Latest news with #MOTAC
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
A night of Russian magic: Cultural concert in KL brings nations together through music
It felt like stepping into another world. For one night, the rhythms, colours, and soul of Russia filled the halls of Sunway University, turning an ordinary evening into something magical. This event, titled The Russian Cultural Ensemble Concert was a cultural feast blending music, dance, and art into a vibrant celebration that brought strangers together, all moving to the same beat. The concert featured nine exceptional performers flown in directly from Russia, treating the audience to 16 stunning performances. From traditional folk songs to violin solos that tugged at heartstrings, every act was a celebration of Russian artistry. The concert featured nine exceptional performers flown in directly from Russia, treating the audience to 16 stunning performances. And then came the moment that melted every Malaysian heart in the room, a surprise performance of the beloved 'Rasa Sayang'. The crowd cheered as the Russian performers flawlessly sang the familiar tune, turning the event into a celebration of unity through music. Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) Undersecretary Christina Yeo lauded the event urging more programmes like this should be done frequently. "Programmes like this should be done more by private sector together collaborating with the government," she said to Sinar Daily. Yeo highlighted how initiatives like these foster people-to-people connections and cultural diplomacy. 'This cultural performance introduced by the Russian Embassy is a beautiful example of sharing talent and culture with Malaysians. Surprise performance of the beloved 'Rasa Sayang' by Russian performance. "It's an opportunity for us to learn and appreciate each other's heritage. Perhaps next year, Malaysia could reciprocate by sending our own musicians and artists to perform in Russia," she added. Yeo also stressed the role of music and arts in uniting people of diverse backgrounds, especially students. 'I was told that some of the volunteers for this event weren't from music or arts disciplines, they were from other fields. It shows that music is universal and can unite everyone, regardless of their background or nationality," she said. Meanwhile, Andrey Potemkin, Director of the Russian Centre for Science and Culture at the Russian Embassy stressed the importance of showcasing Russian culture to Malaysians, given the geographical distance and lack of direct flights between the two nations. 'Russia and Malaysia are far apart geographically, but through events like this we can bring our cultures closer. We have many famous composers and performers and it would be a great opportunity for Malaysians to know about Russian music, literature and language," he said. Potemkin also highlighted past collaborations, such as the Islamic Film Festival organised in Shah Alam and Johor, where Russian cinema producers shared stories of love, family and societal issues common to both cultures. From traditional folk songs to violin solos that tugged at heartstrings, every act was a celebration of Russian artistry. 'Russia is home to 20 million Muslims and our Islamic culture has much in common with Malaysia's. It's a connection we want to continue exploring," he said. Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Potemkin expressed high hopes for deeper cultural relationship between Russia and Malaysia 'Malaysia is becoming very popular among Russians. I hope more Russian groups, artists and performers will visit not just Kuala Lumpur but other cities as well. "Malaysians have shown a genuine appreciation for Russian culture and we aim to keep this connection alive through music, cinema and other art forms," he said.
Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Renewage Group fined RM30,000 for operating unlicensed tour business
GEORGE TOWN — The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) remains committed to strengthening the enforcement of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482) to ensure that only licensed and legitimate operators run tour businesses, fostering a safer, more competitive, and responsible tourism industry environment. In a statement issued today, it said unlicensed activities can undermine tourist confidence and expose consumers to various risks, including fraud, uncertain itinerary, lack of legal protection and unsafe tourism experiences. 'Therefore, MOTAC is committed to enhancing the enforcement of Act 482 to ensure that only legitimate tour operators are allowed to operate,' read the statement. The statement was issued in response to a case involving a tour company that was fined RM30,000 by the Sessions Court here today for operating a tour business without a valid licence. Judge Irwan Suainbon meted out the fine, in default 12 months in jail, after a representative of the company, Renewage Group Sdn Bhd, pleaded guilty to the charge, framed under Section 5(2) of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482). The ministry hoped that the case would serve as a reminder to all operators in the tourism industry to be more responsible and ethical in conducting business activities. It said that the offence under Act 482 is a serious criminal offence and that it will take appropriate action against any person who violates the law. — BERNAMA
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Renewage Group fined RM30,000 for operating unlicensed tour business
GEORGE TOWN: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) remains committed to strengthening the enforcement of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482) to ensure that only licensed and legitimate operators run tour businesses, fostering a safer, more competitive, and responsible tourism industry environment. In a statement issued today, it said unlicensed activities can undermine tourist confidence and expose consumers to various risks, including fraud, uncertain itinerary, lack of legal protection and unsafe tourism experiences. 'Therefore, MOTAC is committed to enhancing the enforcement of Act 482 to ensure that only legitimate tour operators are allowed to operate,' read the statement. The statement was issued in response to a case involving a tour company that was fined RM30,000 by the Sessions Court here today for operating a tour business without a valid licence. Judge Irwan Suainbon (rpt: Irwan Suainbon) meted out the fine, in default 12 months in jail, after a representative of the company, Renewage Group Sdn. Bhd, pleaded guilty to the charge, framed under Section 5(2) of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482). The ministry hoped that the case would serve as a reminder to all operators in the tourism industry to be more responsible and ethical in conducting business activities. It said that the offence under Act 482 is a serious criminal offence and that it will take appropriate action against any person who violates the law.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Renewage Group fined RM30,000 for unlicensed tour business
GEORGE TOWN: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) remains committed to strengthening the enforcement of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482) to ensure that only licensed and legitimate operators run tour businesses, fostering a safer, more competitive, and responsible tourism industry environment. In a statement issued today, it said unlicensed activities can undermine tourist confidence and expose consumers to various risks, including fraud, uncertain itinerary, lack of legal protection and unsafe tourism experiences. 'Therefore, MOTAC is committed to enhancing the enforcement of Act 482 to ensure that only legitimate tour operators are allowed to operate,' read the statement. The statement was issued in response to a case involving a tour company that was fined RM30,000 by the Sessions Court here today for operating a tour business without a valid licence. Judge Irwan Suainbon (rpt: Irwan Suainbon) meted out the fine, in default 12 months in jail, after a representative of the company, Renewage Group Sdn. Bhd, pleaded guilty to the charge, framed under Section 5(2) of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482). The ministry hoped that the case would serve as a reminder to all operators in the tourism industry to be more responsible and ethical in conducting business activities. It said that the offence under Act 482 is a serious criminal offence and that it will take appropriate action against any person who violates the law.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Malay Mail
Police probe Haj scam after 47 elderly Malaysian pilgrims forced to walk to Mecca
KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — Police are in the process of identifying those responsible for an alleged Haj package scam involving a group of elderly pilgrims who claimed they were confined against their will and forced to walk through dangerous routes in Saudia Arabia. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department acting director Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said an investigation paper had been opened under Section 420 of the Penal Code following three reports lodged by the victim's next of kin, two in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, and one in Ayer Hitam, Johor. 'It is too early to confirm a cross-border fraud. We are gathering statements and evidence to determine whether the syndicate is operating with certain agents or not. 'We are waiting for the victims to return to record their statements and take further action,' he said in a statement today. Muhammed Hasbullah said the police will also work with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) to blacklist companies offering Haj packages without approval, stressing that they are committed to taking firm action against those involved in such scams to protect the people from becoming victims. At the same time, Muhammed Hasbullah expressed his appreciation for the media's cooperation in helping to disseminate information and raise public awareness that only individuals with an official Haj visa are to perform the pilgrimage. Yesterday, a media report cited that 47 Malaysian pilgrims had allegedly fallen victim to a Haj scam by a local agent involving a well-known religious figure. The daughter of one of the victims, who claimed that her parents and aunt, who left for Saudi Arabia with the agent on May 9, were forced to trek through dangerous routes from Jeddah to Mecca without proper documents, food, or water, allegedly to avoid detection by Saudi authorities. The group of pilgrims also claimed that they were locked in a dark, cramped room and were told to pay an additional RM9,000 to retrieve belongings they had left behind, despite already having paid RM30,000 for the Haj package. — Bernama
