Bulletin TV Production
Updated 14th February 2009

LTdL 2009 will reach at least 800 million listeners and viewers this year. According to Datuk Naim Mohamad, the Chief Operating Officer of LTdL 2009, RTM who is the Official Host Broadcaster and also the TV Producer with the assistance of Vincent Wathelet and his crew have been beaming up the half hourly highlights every night at 9-00 pm to ASIASAT 2. The feed is taken up by ESPN, Astro Supersport, Al Jazeera, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Asian Broadcasting Union (ABU).

And with Wathelet’s connection, the fifty two minute highlights or round up of the TOUR will be taken up by SABC (South Africa), SBS (Australia), VRT (Belgium), Eurosport (World), CCTV (China), RAI (Italia), Al Jazeera (World), NHK (Japan), Cycling TV (UK) and VERSUS (United States of America).

Websites that will carry the highlights are Cycling News and Eurosport.com.

Malaysians have been following daily half an hour coverage by TV1 from the 9th February till 14th February, 2009. Today they will be able to see the live coverage of the Dataran Merdeka event (Kuala Lumpur Criterium) from 3-30 pm to 5-30 pm. The production this time is being produced by RTM with expert cycling aspects help from CIS. We are very honoured to have the services of the Moto 1 pilot and Cameraman 1 and also Moto 2 pilot and Cameraman 2 of the Tour de France. - End

More than just a race

The global economic slowdown will have an impact on demand for discretionary consumption which will affect exports. Slower growth will result in a slower demand for commodities, the tradable sectors of the economy will be negatively affected. The future economic growth and prosperity of the country will depend on the competitiveness of Malaysia as a tourist and investment destination.

The government will have to be committed to a stable and consistent policy framework, and continue to be pragmatic in facing challenges while focusing on the long term objective of national economic prosperity and security in this challenging world. When we consider the financial turmoil as an external shock which necessitates short term responses and measures, these must not come at the expense of the long-term developmental imperatives of the nation. The ability to maneuver around short term shocks and to endure challenges depends on the balance between the solid past achievements and present intelligent quick initiatives by our leaders in government, commerce and industry.

We are confident that domestic consumption will remain robust and continue to contribute meaningfully to overall growth. The scope for continued growth, albeit at a slower pace, is still there. Consumer confidence, as in investor confidence, should not be unduly affected. The scope for expanding public expenditures will however be limited and I am sure such expenditures will be prioritized towards enhancing the social safety net and developing longer term national capacity.

Part of the Government policy response to manage the global and financial crisis is to ensure that our country’s global competitiveness in attracting foreign and domestic investment is intact so that the economy remains resilient. The Government will have to undertake several pre-emptive measures like re-prioritizing projects in favor of those which can be implemented expeditiously and with higher multiplier effects. Supported by high levels of capitalization and ample liquidity, the banking sector is well-positioned to continue to undertake lending activities to support the requirements of the domestic economy. The drivers for sustained economic growth will have to come from domestic private investments and continued robust domestic consumption. The Government will have to facilitate private investments. The country’s healthy current account surpluses suggest that we have the resources to finance a much higher level of private investments.

Le Tour de Langkawi 2009 had been specially architectured to create awareness and confidence that Malaysia is peaceful, stable, vibrant and united to move forward cautiously into the future uncertainties. Its two pronged objectives will be to solidify the resilience of Malaysians and at the same time reaching to the world.

The TOUR will start in Putrajaya where the Administrative Capital of our beloved country will be showcased and also the initiatives in information communication technology displayed when the route goes through Cyberjaya.

Senawang will be portrayed as the new industrial corridor of Negri Sembilan as well as Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam to Selangor. Bandar Baru Bangi will expose to the world the knowledge hub of Malaysia where Universities, Higher institutions and varied training centres found in the vicinity will establish that Malaysians are knowledgeable and qualified to undertake the tasks and responsibilities before them.

History and culture will take centre stage when we go to Melaka which was recently accepted as one of the World’s Heritage and Cultural City. The declaration of independence of (Malaya) Malaysia will be revisited and the greatness of the Empire of the Sultanate of Melaka studied. The rich vegetation, the plantations found in north of Johor will bring the peloton to Pagoh, Bukit Kepong , Ledang and Tangkak. Stories are abound about the Bukit Kepong trajedy and also the legendary Puteri Gunong Ledang.

The challenge of Genting Highlands will surely merit the King of the Mountain winner.
And at the penultimate stage, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city will be shown where local government, justice system. commerce, business and banking structures will be seen functioning side by side in the Malaysia Incorporated way.

The theme for this year’s TOUR is: Sports Tourism towards One Malaysia. A Malaysia which is united and peaceful. A Malaysia which is secured and safe. A Malaysia which is friendly to the world. A Malaysia which is conducive for foreign direct investments. A Malaysia where there are abundance of opportunities for each and everyone.

God Willing with the support, sacrifice and assistance from all, we will deliver the race and meets the objectives of its intentions. Le Tour de Langkawi 2009 is more than just a race.

Written By Datuk Naim Mohamad,
COO of Le Tour de Langkawi 2009