Najib, Manmohan launch Little India Brickfields

KUALA LUMPUR: In a historic moment, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his visiting Indian counterpart, Dr Manmohan Singh, Wednesday launched Little India, Kuala Lumpur’s Indian enclave in Brickfields.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his visiting Indian counterpart, Dr Manmohan Singh, Wednesday launched Little India, Kuala Lumpur's Indian enclave in Brickfields. Also present, FT Minister Dato' Raja Nong Chik.

Both leaders unveiled a fountain, symbolising the launch of the event which strengthened their close government-to-government and people-to-people relations.

“This is more than a symbol…will be a tourist place and will certainly benefit the people here,” Najib said in his remarks before the launch, which was attended by about 5,000 people amidst tight security in the area.

Little India covers the area from Jalan Travers to Jalan Tun Sambanthan, with the first phase costing RM17mil expected to be ready in December.

Work on the first phase, developed by Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB), began in May.

The two-phase Little India project, worth RM35mil, involves the construction of new business premises and a parking complex, and road expansion.

Standing at 7.62m, the fountain is the tallest in the country. A stone’s throw away is KL Sentral, the capital’s transportation hub.

Manmohan arrived here Tuesday for a three-day official visit to Malaysia.

Wednesday’s event was also attended by Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Manmohan’s wife Gursharan Kaur, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, ministers, deputy ministers and community leaders.

The Brickfields area was decorated with colourful banners welcoming Najib and Manmohan.

Dignitaries were entertained with cultural shows, including a 1Malaysia welcome song by 60 schoolchildren, and a welcoming dance by maestro Ramli Ibrahim.

After the cultural show, Najib and Manmohan were presented with golden shawls by Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin. Both leaders were also garlanded with flowers by his deputy, Datuk M. Saravanan.

The Little India project is Najib’s brainchild. In April last year, less than 24 hours after being sworn in as Prime Minister, he went on a walkabout to meet the people in Brickfields. – Bernama

Source: The Star

Brickfields, on the day of the launch. Also present, FT Minister Dato' Raja Nong Chik.

Muzium Telekomunikasi Negara

Muzium Telekomunikasi Negara, literally National Telecommunications Museum, is the first interactive museum in Malaysia. Located in the middle of soaring buildings along Jalan Gereja, the museum is frequently called Muzium Telekom by the locals in Kuala Lumpur. Its distinctive two-storey building boasts of Neo-Classical Greek architecture. Originally, the edifice was constructed to accommodate the Central Battery Manual Telephone Exchange in 1928.

In 1985, the building was intended to knock down to construct a new 26-storey office complex, but the then Prime Minister stepped in to prevent the demolition and designated it for conservation. Consequently, the building was restored at the whopping cost of 10 million ringgits. That’s the history and what earlier used to be a telephone exchange is a specialized museum today. It stands apart from other buildings, in conjunction with its eight imposing pillars.

This telecom museum traces 120 years of telecommunications development, from the initial Morse Code Telegraph with its ‘ketuk-ketuk’ to the cell phones and digital networks of these days. In its 900 square meters of exhibition space, it houses an audio-visual theatre, an education room for school groups, archives and resource areas, a courtyard café, and a souvenir shop. In fact, the museum serves as a repository of various telecommunication equipments, including even the ones that date back to pre-war years.

As soon as you’ll enter the museum, aTelekom Museum computerized robot will greet you and gradually, you’ll hear the chronological accounts of every milestone in the nation’s telecommunications history, together with a number of artifacts from the relevant eras and soundscapes. Check out the historical photographs, printed materials, soundscapes and artifacts, while enjoying the interesting behind-the-scene narratives of the people who helped out in developing the country’s telecommunications.

It’s worth experiencing ‘the story’ of the early pioneers through your own eyes and ears. While your stay in Kuala Lumpur, definitely pay a visit to this interactive museum and enlighten yourself with the telecommunication record of Malaysia.

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM)

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) is to be found amidst the lush greenery in Kuala Lumpur. Seeing as interest in Islamic art has developed in the past few years, this Southeast Asia’s largest museum of Islamic Art reflected that curiosity when it was opened in 1998. The museum, sprawled in an area of 30,000 sq mtr, is within walking distance to the National Mosque, Birds Park and National Planetarium.

The IAMM has over seven thousand artifacts, in conjunction with an excellent library of Islamic-art books. Whatever be the art objects on display, each piece is unique in itself. The artifacts on exhibit vary from the small pieces of jewelry to the huge models of Masjid al-Haram. The sole intention is to craft a collection, which actually represents the Islamic world. Rather than focusing the complete attention on works of Persia and the Middle East, the museum has also stressed on Asia.

Some of the gems of Southeast Asia, particularly China, India and Malaysia, are represented very well. In the 12 galleries of the museum, other elements of the collection are demonstrated in accordance with type rather than geographical origins. Islamic Arts MuseumThe architectural style of the museum is modern however subtle Islamic touch is imparted through details. Its iwan-style entrance is transformed into a ceramic tapestry, which edges a welcoming verse from the Quran.

The turquoise-colored domes make the crown of this majestic building. Within the building, the sharp designs of the 21st century are contrasted with the soft interiors of the museum. Such impressive features that were crafted by the artisans from Uzbekistan assist in forming an airy and harmonious ambience. The flawless flow of light and space is retained throughout the museum, including galleries, library and restaurant. To put succinctly, Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is a must-visit place on your trip to Kuala Lumpur.

Information
Open: 10am – 6pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
Closed: Monday
Admission: RM8

The Royal Malaysian Air Force Museum

The Royal Malaysian Air Force Museum is a significant museum pertaining to history of aviation in Malaysia. Located at RMAF base along Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama in Kuala Lumpur, the museum aspires to be a resource center of aviation history. In 1985, it was formally opened by the Chief of Armed Forces Staff – Gen Tan Sri Ghazali bin Dato Mohd Seth, in conjunction with the 27th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

The museum was established with an intention of storing and displaying various items and records regarding the Air Force of Malaysia. A modest beginning of the museum at Sungai Besi Air Force Base was never expected to reach such heights. It intended to acquire the Air Force aircrafts that were timed out since the early 1960s. Started with just five aircrafts as exhibits, it now has no less than 18 phased-out aircrafts on display.

Associated with the Royal Aeronautical Society Malaysia (RAeSM), it is actually a hub of activities for recreational aviation because aeromodelling and radio-controlled (R/C) flying activitiesRoyal Malaysian Air Forces Museum are encouraged by the RAeSM. Here one can see numerous photographs, momentos, engines, articles, aircraft models, uniforms, armament, and communication equipment, which describe the evolvement of the Malaysian Air Force.

Some of the aircrafts presently in the collection include Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer, Scottish Aviation Single Pioneer, Hunting Piston Provost, DeHavilland Dove, CAC Avon Sabre jet, etc. The Museum has begun running out of space due to innumerable exhibits. Seeing the situation, the larger aircrafts are parked outside though the smaller ones are parked in the hangar. The museum is further planning to reinstate an old Bulldog aircraft, dating back to 1950s.

The Biomedical Museum

The Biomedical Museum, actually, celebrates the applauded vocation of the Institute of Medical Research (IMR), which has done extensive biomedical research since its foundation in 1900. Located right next to Hospital Kuala Lumpur at Jalan Pahang, the museum aims to be a central biomedical reference depository for IMR and the MOH. At present, this museum, which was established in 1983, boasts of medical research materials undertaken by the institute.

Here materials on display comprise of things pertaining to public health problems in the nation, current research activities, and other materials regarding teaching, training and research. The museum also has omnibus of medically significant Malaysian fauna, such as, mammals, reptiles, insects and parasites. Its historical gallery showcases the posters covering records of IMR like its achievements and research write-ups. Moreover, photographs of earlier researchers and their research activities are also displayed here.

Here you can see an extensive collection of antique laboratory equipment, like microscopes, scales, and other small tools. Besides, there are many other things on display for the added interest and information of visitors, including several publications, annual reports, and photographs of past directors of IMR. Biomedical MuseumThe specimen gallery has a collection of dry specimens of small mammals, like rodents, squirrels, flying squirrels and flying foxes, and wet specimens of reptiles, amphibians & mammals, including snakes, frogs and bats.

Furthermore, check out the preserved specimens of human organs that are appropriately labeled. The Biomedical Museum houses many exotic items, which can quench even the most buffed of travelers. This institute provides researchers to use its facilities like a source of reference, particularly on the study of zoonotic diseases and their modes of transmission. To conclude, Biomedical Museum encloses one of the oldest and best collections of different animals, and is certainly an informative place to visit.

Bank Negara Money Museum

Bank Negara Money Museum, called Muzium Matawang Bank Negara in Malay, celebrates the evolution of money at different times in the history of Malaysia. Located within the Central Bank on Jalan Dato’ Onn in Kuala Lumpur, the Bank Negara Money Museum has loads of things to exhibit and please almost every numismatist. In fact, a casual onlooker would also find this display interesting enough to stop and look for a while. The museum’s main purpose is to act as a depository for the earlier and modern currency of Malaysia.

On 5 April 1989, the Money Museum was inaugurated by the Datin Seri Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamed Ali, in conjunction with the 30th Anniversary of Bank Negara Malaysia. The Museum boasts of an interesting display of old Malaysian currency, commemorative and rare coins, together with foreign currencies. Here the progression of currency is represented through various artefacts, medals, tokens, coins and banknotes, which were used earlier for trade exchange.

Most of the coins and rare items on display have been obtained through auctions, donations and direct purchases from collectors. The Museum, itself, is a work of art. Its elegant interiors, which range from the elaborate carvings of the 100-year-old teak at door, panels, shelf designs to impressive lighting, make it all the more fascinating. Thus, besides being a great attraction, the Money Museum is a great place to gather knowledge about the history and evolution of Malaysia coins and currency notes.

Istana Hotel

Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur is strategically located within Kuala Lumpur’s main Golden Triangle business and commercial centre. It is also within walking distance to the Bintang Walk shopping and entertainment hub, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, iconic landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers and the Kuala Lumpur Tower and the nearby Chinatown (all within walking distance) while the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is only about an hour’s drive away.

The Istana Hotel is supported by an efficient road and rail transport system with the monorail terminal-stop located just adjacent to Hotel Istana. The convenience of a private limousine service and a public bus and taxi network complements the Istana Hotel’s easy accessibility.

The five-star Istana Hotel features 515 well-appointed guestrooms and suites designed to suit every individual’s personal and corporate needs. It also offers versatile banqueting and convention facilities and is complemented by authentic tastes from its four outstanding restaurants and two lounges.

Central Market or Pasar Seni

Central Market or Pasar Seni, is a great place to shop for Malaysian arts and crafts, souvenirs, antique weaponry, antique jewellery, songkets, batik fabric, wayang kulit (shadow puppets) and ceramics

There is an exciting range of 120 quaint shops featuring traditional arts and crafts from gold embroidery to silverware, pottery, pewter, batik, songket, Chinese painting, silk, Nyonya Baba antiques, keris, kites, wood craft, carvings, souvenirs and many more.

The range of products have evolved overtime to reflect more and more of the Malaysian artisans’ skills and traditions. Complementing the leisurely, charming ambience of Central Market are portrait painters. fortune tellers and palmists who will make your visit much more memorable.

The history of Central Market goes back to 1888 when the location where it stands was used as an open wet market. The current building structure was constructed in 1930s. In 1980s, the property underwent extensive renovation. However, the facade was untouched to retain the old charm of the yesteryears.

Central Market is a must-visit centre of culture, arts and handicrafts for visitors and tourists. Its extensive mix of quaint, charming shops selling all sorts of traditional craft and antiques make it a natural draw on tourist and foreign dignitaries seeking a little experience of the Malaysia heritage.

For more information on, please contact:
Central Market Sdn Bhd
Jalan Hang Kasturi,
50050 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 03-2031 0339/9399
Fax : 03-2032 2399
Email: cm1888@streamyx.com
Web: http://www.centralmarket-kl.com.my

Opening Hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm

Restoran Berputar Seri Angkasa (KL Tower)

Located at Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower), Seri Angkasa boasts a panoramic view of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre and the Klang Valley. Sitting at 282 metres above ground level, it is ranked the 4th highest revolving restaurant in the world and the highest in South East Asia.

It was officially opened by the previous Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Tun Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, on Tuesday, 1st October 1996, in conjunction with the official opening of Malaysia’s premier landmark, Menara Kuala Lumpur.

This 9,172 square feet restaurant is divided into three main sections, a revolving dining and buffet area, a music area and lounge.

The tastefully decorated restaurant provides ambience where patrons can enjoy an exquisite selection of food complemented by entertaining music from the piano lounge for a unique dining experience. Open daily and specialises in a variety of local as well as continental cuisine.

KL Sentral

KUALA Lumpur Sentral (KL Sentral) is an exclusive urban centre built around Malaysia ‘s largest transit hub, offering global connectivity, good investment opportunities, business convenience and an international lifestyle. Its infrastructure supports five rail networks the exclusive KLIA Express Rail Link, KLIA Transit, Putra LRT, KTM Komuter and KTM intercity services.

Phased until 2012, KL Sentral is a world class hub valued at RM5 billion. Taking on the concept of live, work and play, the centre comprises Stesen Sentral, corporate office towers and business suites, five star international hotels, luxury condominiums, a retail mail and services apartments, and an international entertainment and exhibition centre.

The opening of The Hilton and Le Meridien hotels in September and October 2004 respectively has propelled KL to a new dimension,providing a myriad of prestigious lifestyle amenities at an international level.

The Hilton KL is the only five star hotel in the country to date to have all its 510 guest rooms equipped with the latest 42 inch plasma televisions.

KL Sentral is also building a I 00,000 square feet lifestyle centre and a one million square feet retail mall to complement the facilities provided by The Hilton and Le Meridien.

Safety is a high priority of the management of KL Sentral, so it’s not surprising that the management has invested in state of the art closed circuit televisions.

KL Sentral was recently awarded the Cyber centre status by Multimedia Development Corporation. With the status, Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) companies based within KL Sentral will enjoy the same advantages and benefits as companies based in Cyberjaya and Penang Cybercity.

As an MSC Cybercentre, it is imperative that KL Sentral provides a conducive business environment for MSC companies in general to prosper. It will continue to attract blue chip investors and small scale entrepreneurs looking for a more convenient place to do business.

Besides this, the management is positioning KL Sentral for the development of niche creative content or new media clusters.

KL Sentral will also co operate and support to provide a showcase area and incubation facilities to local startups and small and medium sized enterprises to begin their business ventures. Soon, it will also provide a package that includes funds, marketing efforts, accommodation, research and development and other assistance for these outfits to further grow and compete on a global scale.

Presently, KL Sentral is home to a number of IT companies, including Radius ED, Axis Technologies and Mimos.