
Economic Report states that of the 1.8 million registered migrant
workers in Malaysia, 38.2 per cent were employed in the
manufacturing sector, 16 per cent in the construction and 14.2 per
cent in the plantation sectors.Indonesians accounted for the
highest number of registered foreign workers in Malaysia at 50.9
per cent, which was attributable to their country's proximity to
Malaysia and cultural and language similarities.Bangladeshis were
second highest, accounting for 17 per cent, followed by Nepalese at
9.7 per cent, Myanmars at 7.8 per cent, Indians at 6.3 per cent and
Vietnamese at 4.2 per cent.However, the high dependency on foreign
labour is not unique to Malaysia alone as the problem is also faced
by countries with high growth rates such as Singapore, United Arab
Emirates and Saudi Arabia.The government's effort in reducing the
country's dependence on low-skilled foreign workers has been
ongoing, as evidenced in the gradual reduction in the number of
registered foreign workers over the last two years.The target is to
reduce the number of foreign workers to 1.5 million by 2015.Many
economists feel that what Malaysia needs is skilled or highly
skilled workers, not cheap, unskilled foreign workers.Pros:They are
usually cheap. Workers from Bangladesh, India or the Philippines
are happy to work for salaries which are high in comparison to
their home countries but low in the host country. Foreign workers
are also ready to work in remote places or at times when local
workers would not. A second point is that foreign workers are
usually job-ready. They do not need expensive college education or
training. They may have skills not available in the new country. A
third point is that many migrant workers are ready to work in jobs
that are too dirty or dangerous for nationals such as construction
or cleaning. All these advantages mean that the economy is boosted
by cheap labor and low production costs.Cons:One major drawback is
that the workers are sending a lot of money home, instead of
spending it. This results in a loss of foreign exchange for the
country. Another point is that they may take jobs from locals. More
importantly, they reduce the salaries for some jobs. For example,
employers will pay very low salaries for some jobs which some
locals might like to do but could not survive on. Security is
another issue. Foreign workers can leave at any time if there is a
political or other problem, and this can mean a sudden loss of
skills and experience. An additional point is that the influx of
foreign workers can put pressure on services such as hospitals or
housing, and these costs have to be paid by the state, not the
employers who are getting rich. All these factors can result in
economic problems for the government.Lahad Datu: Chronology of
eventsFeb 9 - The group enters Malaysian waters in a boat and
begins to gather in stages at Felda Sahabat 17, Kampung Tanduo in
Lahad Datu. Feb 11 - A gang from the group is discovered by a group
of local fishermen at night. The fishermen lodge a police report
that 100 armed men in army fatigues are putting up in Kampung
Tandou.Feb 12 - The group breaks into smaller groups to enter
several locations in the village, namely Sungai Bakau village,
village surau and the house of one Ahmad Malandi, also known as Mad
Bon.Feb 14 - Prime Minister Najib Razak says the Malaysian
government will try its best, including negotiations, to handle the
issue of intrusion before ousting them from the area.
Inspector-general of police Ismail Omar says the police identify
the group of Filipinos who landed on the shore of Lahad Datu as
being linked to the 'Sulu Sultanate' from southern Philippines.He
says the group claims to be the 'Royal Army of the Sulu Sultanate'
and they do not want their people of Sulu descent to be sent back
to their country of origin.Ismail says, negotiations with the armed
group is still in progress to find the best solution, without
bloodshed.A report quotes a Philippine army personnel, who is a
loyal follower of Sulu raja muda, Azzimudie Kiram, as saying the
group has come at the invitation of a "Malaysian opposition" to
discuss land issues in Sabah.Feb 16 - Home Minister Hishammuddin
Hussein (centre in photo) confirms the group is not a militant or
terrorist group but is in fact, strong supporter of the Sulu
Sultanate and stresses the situation in Kampung Tanduo is under
control.The group, which wants to be known as the 'Royal Army of
Sulu Sultanate', among others, is also claiming ownership of Sabah
and wants the state to be returned as a territory of the Sulu
Sultanate, claiming it was seized by the British from the Sulu
Government.Feb 18 - Hishammuddin says the governments of Malaysia
and Philippines are working closely to resolve the conflict,
through diplomacy and without bloodshed.Feb 24 - The Philippine
government sends a boat under humanitarian mission to ferry the 180
armed personnel, including 30 armed guards, holding up in Lahad
Datu, Sabah since Feb 12. Feb 26 - The deadline to expel the group
passes but negotiations are still in progress.Feb 28 - The
Malaysian government is urged to negotiate directly with sultan
Jamalul Kiram III in Manila to end the conflict of seizing the area
in Lahad Datu, Sabah which has prolonged for more than three weeks.
The call is made by Jamalul's youngest brother, Agbimuddin Kiram,
who stresses that only his brother can order the 180 Royal Army
personnel to leave Felda Sahabat 17, Lahad Datu.March 1 - a
shootout breaks out between security forces and a small group of
intruders when they try to break a police blockade in Kampung
Tanduo, resulting in two police commandos dead and three others
injured.All 12 members of the small group of intruders are
killedMh17July 17 (Day 1) - Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 departs
Amsterdam at 12.15pm (7.15pm in Malaysia) and is scheduled to
arrive at the KL International Airport at 6.10am am (Malaysian
time) the next day.July 18 (Day 2) - MAS confirms having been
notified by the Ukrainian Air Traffic Control that it lost contact
with Flight MH17 at 1415 GMT (10.15pm on July 17 in Malaysia) at
30km from Tamak waypoint, about 50km from the Russia-Ukraine
border. Ukraine authorities believe the plane was shot down by
rebels in the war-torn zone. Malaysia dispatches its investigators
to Ukraine. MAS says the route was declared safe by international
aviation bodies and its aircraft has a clean maintenance record. On
board the plane are nationals from the Netherlands (193 including
one with dual Netherlands/United States citizenship), Malaysia (43
including 15 crew), Australia (27), Indonesia (12), United Kingdom
(10 including one with dual United Kingdom/South Africa
citizenship), Belgium (four), Germany (four), Philippines (three),
Canada (one) and New Zealand (one).July 19 (Day 3) - United Nations
Security Council convenes emergency meeting on Ukraine crisis and
Malaysia demands a full, independent and transparent international
investigation. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai flies
to Kiev to facilitate investigation team's safe passage to crash
site. MAS releases full passenger manifest.July 20 (Day 4) -
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman departs for Ukraine to
assist over the incident. Malaysia investigators arrive at the
crash site in Torez.July 21 (Day 5) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib
Tun Razak achieves breakthrough with Alexander Borodai who is in
command of the region where the tragedy occurred. Agreement is
reached on the release of the victims' remains, on Malaysia to be
given custody of the black box and on independent international
investigators to be given access to the crash site.July 22 (Day 6)
- MH17 black boxes handed over to Malaysian authorities in Donetsk,
Ukraine. Train carrying 282 remains of victims leaves Donetsk for
Kharkiv.July 23 (Day 7) - Special sitting of Malaysian parliament
approves motion condemning the downing of Flight MH17.
International investigation team decides to pass MH17 black boxes
to UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch in Farnborough for
forensic analysis.July 24 (Day 8) - Malaysian Cabinet cancels
Aidilfitri open house out of respect for those killed in MH17
tragedy. Commonwealth Games opens in Glasgow, Scotland, with mark
of respect for MH17 victims.July 25 (Day 9) - Attorney-General Tan
Sri Abdul Gani Patail decides to depart for Amsterdam the next day
to assist in the investigation into the MH17 tragedy.July 28 (Day
12) - Last batch of 38 coffins with remains of MH17 tragedy victims
arrives in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, bringing to 227 the number
of coffins delivered thus far.July 29 (Day 13) - Malaysia secures
agreement for international police deployment at crash site.July 30
(Day 14) - UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says downing of
MH17 may amount to war crime. Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad
Zahid Hamidi and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu
Bakar depart for Kiev.July 31 (Day 15) - Seventy remains have
undergone the DVI (disaster victim identification) process.Aug 1
(Day 16) - Najib arrives in Amsterdam. Malaysia, Netherlands call
for cessation of hostilities at crash site.Aug 3 (Day 18) -
Sixty-eight Malaysian policemen leave for Donetsk to assist in the
investigation.Aug 4 (Day 19) - It is announced that immediate
family members of victims will receive US$50,000 compensation.Aug 6
(Day 21) - Search for remains of MH17 crash victims continues in
the vicinity of a lake at crash site. Investigation 50 per cent
complete.Aug 12 (Day 27) - Remains of 16 Malaysian victims are
identified.Aug 14 (Day 29) - Remains of 24 Malaysian victims are
identified. Malaysian Government declares Aug 22 as Day of National
Mourning.Aug 16 (Day 31) - Full religious rituals are held for
non-Muslim victims.Aug 17 (Day 32) - Remains of 26 Malaysian
victims are identified.Aug 19 (Day 34) - Remains of 28 Malaysian
victims are identified.Aug 21 (Day 36) - Remains of 30 Malaysian
victims are identified. BernamaMh370Three weeks have now passed
since Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished and still not a
single definitive trace has been found.After taking off from Kuala
Lumpur on Friday March 8, it vanished around an hour into its
flight with 239 people onboard.It made no distress call, and
despite a huge search operation involving dozens of countries,
reported satellite signals and false leads, investigators have
still not found the wreckage.Here we look back at how the last 21
days have unfolded.Saturday, March 8Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370
Flight departs at 12:41am (1441 GMT Friday), and is due to land in
Beijing at 6:30am (2230 GMT) the same day. On board the Boeing
777-200ER are 227 passengers and 12 crew.Airline loses contact with
plane between 1-2 hours after takeoff . No distress signal and
weather is clear at the time.Missing plane last has contact with
air traffic controllers 120 nautical miles off the east coast of
the Malaysian town of Kota Bharu.Civil Aviation Authority of
Vietnam says plane failed to check in as scheduled at 17:21 GMT
while flying over sea between Malaysia and Ho Chi Minh City.Flight
tracking website flightaware.com shows plane flew northeast over
Malaysia after take off and climbed to altitude of 35,000 feet. The
flight vanished from website's tracking records a minute later
while still climbing.Malaysia search ships see no sign of wreckage
in area where flights last made contact. Vietnam says giant oil
slick and column of smoke seen in its waters.Two men from Austria
and Italy, listed among the passengers on a missing Malaysia
Airlines flight, are not in fact on board. They say their passports
were stolen.Sunday, March 9Malaysia Airlines says fears worst and
is working with U.S. company that specialises in disaster
recovery.Radar indicates flight may have turned back from its
scheduled route to Beijing before disappearing.Interpol says at
least two passports recorded as lost or stolen in its database were
used by passengers, and it is "examining additional suspect
passports".Investigators narrow focus of inquiries on possibility
plane disintegrated in mid-flight, a source who is involved in the
investigations in Malaysia tells Reuters.Monday, March 10The United
States review of American spy satellite imagery shows no signs of
mid-air explosion.As dozens of ships and aircraft from seven
countries scour the seas around Malaysia and south of Vietnam,
questions mounted over whether a bomb or hijacking could have
brought down the Boeing airliner .Hijacking could not be ruled out,
said the head of Malaysia's Civil Aviation Authority, Azharuddin
Abdul Rahmanthe, adding the missing jet was an "unprecedented
aviation mystery".Tuesday, March 11Interpol Secretary General
Ronald Noble names the two men who boarded jet with stolen
passports as Iranians, aged 18 and 29, who had entered Malaysia
using their real passports. "The more information we get, the more
we are inclined to conclude it is not a terrorist incident," Noble
said.Malaysian police chief said the younger man appeared to be an
illegal immigrant. His mother was waiting for him in Frankfurt and
had been in contact with authorities, he said.Malaysian police say
they are investigating whether any passengers or crew on the plane
had personal or psychological problems that might shed light on the
mystery, along with the possibility of a hijacking, sabotage or
mechanical failure .Malaysia's military believes missing jet turned
and flew hundreds of kilometres to the west after it last made
contact with civilian air traffic control off the country's east
coast, a senior officer told Reuters. The jet made it into the
Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest shipping channels,
along Malaysia's west coast, said the officer.A Colorado-based
company has put "crowdsourcing" to work in search for a missing
jet, enlisting Internet users to comb through satellite images of
more than 1,200 square miles (3,200 square km) of open seas for any
signs of wreckage.Wednesday, March 12The search for the missing
Malaysia Airlines jet expands to an area stretching from China to
India , as authorities struggle to answer what had happened to the
aircraft that vanished almost five days ago with 239 people on
board.Its revealed that the finals words spoken by one of the
pilots from the cockpit of the plane to ground control were "all
right, good night" . The comment came as the plane flew from
Malaysian into Vietnamese air space.Thursday March 13A Chinese
satellite picture appears to show the outline of wreckage floating
in the South China Sea, but Vietnamese search teams failed to find
any sign of the objects.Aviation experts say they believe the
missing airliner could have flown for an extra four hours, after it
lost contact with traffic controllers. The new theory was based on
data downloaded automatically from the jet's engines.It was also
revealed that satellites picked up faint electronic pulses from
MH370 after it went missing.China said that they would not stop
searching for the missing aircraft so long as there is a "glimmer
of hope".Investigators began looking into suggestions that the
plane may have been deliberately flown towards the Andaman
IslandsFriday March 14A satellite company revealed it had received
signals for MH370 five hours after it disappeared, suggesting the
plane was still flying and had not crashed, and the search was
dramatically shifted to large parts of the Indian Ocean.Saturday
March 15The investigation into the disappearance shifted towards
foul play, amid suggestions the plane was deliberately flown
hundreds of miles off course.Malaysian authorities then gave a
press conference where they confirmed that they believed
"deliberate action" had caused the plane to veer off course, and
that someone deliberately shut down its communication and tracking
systems.New satellite information suggests the plane was flown west
into the Straits of Malacca, but could then have gone down either
one of two huge north or south corridors, spanning large tracts of
land and deep oceans.Police searched the homes of pilot Zaharie
Ahmad Shah, and co-pilot Fariq Abdul Hamid.Sunday March 16Pilot
Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah is picture wearing a T-shirt with a
Democracy is Dead slogan, sparking fears he could have hijacked the
plane as an anti-government protest.The number of countries
involved in the search increased from 14 to 25, as Malaysian
authorities revealed all passengers, crew and ground staff
associated with the flight were under investigation.Investigators
revealed a flight simulator had been found at Captain Zaharie Ahmad
Shah's home, and taken away for further analysis.At a press
conference, it was suggested that Flight MH370 could have been on
the ground when it sent its final satellite signal, and that its
transmission system was switched off after its final communication
with ground control.Monday March 17Flight engineer Mohd Kairul Amri
Selamat, who was also one of the passengers on board the plane,
comes under investigation. Police say they are looking at anyone on
the plane who may have had aviation skills and knowledge.A theory
emerges that the missing plane could be in a Taliban controlled
base, where it could be being kept ready for use at a later date.It
is also suggested MH370 may have secretly flown at just 5,000ft to
avoid radar detection.Tuesday March 18After days of frustration at
the lack of confirmed information, relatives of some of the Chinese
passengers on board the plane threaten to go on hunger
strike.Wednesday March 19The FBI joined the search for the Malaysia
Airlines jet, with the agency dedicating resources to analysing
computer hard-drives seized from the homes of the plane's
pilots.Distraught relatives are bundled out of a press conference
after storming in with a banner demanding more information.Thursday
March 20Search teams spot huge chunks of possible wreckage in a
remote part of the southern Indian Ocean, 1,500 miles off the
western coast of Australia. One is 78ft long, the other 25ft. The
find prompts the launch of another focused air and sea search
mission from Perth.Britain sends HMS Echo to join the search in the
Indian Ocean.Friday March 21The search off the Australian coast
continues for a second day, but flights to the site where possible
debris was spotted fail to find anything.The Australian Maritime
Safety Authority say they continue to focus on locating any
survivors.Saturday March 22There was a dramatic moment at the
Malaysian authorities' daily press conference when the country's
transport minister was handed a note saying a Chinese satellite had
spotted a "floating object" in the southern search corridor which
could be debris.The object measured 22.5m by 13m and was 120k south
west of where an Australian satellite had previously spotted two
other objects.There were also angry scenes as at press conference
in Beijing, where officials were briefing relatives of Chinese
passengers who, frustrated at the lack of concrete information,
demanded to know "the truth".Search missions in the southern Indian
ocean failed to find anything for a third day.Sunday March 23A
French satellite became the third to spot objects in the southern
search corridor, 1,430 miles from Perth.But again search crews
setting off from Perth - including four military and four civilian
planes - failed to find any sign of it.Monday March 24In an
emotional press conference, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak
told the world that experts had established "beyond any doubt" that
the 239 passenger and crew on board flight MH370 had perished in
the Indian Ocean.The train was tracked down to an area 1,200 miles
from Perth by "unprecedented" analysis of satellite data by British
company Inmarsat.The announcement prompted emotional scenes from
the passengers' grieving families, who launched a scathing attack
on Malaysian authorities.Tuesday March 25Relatives of those on
board MH370 hit out at authorities for the way the tragedy has been
handled.It also emerged Malaysia Airlines was offering relatives of
the victims $5,000 per passenger in compensation. The company said
additional cash would be handed out at a later date.Wednesday March
26Images taken by a French satellite are released, showing 122
objects floating in a possible "debris field" 2,557km west of
Perth.Transport minister Hishammuddin Hussein describes the
discovery as "the most credible lead that we have".But despite
this, the search and rescue effort deployed to the remote area of
the Indian Ocean fails to find any wreckage for another
day.Thursday March 27The search operation was temporarily suspended
due to bad weather as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority
revealed the news on TwitterAs 300 floating objects were spotted by
a satellite, a veteran Boeing 777 pilot claimed the plane needed
"human input" to change course so dramaticallyBut the pilot's son
dismissed any suggestions his dad was involved in the
appearanceFriday March 28The search moved on some 685 miles to
northeast after a "new credible lead" in the Indian OceanF1 teams
organised a minute's silence ahead of Malaysian Grand Prix for
victims, which is being supported by Williams ace Felipe
MassaBritish Airways were left red-faced after featuring an advert
saying "escape to the Indian Ocean"Saturday March 29Grieving
families of MH370 launched a scathing attack against 'despicable'
Malaysian authoritiesFamilies were moved out of the hotel where
they were staying in Malaysia so that room could be made for
Ferrari's F1 teamThe search resumed after more debris was spotted
as planes spot 'multiple coloured objects' in Indian OceanSunday
March 30The daughter of MH370 pilot Zaharie Ahmad Shah says her
father had been acting strangely in recent months. Aishah, 28, said
he was "not the father I knew", and that he "seemed disturbed and
lost - in a world of his own".Monday March 31Malaysian authorities
released a transcript of the final conversation between MH370's
cockpit and ground control. It revealed the final words spoken by
the co-pilot were not "all right, good night" as previously
reported, but "good night Malaysian three seven zero".However,
investigators said the rest of the transcript contained nothing
that would have caused alarm.
Tuesday April 1Malaysia's government announced it is in
discussions with America about the use of deep sea search and
rescue equipment, as search and rescue operations still fail to
find any sign of wreckage.British submarine HMS Tireless arrived in
the search zone to help with the underwater hunt.Wednesday April
2Malaysian police ruled out the involvement of any passengers in
the disappearance of MH370, saying all 227 have been cleared of
hijacking, sabotage, or having personal or psychological
problems.Australian officials warned bad weather and a lack of
reliable information were still hampering efforts to find any
wreckage.10 planes and nine ships continued their search in the
Indian Ocean.Thursday April 3Reports say the FBI found "nothing
suspicious whatsoever" during their investigation of a flight
simulator found at the home of pilot Zaharie Shah.Malaysian PM
Najib Razak arrived in Perth for talks with the Australian teams
co-ordinating the search in the Indian Ocean.At a joint press
conference with Australian leader Tony Abbott, Mr Razak said: "I
know that until we find the plane, many families cannot start to
grieve. I cannot imagine what they must be going through, But I can
promise them that we will not give up."Angus Houston, the head of a
joint agency co-ordinating the search, says there is no time frame
for ending the search, but acknowledges a new approach will
eventually be needed if nothing turns up.
Ministry of tourism and cultureThe Ministry of Tourism &
Culture (Malay: Kementerian Pelancongan) is a government ministry
that is responsible determining the policies and direction to
achieve the goals of Tourism for Malaysia, in line with Malaysia's
commitment towards the United Nations. Its current minister is
Dato' Sri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.[1] (law degree)Ng yen yen
(former, medical degree)
The major heritage elements; historic building, historical sites
and unique local cultures are commonly found in many historic
cities throughout Malaysia. An inventory has revealed that 30,000
heritage buildings are located in 162 cities throughout Malaysia
(Idid, 1996). From this figure, 69.6% are shop houses and dwellings
built before World War II (Table 2). The unique colonial
architectural styles of buildings have played major role in the
creation of historic cities such as George Town, Ipoh, Malacca,
Taiping, Kuala Lumpur and Kuching.Table 2 Distributions of Pre-War
Buildings in Selected States in MalaysiaStates inMalaysiaNumber of
Pre-War BuildingsPercentage (%)
PenangPerakJohorMalaccaKuala
Lumpur5057335123232177176324.316.111.210.58.4
The legal foundations of the Malaysian cultural policy are
derived from the following acts and regulations: i). Antiquities
Act 1976 (Act 168) ii). National Art Gallery Act, 1958 iii). Legal
Deposit of Library Material Act, 1986 (Act A667) iv). National
Library Act, 1972; The National Library (Amendment) Act, 1987 v).
National Archive Act, 1966 (Act 44), (Revised 1971), (Act A85),
(Revised 1993), (Act 511) vi). Tourist Development Corporation of
Malaysia Act 1972 (Act 1972) vii). Broadcasting Act 1988 (Act 338),
Broadcasting (Amendment) Act, 1997 (Act A977)viii). Cinematography
Film - Hire Duty Act 1965 (Revised 1990), (Act 434) ix).
(Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia Act 1981 (Act 244),
Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia (Amendment) Act, 1984
(Act 589) x). Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia Act 1979 (Act
222) xi). Theatres & Places of Public Amusement (Federal
Territory) Act 1988 (Act 182) xii). Bernama Act, 1967 (Revised
1990), (Act 449)xiii). Entertainment Duty Act 1953 (Revised 1973)
(Act 103) Efforts to preserve the heritage buildings in Malaysia
are supported by various acts and legislations. The prominent acts
have been the Town and Country Planning Act of 1976 or the 172 Act,
The National Land Code (Kanun Tanah Negara), the Street, Drainage
and Building Act 133, the Antiquities Act 1976 , as well as local
legislations such as the Malacca Enactment No. 6 (1988). Act 133
for instance stipulates that No person shall erect any building
without a prior written permission of the local authority (Section
70[1]). This provision is supported by Section 18(1) of Act 172
which states All land/building use shall comply with the local
plans (structure and local plans). Any development shall obtain
planning permission (Section 21). And if there is no development
plan prepared for the area, the owner/developer of the land shall
inform their plan to the adjoining landowners (Act 172, Section 21
(6)). To date, a guidelines on the Guidelines on the Conservation
of George Town Inner City details out specific recommendations
pertaining extensions, renovations, revitalizations of heritage
buildings within the prescribed zones. At present, any erection of
buildings is loosely bonded by both Acts (133 and 172). Section 16
of 133 defines erections of building includes renews or repairs of
any existing buildings in such a manner as to involve a renewal,
reconstruction or erection of any portion of an outer or party wall
to the extent of one storey height. Further, all building that fall
within the definition of development, stipulated in Act 172 also
requires planning permission. The Guidelines is in concordant with
Part Vll of Act 133 that gives the State Authority to make by-laws
or in respect of every purpose which is deemed by him necessary. In
regards to the preservation of building, the State Authority, among
other things, has the right to make by laws in:- i). the
construction, paving, width and level of arcades and footways; ii).
the construction, alteration and demolition of buildings and the
methods and materials to be used in connection therewith; iii). the
minimum timber or other building material content in any
building.Policy of the Ministry
VISIONDeveloping Malaysia as a world-class tourist
destinationMISSIONTo work with all industry players to position the
tourism industry as a catalyst for sustainable economic
growthNATIONAL TOURISM POLICYTo transform the national tourism
industry into a major, sustainable, viable and quality sector that
contributes to national developmentOBJECTIVESTo boost the
contribution of the tourism sector to the national economyTo
empower the rural community through rural tourism activitiesTo
catalyse the development of 1Malaysia through tourism
activitiesFUNCTIONSTo formulate a national tourism policy in order
to achieve the vision, mission and objectives of the ministryTo
implement policies relating to the growth and development of the
tourism industryTo co-ordinate, monitor and assess the
effectiveness of tourism programmes and projectsQUALITY POLICYThe
Ministry of Tourism is committed to the delivery of quality tourism
industry services to its customers in accordance with MS ISO
9001:2000.The Ministry of Tourism constantly makes continuous
improvement to its Quality Management System in order to enhance
the effectiveness of the systems implemented.Achievements and
RecognitionsThe United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
has ranked Malaysia as the world's 11th most visited tourism
destination in 2013.Malaysia has also been voted as one of the top
ten must-visit global destinations in 2014 by the popular travel
publication, Lonely PlanetCNN Travel 2012 & 2013 voted Kuala
Lumpur as the world's fourth best shopping destination. CNN's
listing of three of our pristine islands and beaches - Perhentian
Kecil Island, Terengganu; Juara Beach, Pulau Tioman; and Tanjung
Rhu, Langkawi - as among the Top 50 Beaches of the World's 100 Best
BeachesMalaysia has been voted as the 10th Most Friendliest Country
in the world by Forbes Online. Malaysia was also ranked as The Most
Popular Tourist Destination in Asia by the Top 10 magazine. Five
sites have been officially listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
namely :Melaka CityGeorgetown, Penangthe Mount Mulu National Park,
Sarawakthe Kinabalu Park, Sabahthe Lenggong Valley, Perak
Importance heritage siteNatureWorld Heritage sites often feature
rare and beautiful natural phenomena, endangered habitat, rich
biological diversity or striking land features. China's Sichuan
Giant Panda Sanctuaries, Honduras' Ro Pltano Biosphere Reserve and
Canada's Dinosaur Provincial Park represent such phenomena,
respectively.Biological and Archaeological RecordsMany world
heritage sites can teach us about how species (including humans)
developed throughout time. The Galapagos Islands can show us much
about evolution, of course, and the rock art in Valcamonica, Italy,
can teach us about how human societies progressed.Human
AccomplishmentsWorld Heritage sites also showcase the
accomplishments of humans around the world, such as the Great
Pyramids of Egypt. These masterpieces show the human potential and
can be appreciated by all.Religious ValueSome World Heritage sites
are still used in religious practices, so they must be respected
and protected. Many places of worship, such as the Cathedral of St.
James in ibenik, Croatia, are protected as World Heritage
sites.Enhancing our quality of life: in contributing to the
familiar, aesthetic quality of our surroundings, where we live and
work, the historic environment enhances our sense of well-being. As
it is all around us and easily accessible, it provides a setting
for a great variety of local activities.Knowing ourselves: the
historic environment is fundamental to our sense of place, helps
link us to our roots and underpins our sense of cultural identity.
It is of value for what it tells us about past society, modern
culture and human interaction with the environment, and it helps
give us a long-term view of social and environmental
change.Place-making: the historic environment contributes
significantly to peoples sense of place and their enjoyment of
different spaces. The character of our local landscape and
townscape is largely the product of historic development, and this
is reflected in the diversity and distinctiveness of field patterns
and settlement lay-outs, as well as in building styles, materials
and cultural traditions. This historic character is not only
attractive in its own right, but it can act as a catalyst for
creative new designs.Sustainability: the historic environment
represents considerable past investment of physical, natural and
intellectual resources. Where archaeological and historic features
already exist, it makes good sense to make the most of the resource
they provide, rather than destroy them or allow them to decay with
consequent cultural, environmental, social and economic costs.
Environmental regeneration: the historic environment can make a
beneficial contribution to the regeneration of both urban and rural
areas. Through the adaptation of historic buildings for modern
uses, and in providing a high quality setting for new development,
the historic environment provides a unique environment where people
choose to live and work. Their inherent quality provides an
opportunity for reviving run-down areas. Employment and economic
success: the historic environment can make a significant
contribution to economic prosperity. The historic environment
generates value by creating a high quality setting for modern life,
attracting inward investment and helping to create economic
prosperity. The economic benefits of tourism are also closely
linked to the historic environment - 83% of visitors to Scotland
come primarily to visit historic sites and make an important
contribution to the Scottish economy. Attracting visitors to an
area provides economic benefits through direct employment linked to
the historic sites, as well as to tourism-related businesses, while
heritage projects also generate employment and play an important
role in maintaining traditional skills for wider application. An
educational resource: the historic environment provides a focus and
resource for lifelong learning about the human past and how people
have inhabited the landscape and used natural resources through
time. This aids teaching about our modern culture and our present
environment.Recreation and access: archaeological and historic
sites are popular places for recreation, attracting local people
and visitors alike. Our broader environment: investigation of the
historic environment contributes significantly to our understanding
of environmental change and the impact of human activity on natural
resources through time. Such knowledge of the past is vital for
informing management decisions today. Historic features frequently
provide locally important habitats for flora and fauna, the nature
of which is often closely related to human activity in the
past.Preservation of historical buildings and sites involve
maintaining the integrity of the place through protection and
restoration using both old and new materials. The preservation of
historical buildings may involve several stages which may or may
not include rehabilitation, restoration and reinforcement.The world
could be moving faster than ever but there are benefits to
preserving historical sites and keeping things as they were many
years ago. There are many ways communities can revitalize and
modernize neighbourhoods while maintaining historical buildings.One
of the many reasons historical building must be preserved is the
character they bring to a neighbourhood or a place. Buildings and
spaces with history have character. They bring a certain charm to a
neighbourhood that new buildings dont. Many old buildings created
in the 19th century are beautiful.Historical establishments serve
as reminders of the past. This is one of the reasons preserving
historical buildings is important. Understanding the past, having
reminders of the past even just in architecture will allow people
to understand where they are and where they are headed. When people
understand what the community has gone through and have visual
reminders of their past then they can feel more connected to a
place. The historical buildings can allow people to understand what
happened in the past and how things could possibly play out in the
future. Preserving our past gives us more understanding and hope
for the future.Preserving buildings means you are saving on
construction costs by making use of structures that are already
there instead of tearing down old buildings just to create new
ones. Many old buildings remain structurally sound even if they
were built a long time ago. When you save buildings, you are also
in turn saving the environment. This is because construction of
buildings requires the use of materials such as lumber which will
have an impact on the environment. Even the use of cement and other
materials and the whole process of constructing new buildings have
impacts on the environment. The building is already there to begin
with, it makes better sense for the environment if we made things
we built last longer. Existing buildings can still be used for
modern uses and processes. Historical preservation also comes in
handy for making old buildings usable and earth-friendly. Some
repairs may be needed to make buildings more energy-efficient but
generally, doing repairs on buildings still uses less energy than
knocking down old buildings down and building new ones from
scratch.