OREANDA-NEWS. November 09, 2009. From 29th October until 6th November 2009, the Embassy of Malaysia in Kazakhstan, Ministry of Tourism of Malaysia, Hyatt Regency Almaty and Air Astana have been organizing the Festival of Malaysian Cuisine in Almaty, Kazakhstan. During the week, guests and visitors of Zhambyl restaurant at Hyatt Regency Almaty can enjoy culinary masterpieces by the chef cook at Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu, Mr. Tunku Farazil Houssayin. In addition, free prize draws will take place offering prizes of dinner for two persons at Hyatt Regency Hotel Almaty and a romantic trip to Kuala Lumpur, accommodation, an excursion program and round trip air tickets provided by Air Astana.

The Festival of Malaysian Cuisine opened on the 28th October 2009 with a reception at Hyatt Regency Almaty, with the business elite of Kazakhstan, governmental representatives, diplomatic missions and mass media being invited.

The Festival of Malaysian Cuisine coincides with the launch of Air Astana’s new direct and non stop service from Almaty to Kuala Lumpur. This new service has started to operate every Saturday from 31 October 2009, throughout the winter season, using Air Astana’s long range and comfortable Boeing 767 aircraft. The new service (KC935/KC936) provide 190 economy class seats and 30 business class seats, whisking business travelers and holiday makers alike, directly to the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. Air Astana is also cooperating with Malaysia Airlines to carry Kazakh passengers onwards from Kuala Lumpur to regional points across Malaysia, including Penang, Langkawi and Kota Kinabalu.

Dato’ SAW Ching Hong, Ambassador: "Malaysia enjoys a warm and cordial relationship with the Republic of Kazakhstan. There has been a steady increase in bilateral activities such as tourism, education and other trading activities. The new direct air route Almaty - Kuala Lumpur that Air Astana is offering will certainly help to enhance the already closed relations between the two countries”.

On 21st September 2009, the Minister for Tourism of Malaysia, Mrs. Dato Seri Dr. Eng Yen Yen paid an official visit to Kazakhstan aimed at promoting Malaysia as a leading tourist destination. Tourism Malaysia and Air Astana also held a joint press conference, to support the “Fly to Malaysia with Air Astana” campaign. To herald the launch of Air Astana’s inaugural flight on the 31st October, and to promote Malaysia as a world class tourist destination, the Festival of Malaysian Cuisine will give the guests a unique opportunity to sample Malaysia’s exceptional cuisine, and enjoy Malaysian folk dances.