geek in white

I’m sure many have heard of them promoting events on KRISTALfm or maybe visited have visited their booth at various expos such as Consumer Fair. But I bet many of you didn’t know that Tourism Malaysia (Brunei) has a permanent office here in one of the popular landmark in Brunei.

So I thought I’d asked Cik Jamilah Abdul Halim, Director of Tourism Malaysia (Brunei) to share with us all on their activities and role here in Brunei.

1. When was the Tourism Malaysia ( Brunei) department established?
Tourism Malaysia (Brunei) was officially opened on 4 February 2003 back then the office had operated under the High Commission of Malaysia. Now, Tourism Malaysia (Brunei) is located at the First Floor of The Rizqun International Hotel.

2. What is the role and function of Tourism Malaysia (Brunei)?
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (formerly known as Tourist Development Corporation) was established in 1972. Popularly known as Tourism Malaysia, its full focus is on promoting Malaysia domestically and internationally. Tourism Malaysia’s objective is to promote Malaysia as an outstanding tourist destination. We aim to showcase Malaysia’s unique wonders, attractions and cultures; develop domestic tourism and enhance Malaysia’s share of the market for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE). Our ultimate goal is to increase the number of foreign tourists to Malaysia, extend the average length of their stay and so increase Malaysia’s tourism revenue. Our tagline, “Malaysia, Truly Asia” captures and defines the essence of the country’s unique diversity. It sums up the distinctiveness and allure of Malaysia that make it an exceptional tourist destination. Nowhere is there such exciting diversity of cultures, festivals, traditions and customs, offering myriad experiences. There is only one place where all the colours, flavours, sounds and sights of Asia come together – Malaysia.

3. How are the operating hours like?
We are open from Monday to Friday from 8.00am to - 4.30pm… but for Fridays the lunch hours is slightly longer in respect of Friday Prayers.

4. What can visitors expect when they visit your office?
Visitors can get first hand information on latest events i.e. Sports tournaments, National events, Shopping Carnivals, Concerts, etc. On top of that, visitors can get information on hotel contact details and its location, places of interest, theme parks and other promotions. Updated brochures on states in Malaysia and maps are also available at Tourism Malaysia (Brunei).

5. Do you provide such services as booking of tours and hotels?
No, we don’t. But Tourism Malaysia (Brunei) will assist to direct visitors to our top supporting travel agents. Alternatively, customers can also browse at Tourism Malaysia official website www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my for latest packages under Gr8 packages.

6. What is Gr8 packages?
Gr8 in short means GREAT. The Gr8 packages is a new platform for local travel agents to sell Malaysia packages in Tourism Malaysia official website that is accessible to tourists across the world. The Gr8 packages had received good respond from public and some of the packages had hit around 800plus viewes internationally. You can check out the site at http://bit.ly/cuxCce

(The various packages on offer. Screenshot from Tourism Malaysia website)

7. Do you have Tourism Malaysia (Brunei) localised website?
At this point of time, we don’t have yet. But we are active in updating events and news updates in Tourism Malaysia (Brunei) fan page. In fact, we encourage our fans to share their stories, pictures, videos in our fan page. You can check out it out at www.facebook.com/tourismmalaysia.bn We plan to do online quizzes too. So be a fan today, who knows you will win a free trip to Malaysia.

8. Thank you for sparing some of your time despite your busy schedule. Before we end this interview, would you like to dedicate any raya greetings?
Yes, please. Thank you, Marul (Geekinwhite) for visiting our office and giving us the opportunity to reach out to your readers.

Assalamu’alaikum wbt. Kami dari Tourism Malaysia ingin mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri kepada seluruh warga Brunei yang beragama islam. Semoga awda beroleh kebahagiaan dan keberkatan di samping keluarga tersayang. “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maafa Zahir dan Batin dari Tourism Malaysia (Brunei).


Tourism Malaysia (Brunei) team, left to right: Pg. Haji Noorezamy Pg Hj Othman, Jamilah Abdul Halim, Norhaida Abdul Wahid and Efarina Abang Othman

MALAYSIA TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD
Unit 1.14 - 1.15, First Floor
The Rizqun International Hotel
Gadong BE3519
Negara Brunei Darussalam
Tel: 673-2381575/673-2381576
Fax: 673-2381584