YANGON RESIDENTS FLEE MARTIAL LAW AREA
Military trial, hard labour and death await those held in township
RESIDENTS of a protest flashpoint district here fled on flatbed trucks and tuk-tuks yesterday after security forces escalated the use of lethal force against anticoup protesters, despite international appeals for restraint.
Much of the country has been in uproar since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu
Kyi last month, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets to demand a return to democracy.
Monday saw fresh violence by security forces in several cities, leaving at least 20 dead, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).
Many of those killed on Sunday came from the impoverished Hlaing Tharyar township here, a garment-producing area with mostly Chinese-owned factories, several of which were razed on the same day.
The junta reacted by imposing martial law over the area and five other townships that are home to around two million people — more than a quarter of the sprawling city’s population.
Anyone arrested there faces trial by military tribunal, with sentences ranging from three years’ hard labour to execution.
The AAPP said even civilians who were not participating in anti-coup protests had died in the crossfire on Monday.
Yesterday, local media outlet The Irrawaddy published photos of residents fleeing the township. A resident confirmed the mass exodus, saying that people wanted to leave at dawn and protesters removed makeshift barricades — erected to slow security forces down — to let them out.
“After 9am, residents blocked the roads again. They allowed people to leave in the morning only,” she said, adding that security forces have been deployed on the township’s main roads.
The revitalisation of Sunway Resort, which is the most extensive upgrade in its 25-year history, will embrace the latest design and cutting-edge technology. Once the property reopens this year, it will be completely transformed with 477 smart, environmentally-friendly and intuitively-designed room and suites, an international celebrity chef restaurant, and extensive family, leisure and wellness facilities that form the heart of the guest experience.
This once-in-a-generation project has been conceived and created by Nelson Yong, the Chief Principal Designer of Sunway Design. A pioneer of the hospitality sector, Yong has been at the forefront of Sunway’s large-scale hotel development and renovation projects since he joined the company in 1987.
His bold vision for Sunway Resort was to create contemporary yet glamorous interiors that showcase the “Jewel in the Crown” of Sunway’s portfolio and accord each guest a feeling of grace and grandeur, while also being sleek, stylish and seamlessly integrated with the latest automated solutions. Based on the concept of the Silk Road, the hotel transitions between Middle Eastern and Western styles, embracing rich and exotic Moroccan elements. This will be woven throughout the resort, from the remodelled lobby to the public spaces, walkways, elevators, leisure spaces, restaurants and lounges.
“Sunway Resort is an iconic destination. The extravagant lobby showcases the harmonious combination of exotic of gold, marble and large chandeliers that symbolise strength, immortality and triumph. It feels both sophisticated
and delicate.
Working alongside the Senior General Manager of Sunway Resort, we will be introducing special themed rooms that cater specifically to the different needs of families, couples, business travellers and wellness seekers. Our exclusive themed rooms are one of the major highlights of this renovation; I have spent a huge amount of effort in ensuring the right selection of elements are incorporated to meet the needs of Sunway Resort and its guests,” Yong said.
Throughout the property, every aspect of the guest experience will be enhanced by the latest technological solutions. This starts at reception, where contactless check-in and keyless room entry will streamline the arrival process. In every room and suite, travellers can stay connected with IPTV, IP telephones and complimentary high-speed WiFi, along with motion sensor night lights. With all the latest cutting-edge technology in place, the hotel will also introduce trained “Tech Butlers” who will be on hand to set up devices, offer demonstrations and deliver gadgets like the Harman Kardon headphones and nail dryer straight to the room. The high-tech environment even extends to the spainspired bathrooms, where each guest will be able to refresh their senses in a walk-in chromotherapy shower, which uses colour to stimulate positive feelings, or soak in a free-standing bathtub and comfortably watch the wall-embedded TV.
One of the truly unique aspects of Sunway Resort is how it has tailored specific room categories to certain types of guest, such as business travellers, families and wellness seekers. These accommodations are empowered by technology; for example, the Business Suite features a fully-connected office area with essential amenities such as a printer, scanner, wireless chargers, USB ports, international sockets and more, while the Wellness Suite is equipped with in-room exercise equipment by Technogym, offers live online fitness coaching by Fitscovery, ambient lighting and sound machine to assist sleeping. The Family Fun Suite meanwhile, showcases the latest entertainment tech, including a multiplayer game console, big screens, and even a karaoke machine to keep the whole family entertained!
Perfectly complementing this intuitive accommodation, Sunway Resort has created a selection of dedicated spaces where children, families and executives can come and express themselves. Perched on the top floor, the 20th Club Executive is a sophisticated lounge that allows business travellers to unwind in a refined ambience and enjoy bespoke services. The Premium Leisure Club is dedicated to parents, who can relax with afternoon tea while their children play in the Wonderland Kids Club, which is located directly below and promises an amazing array of entertaining and educational activities, with a focus on sustainability. Alternatively, Aquaventure Playland is designed with innovation in mind, a bright and functional outdoor water play area where kids can splash away and have seamless experience all day long.
Sustainability is a driving philosophy of Sunway, and many of the hotel’s high-tech upgrades, such as advanced air-conditioning systems, smart curtains, solar panels, motionsensor LED lighting and new water technologies, will further improve its efficiency. Plastic bags have been abolished and an urban hydroponic farm by Sunway FutureX will supply healthy, farm-fresh produce to the resort’s restaurants.
“We can’t wait to reveal the new-look Sunway Resort. This hotel has been a Malaysian icon ever since it opened in 1996, and this dramatic transformation will restore it to its rightful place at the forefront of Asia’s travel and hospitality sector. With Yong’s visionary design, futuristic technology and eco-friendly solutions, we will create a destination that will attract business and leisure travellers from all around the world,” said Alex Castaldi, Senior General Manager, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Hotels.
This transformation of Sunway Resort forms part of the evolution and elevation of the Sunway Group, as it strives to create exceptional and memorable experiences for every guest. The company has revealed its eye-catching new branding, including a reimagining of its iconic swan logo. Just like the graceful swan, Sunway embraces guests with warmth, comfort and assurance, while also displaying deep-rooted family ideals and a genuine sense of kindness.
Sunway Resort forms the centrepiece of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, the immersive integrated destination with entertainment zones and a wealth of facilities, including the Sunway Pyramid shopping mall, Sunway Lagoon theme park and Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre. Sunway Clio Hotel and Sunway Pyramid Hotel - Sunway Resort’s sister hotels were refurbished in 2016 and 2017 respectively, and the convention centre was upgraded in 2018.