Sukau Rainforest Lodge wins Tourism Malaysia’s “19th Malaysia Tourism Awards 2014/2015” for Best Hotel Services (3 Star & Below). The Malaysia Tourism Awards, held once every two years, is the highest form of recognition by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Tourism Malaysia for industry players whose outstanding contributions have played a significant role in the success of Malaysia’s tourism industry. It also acts as an incentive for participants to strive for the highest level of professionalism and quality in both products and services.
The awards ceremony which took place on Wednesday, 17th February 2016 at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur was organised by Tourism Malaysia and graced by YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture presented a total of 65 awards to local and foreign tourism industry players and media.
The Malaysia Tourism Awards 2014/2015 has 14 categories and 50 sub-categories for nominations. The 14 categories are:
The Best Hotel Services category recognises hotels rated by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia that offer quality and superior services to their guests. There are five awards under this category:
Each category has its own judging criteria. The Best Hotel Services category was judged based on the following criteria: (1) encompasses overall efficiency, courtesy and other qualities related to services in areas such as reservations, reception and guest relations, in-room services, food and beverage amenities, recreational facilities, and other such services; and (2) other factors include value-for-money and ambiance.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge is honoured to receive the Best Hotel Services (3 Star & Below) of the 19th Malaysia Tourism Awards 2014/2015. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all winners and express our gratitude to our guests, staff and management team for their endless support and effort. Read more about our other awards and recognitions here.
(Photo source: Tourism Malaysia)
Jackie Bin Gabriel with the Soft Shell Turtle on the Jetty, Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Kinabatangan River: It was a lovely Saturday afternoon when Ramli, a local fisherman who lives next door to Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL) approached Jackie Bin Gabriel, one of the Chef’s here at the lodge, to talk about his most recent catch.
When Ramli goes fishing on the Kinabatangan River, he uses the Arwai method; the main idea is to catch catfish, but sometimes other things bite. A soft shell turtle was accidentally caught on one of the lines and Ramli did not have any intention to keep or sell the turtle. Ramli wanted Jackie to collect the turtle to care for it and then release it once it had gained its strength back. Jackie obliged and took the turtle from Ramli to rehabilitate it.
The soft shell turtle was 48kg, 70cm in width and 90cm in length. A most unexpected large catch for Ramli. We were very relieved that Ramli approached SRL to care for the turtle, as they are notoriously known for their flavoursome meat throughout Sabah.
SRL staff treated the turtle, removed the fishing line, and checked its condition for four days to ensure that it was strong enough to be released.
The turtle was fit for release on the 2nd of February, some very excited guests looked on as Chef Jackie and Simon Louvard, SRL’s green consultant, placed two wooden planks underneath the turtle to transport it to the jetty. Around 10am, the soft shell turtle returned to the Kinabatangan River.
“For most, I must congratulate your tour company for the wonderful deed in facilitating the release of the soft shell turtle back to where it belongs. I hope that your far sightedness with conservation at heart would inspire not only your fellow tour operators but also the people at large to emulate and appreciate what you have done,” said Mr. William Baya, Director of Sabah Wildlife Department.
With the support of Sabah Wildlife Department, SRL has rehabilitated a few wildlife species such as an owl named ‘Stingky’, a pangolin, a rhinoceros hornbill, two pied hornbills, three
Staff and guests look on as Simon and Jackie return the turtle to the river
By:
Ashleigh Giles - Training, Development and Culture Coordinator
Belinda Ann Too - Marketing Communication Executive
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