KUANTAN: The sudden decision to rename Cherating — a popular tourist destination known for its beaches — to Cerating, just months ahead of the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026, is expected to negatively affect foreign tourist arrivals. Travel and tour operators, who have been actively marketing Cherating as a distinctive holiday destination in the lead-up to VMY, were caught off guard by the announcement from the Kuantan City Council less than a week ago.

Pahang's Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Chapter chairman Chea Sin Cheak said several tourism operators have voiced concerns about the abrupt name change. "Industry players are worried that this change in spelling will significantly affect tourist arrivals. The name Cherating has long been recognised, and renaming it could hinder online searches for the destination. 

"Many tourists, especially from China, are familiar with the spelling Cherating. The timing of this change is particularly unsuitable, as we are just months away from VMY 2026...it could disrupt ongoing promotional and marketing activities related to the destination," he told the New Straits Times today. Chea said that the tourism industry has consistently used the name Cherating across advertisements, promotional materials, and social media platforms, especially during travel fairs and that the sudden change feels unjust.  He said the Matta Pahang chapter will convene a meeting to gather feedback from industry stakeholders before initiating further discussions with Tourism Pahang and Pahang Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Man. "We are meeting with Matta members to determine the best approach. We are in talks with stakeholders, as this name change has become an issue," he said.

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is set to deepen its tourism ties with Middle Eastern nations by adopting a proven strategy pioneered by Royal Brunei Airlines, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. He highlighted the success of the airline's "Brunei + Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu" model, which offers travellers a complimentary overnight stay in Brunei before continuing on to destinations such as Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu.

The initiative has received encouraging market response and was recently expanded to include Kuching. "Given the strong reception, we are planning to replicate this model for the Middle Eastern and Indian markets, in partnership with Royal Brunei Airlines, to draw more international tourists to our shores," he said in a statement.

KUALA LUMPUR: Hard Rock International has opened the seventh Hard Rock Cafe in Malaysia in Genting Highlands, Pahang. Hard Rock Cafe Genting Highlands is the first located in the clouds, 6,000 feet above sea level, vice president of franchise operations of Hard Rock International Tom Perez said. The cafe, located specifically at NCT Alliance Bhd's Grand Ion Majestic development, offers guests its famous mix of food, music and entertainment.

NCT Alliance executive chairman Datuk Seri Yap Ngan Choy said the cafe is part of the company's efforts to enhance the guest experience in Genting Highlands.  "This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening Genting Highlands as a premier tourism destination while creating unforgettable moments for all who walk in through our doors," he said. The cafe opened to the public on April 30 and offers popular menu items such as the legendary burger and hickory-smoked ribs, along with live music, DJ performances, themed nights and exclusive Hard Rock merchandise. 

Source: NST

KUANTAN: As the highly anticipated RXZ Fighter 2.0 gathering kicks off at Teluk Cempedak today, a Pahang executive council member has reminded motorcycle enthusiasts to prioritise safety at all times. State Communications and Multimedia, Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman Fadzli Mohamad Kamal advised biking enthusiasts travelling from across the country to the state capital here to adhere to traffic regulations and respect other road users.

"All participants should remember that safety must be adhered to during their ride to the event in Kuantan. Ride carefully, and keep your loved ones and families in mind. "Participants must ensure that their motorcycles are roadworthy before making the trip. Although the event celebrates the biking community through various programmes, safety remains the utmost priority," he said in a Facebook posting.  Last year, two motorcyclists who were travelling to attend the RXZ Fighter gathering here were involved in separate road accidents along the East Coast Expressway.

The two-day event, which starts at noon today, will conclude tomorrow.  Meanwhile, Fadzli said the second edition this weekend follows the success of the inaugural RXZ Fighter event held at Serambi Teruntum here last year.

"Last year, around 50,000 participants attended the gathering, and we expect a bigger turnout this year. This event is more than just a gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts as it serves as a platform for youth empowerment, tourism promotion, and social engagement," he said. Meanwhile, event organiser Kelab Permotoran RXZ, in a statement, said that participants stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes worth approximately RM400,000, including a pick-up truck and RXZ motorcycles. The event will also feature five Pahang-born riders currently competing in the 2025 Malaysian Petronas Cub Prix, who will showcase their bike-handling skills.