THE E-NEWSLETTER OF THE EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA IN

MANAMA CONNECTS ISSUE NO. 17 – JANUARY TO MARCH 2021 THE EMBASSY’S ANNUAL DINNER PARTY

The Embassy of Malaysia organized its Annual Dinner 2020 at Swisbel-Residences, on 28 January 2021. The cowboy-themed event was attended by the Embassy staff, Ladies Association of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia (PERWAKILAN) Chapter and families.

Ambassador Agus Salim Yusof in his speech, had expressed his gratitude to PERWAKILAN which supported and committed towards the embassy’s programs in 2020. Token of appreciation were given to two (2) PERWAKILAN members who contributed the most to PERWAKILAN activities.

Fun and entertaining programmes were prepared to lift the spirit and mood of the New Year. Games such as charade, Pictionary and kid’s games were enjoyed by each group and programmes such as secret santa, raffles draw, best costumes and birthday celebration gave them the opportunity to bring home some gifts. The best-dressed male was won by Mr. Mohd Zaky bin Shafie and the best-dressed female went to little girl Zainab Ali. The event was sponsored by PERWAKILAN Manama.

[TypeMANAMA here] CONNECTS [Type here] ISSUE 17: JANUARY – MARCH 2021[Type here]

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[TypeMANAMA here] CONNECTS [Type here] ISSUE 17: JANUARY – MARCH 2021[Type here]

APPRECIATING THE MALAYSIAN FRONTLINERS IN BAHRAIN

The Embassy of Malaysia had the opportunity to distribute food packs containing laksa Johor, kuih kaswi and karipap to Malaysian nurses who served at the Mohammed Bin Khalifa Cardiac Centre (MKCC) on 25 February 2021.

The effort was done to appreciate the nurses who are the frontliners in treating Covid-19 patients in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The scrumptious laksa Johor prepared by PERWAKILAN Manama were distributed to three (3) residential areas of the nurses in Rifa’. Currently, there are 34 Malaysian nurses working at the hospital. Representatives from the Embassy had a moment with the nurses where they shared their challenges and hardship as the frontliners during the worldwide pandemic in a foreign country. They thanked and appreciated the Embassy's concern.

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[TypeMANAMA here] CONNECTS [Type here] ISSUE 17: JANUARY – MARCH 2021[Type here] ASEAN H.O.M. BREAKFAST AT THE INDONESIAN RESIDENCE

On 14 January 2021, Ambassador Agus Salim bin Yusof joined the ASEAN Heads of Mission in Bahrain Breakfast Meeting at the Residence of Indonesian Ambassador, His Excellency Nur Syahrir Raharjo. It was held in conjunction with the visit of Singapore Ambassador in Riyadh, His Excellency Wong Chow Ming.

MEETING WITH BAHRAIN BUSINESSWOMEN’S SOCIETY

On 28 March 2021, Ambassador Agus Salim Bin Yusof met Ms. Ahlam Janahi, the President of Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society (BBS) with some of its exco members at her office. The President presented the Ambassador their commemorative book in conjunction with the Society’s th 20 anniversary of establishment as the very first women’s professional organization in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This meeting opened a new window for business connection between Bahraini businesswomen and their Malaysian counterparts.

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[TypeMANAMA here] CONNECTS [Type here] ISSUE 17: JANUARY – MARCH 2021[Type here] FAREWELL DINNER FOR THE AMBASSADOR OF JAPAN

On 31 March 2021, Ambassador Agus Salim bin Yusof hosted a farewell dinner for his counterpart from Japan, His Excellency Ambassador Hideki Ito. The dinner was attended by ambassadors of

Indonesia, Thailand and Chargé d’Affaires of Brunei Darussalam. Ambassador Hideki Ito left the Kingdom in mid-April 2021 for retirement.

YAASIN RECITATION AND PRAYERS AT THE CHANCERY

On 11 March 2021, the Embassy held Yaasin recitation, tahlil and doa selamat at the Chancery. It was led by the Ambassador himself. This is the first time where the home-based staff conducted a

religious activity since the Chancery moved to Al in July last year. The staff and families also prayed for the Head of Chancery who was getting married in Malaysia, and for baby Alisha Sofia binti Agus Salim who would turn 100 days old on 16 March 2021.

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SECOND SECRETARY OF THE EMBASSY TIED THE KNOT The Second Secretary of the Embassy, Mrs. Siti Farsha Murni binti Izami tied the knot with Mr. Muhammad Nazrin bin Hanafi on 25 March 2021 at the Iskandar Johor Islamic Centre, Johor Bahru. The staff of the Embassy gave Mrs. Siti Farsha Murni a surprise small

reception when she returned to work on 11 April 2021 where she was presented with a bouquet of flowers from the Ambassador’s

wife. This was followed by her short speech and a brunch. All Embassy’s officers and staff wish them long lasting marital bliss and heartiest congratulations.

THE EMBASSY’S STAR EMPLOYEE (JAN-MAR 2021)

Mr. Sunil D’Souza Ambassador’s Driver In Service since 1 November 2011 Professional aim: “hardworking, flexible, friendly, punctual and teamplayer” *A star employee receives personal cash contribution from the Ambassador.

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) 2021/2022

PERWAKILAN Manama held the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2021/2022 on 21 January

2021 at the Embassy of Malaysia in Manama. The meeting began with speech by PERWAKILAN Manama’s Advisor, Ambassador Agus Salim bin Yusof and Chairperson, Mrs. Norsyazwani

H amdan. The meeting presented report of activities throughout the year 2020, the financial report for 2020 and discussion on the activities for first quarter 2021.

PERWAKILAN MANAMA COMMITTEE 2021

Advisor His Excellency Ambassador Agus Salim Yusof

Chairperson Mrs. Norsyazwani Hamdan

Secretary Mrs. Siti Farsha Murni Izami

Treasurer Mrs. Julia binti Suhaili

Committee Member Mrs. Nazira Abdul Malik

Auditor

Mrs. Doris Samson

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[TypeMANAMA here] CONNECTS [Type here] ISSUE 17: JANUARY – MARCH 2021[Type here] VISIT TO NATIONAL MUSEUM AND BAHRAIN FORT

23 January 2021 – PERWAKILAN Manama members and their families spent their time to visit the Bahrain Fort and National Museum as part of getting to know Bahrain better and providing

new perspectives of historical places.

The Bahrain National Museum is the largest and oldest public museum in Bahrain. It is situated in

Manama, adjacent to the National Theatre. Opened on 15 December 1988 by the Emir of Bahrain, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the USD 30 million museum complex covers 27,800 square meters and is the country's main tourist attraction. It is believed to be the region's first modern museum.

The Qal'at al-Bahrain also known as the Bahrain Fort or Portuguese Fort, is a prominent archaeological site located in Bahrain. Archaeological excavations carried out since 1954 have unearthed antiquities from an artificial mound of 12 meter height containing seven stratified layers, created by various occupants from 2300 BC up to the 18th century, including Kassite, Greeks, Portuguese and Persians. It was once the capital of the Dilmun civilization and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

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[TypeMANAMA here] CONNECTS [Type here] ISSUE 17: JANUARY – MARCH 2021[Type here] WEEKEND GETAWAY AT JAW RESORT

The PERWAKILAN ladies and families went to Jaw Resort on the east coast of Bahrain on 26 and 27 February as an activity during the weekend. The resort provides complete privacy in each villas with their very own climate-controlled swimming pool and a spacious patio.

The resort has access to 200-metre white sandy beach which offers a complete spectrum of comfort and seaside activities, making it the perfect getaway for the family. All of us had an unforgettable memory of picnicking, barbequing, morning exercising and karaoke at the resort. The activity is definitely a way in getting a significant getaway from the daily work routine.

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[TypeMANAMA here] CONNECTS [Type here] ISSUE 17: JANUARY – MARCH 2021[Type here] VISIT TO A SCHOOL FOR THE DISABLED AND AN ORPHANAGE CENTRE

03 March 2021 – As part of PERWAKILAN Manama’s charitable activities, we had the opportunity to visit Bahraini Association for Disability and Autism; and Al Sanabel Orphan Care Society. The main purpose of the visits was to hand over donations from PERWAKILAN and staff of the Embassy in the form of cash, stationery, clothing and handicrafts.

A number of 40 special children are taken care by the school. The PERWAKILAN ladies were given a tour around the centre by the Chairman herself, Ms. Farida Al-Moayyed and Dr. Ahmed Malullah Al-Ansari, the Vice President. During the pandemic, the class are still on-going in virtual mode. The teachers and administrator shared on their experience and challenges in assisting the

special-needed children in preparing them for their future. Apart from sponsors, the school also receive assistance from the government of Bahrain.

Later in the day, we went to Al Sanabel Orphan Care Society in Busaiteen. The centre currently helps 800 families including non-Bahraini where the orphans were registered under the centre. The centre has a system where all donations including household appliances are kept at the centre. If the family of the orphans need any of the items, they may come and get anything available at the centre for free of charge.

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[TypeMANAMA here] CONNECTS [Type here] ISSUE 17: JANUARY – MARCH 2021[Type here] LADIES WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

“Housewarming” at Mrs. Julia’s House On 30 January 2021, PERWAKILAN members and families attended Mrs. Julia’s

housewarming lunch. Scrumptious menus such as fish curry, chicken soy bean sauce, kerabu mangga and badak berendam were prepared for us. Mrs. Julia Suhaili and husband arrived in Bahrain on 9 November 2020. She is the Second Secretary of the

Embassy.

Steamboat and Barbeque Night at the Embassy

On 5th February 2021, members of PERWAKILAN held a steamboat and barbeque activity at the Embassy. The cool ambiance of 14⁰C was very pleasant for

some spicy, hotpot food. The children were playing around and tents were set up to create the picnic mood.

Tea at Chairperson’s Residence

On 19 February 2021, Mrs. Norsyazwani Hamdan invited PERWAKILAN members and families to have afternoon tea at her residence. We enjoyed the view of evening sunset and

winter breeze at the garden of the residence.

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INTERESTING PLACES IN BAHRAIN PART 3 BAB AL BAHRAIN Bab Al Bahrain transliterate Bāb al-Baḥrayn means Gateway of Bahrain, is a historical building located in the Customs Square in central business district of Manama. It marks the main entrance to the (bazaar).

Built in 1949 by Shaikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh, it once housed the government’s administrative offices. Designed by the British adviser to the emir, Charles Belgrave, Bab Al Bahrain once stood on the Manama coastline. Due to extensive land reclamation in the later half of the 20th century, the structure is now several kilometres inland. The square is considered to be the region's first formal public space.

The building is situated on Government Avenue in Manama. Bab Al-Bahrain embodies the unique identity of a traditional Bahraini market. It has been fully restored to how it was when it was first built. The restoration works included rebuilding the main façade and removing some of the additions done to it during the mid-1980’s.

Bab Al-Bahrain souq, located in the heart of Manama, has more than 30 shops which line its main façade and walkway, with more shops located inside Bab Al-Bahrain Mall. The souq also has a number of famous coffee shops which sell a wide range of food and drink options. Among these is Café Naseef, which opened in 1920 as Bahrain’s first ice cream shop, and Café Saffron which serves up many traditional Bahraini dishes and delicacies. The Souq offers its patrons a huge selection of goods, from Arabic perfumes, to jewelry, Bahraini sweets, local handicrafts, traditional antiques, handmade carpets, local spices, fine teas, and so much more.

One of the most fun things to do at Bab Al Bahrain is attending the Saturday Market. Usually held every Saturday, this market allows a place for artists to show their crafts such as including basket weaving, hand embroidery, carpets, and henna design. It also features live music, traditional Bahraini food vendors, and play areas for children.

Bab al Bahrain is expected to serve as an interchange station for the 109km Bahrain Metro which is expected to be fully operational by 2030. The Bab al Bahrain is a must visit while in Bahrain that visitors will be sure to enjoy.

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[TypeMANAMA here] CONNECTS [Type here] ISSUE 17: JANUARY – MARCH 2021[Type here] GENERAL CONSULAR INFORMATION

 Malaysians residing in the Kingdom of Bahrain are highly encouraged to register with the Embassy of Malaysia in Manama. Registering with us will enable the Embassy to get in touch with Malaysians, especially during emergency situations.  Requirements for visa application to Malaysia: 1. Passport validity of at least six (6) months prior to departure. 2. Passport should have at least two (2) empty pages facing each other. 3. Two (2) passport size photographs. 4. Copy of flight ticket booking and hotel booking/accommodation address in Malaysia. 5. No objection letter from sponsor in Bahrain. 6. Invitation from host in Malaysia and multiple ticket and reservation (for Multiple Entry Visa). 7. Visa fees (please bring exact amount in cash) a. Single Entry – BHD 5.000 b. Multiple Entry – BHD 10.000 8. Three (3) months Bank Statement. 9. Visa approval letter (for student). 10. Copy of CPR. 11. Application form available at: https://www.imi.gov.my/images/borang/Visa/Borang%20Permohonan%20Visa.pdf

Note: Due to current pandemic situation, foreigners are not allowed to enter Malaysia until further notice. However, for individuals who received entry approval, you may contact the Embassy through email for queries regarding the Letter of Undertaking and Permission to Perform Journey.

Embassy of Malaysia in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Address: Building 1617, Road 3437, Block 334, Al Mahooz, P.O. Box 18292, Manama Telephone: +973 1756 4551 Fax: +973 1756 4552 Email: [email protected] Webpage: www.kln.gov.my/web/bhr_manama/home Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianEmbassyManama/ Working Days: Sunday-Thursday (7.30 am to 2.30pm) Consular hours: Application 8am – 10.30am; Collection 11am – 1pm

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