File photo of Perseids Meteor Shower | Image credit: science.nasa
The Perseids Meteor Shower, one of the most anticipated annual events for stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere, will be active in the night sky from July 17 to August 23, 2025. This meteor shower is known for its swift and bright fireballs, which often leave colourful streaks of light behind. In Singapore, the best times to view the meteor shower are expected to be from 3 am to 6 am on the mornings of August 12 and 13, 2025.
Perseids Meteor Shower 2025: All you need to know for your stargazing expedition
The radiant of the meteors, which is the point in the sky where the Perseids seem to originate, is located in the constellation Perseus. However, the meteor shower actually comes from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, with approximately 50 to 100 meteors streaking across the summer night sky each hour.
The best time to view meteors is during the pre-dawn hours, although it is sometimes possible to see them as early as 10 pm. The meteor showers are expected to peak on the nights of August 12 and 13, 2025. However, a bright full Sturgeon Moon may wash out all but the brightest meteors, which could hinder stargazers’ plans. From July 18 to July 28, the skies are expected to be darker due to the new moon on July 24, making this the best time for those in the Northern Hemisphere to witness the meteors in all their glory.
Tips to help you catch the celestial show in action
File photo of Perseids Meteor Shower | Image credit: Knnku/Flickr
To avoid light pollution, which is likely to hinder your viewing chances, head to places with minimal glow.
Allow your eyes time to adjust to the dark (approximately 20 to 30 minutes). Avoid staring at screens or other light sources at this time.
Check out stargazing apps that can help you find the Perseus constellation, from where the meteors seemingly appear.
Plan to watch for at least an hour or so to make the most of your opportunity, since meteor showers often appear in bursts.
Lastly, lie back and take it all in without binoculars or telescopes for wider coverage.
Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read Morewith TravelTriangle and Internet Moguls. When not in work mode, she can be found downing endless cups of coffee while reading Enid Blyton/Sidney Sheldon. Read Less
Home»ASIA» MATTA Responds to Incident of Malaysian Umrah Pilgrims Stranded in Jeddah: Why You Need To Know
Monday, July 28, 2025
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has expressed grave concern following the incident involving 42 Malaysian Umrah pilgrims who were allegedly stranded in Jeddah due to the failure of Persada Global Holidays Sdn Bhd to provide return flight arrangements.
The event has raised significant issues regarding customer service and accountability within the travel industry. MATTA’s immediate response aims to ensure that the necessary actions are taken to facilitate the safe and prompt return of the affected pilgrims.
MATTA’s Immediate Actions
In response to the situation, MATTA has moved swiftly to issue a show-cause letter to Persada Global Holidays, urging the company to take immediate corrective steps. This letter serves as a formal notice for the agency to explain its failure to arrange return flights for the Umrah pilgrims, which has caused significant distress. MATTA is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the pilgrims are promptly reunited with their families and that the issue is resolved without further delay.
The association has also committed to taking all necessary measures to protect the well-being of the affected pilgrims. MATTA emphasized that the safety and welfare of travelers must remain the top priority for all players in the travel industry.
Internal Review and Potential Consequences for Persada Global Holidays
MATTA has initiated an internal review of this incident in accordance with its Constitution and Code of Ethics. The organization has outlined clear consequences for breaches of its professional standards. Depending on the severity of the incident, MATTA may suspend or terminate Persada Global Holidays’ membership. This action reflects MATTA’s zero-tolerance policy for negligence and misconduct that could jeopardize the reputation of the travel industry and harm consumers.
The travel industry relies on trust, and when trust is broken, it undermines not only the business involved but the credibility of the entire sector. MATTA’s swift actions demonstrate its dedication to maintaining high professional standards and holding its members accountable. By investigating this matter thoroughly, MATTA aims to ensure that all members uphold the principles of honesty, transparency, and accountability.
MATTA’s Support for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC)
MATTA has reiterated its full support for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) in its ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory standards within the travel industry. The association recognizes the need for comprehensive measures to protect consumers, particularly those embarking on religious pilgrimages such as Umrah. MATTA believes that balanced approaches that safeguard the interests of consumers while providing fair representation of travel agents are essential for the development of the tourism sector.
As part of its commitment, MATTA is prepared to work closely with MOTAC to assist in the formulation and implementation of new regulations. The association stands ready to provide necessary data and insights to help shape policies that will enhance industry practices and ensure consumer rights are protected.
MATTA’s Role in Upholding Professionalism
MATTA continues to emphasize that upholding professionalism and maintaining industry integrity is at the core of its mission. The association has a duty not only to support its members but also to protect the interests of consumers. This dual responsibility means MATTA will take appropriate actions against any member agency that fails to meet the required standards of service and conduct.
The association’s focus on accountability is crucial for maintaining the reputation of Malaysia’s travel and tourism sector. MATTA is committed to ensuring that all travel agencies affiliated with its network follow ethical practices and provide exceptional customer service.
Conclusion: Preventing Future Incidents
The incident involving the stranded Umrah pilgrims highlights the critical need for travel agencies to be responsible and transparent in their dealings. MATTA’s swift and decisive response illustrates the association’s commitment to resolving the issue and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. The association’s cooperation with MOTAC and other authorities will play a crucial role in ensuring that such breaches are addressed and that the industry continues to thrive with integrity.
For consumers, this incident serves as a reminder to thoroughly research travel agencies and ensure they are reputable and reliable before making any travel arrangements. MATTA remains dedicated to its mission of safeguarding the interests of Malaysian travelers and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism within the industry.
With 43 awards across 7 categories covering hotels, resorts, destinations, cruises, serviced residences, airlines and travel agencies, the awards continue to honour organisations that exemplify service excellence, innovation and impact.
“More than just accolades, Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards serve as a compass for excellence in our industry,” said Irene Chua, vice president and group publisher, Asia at Northstar Travel Group.
“Each vote is a statement acknowledging those who continue to lead with resilience, innovation and intent. Through these awards, we aim to encourage continuous growth, inspire high standards, and shape a tourism sector that thrives on purpose and performance.”
Voting closes on 29 August 2025. Winners will be revealed at the Readers’ Choice Awards ceremony later this year, where the industry’s most trusted names will take centre stage.
Club Med Holding has appointed Stéphane Maquaire as its new president and CEO, effective 21 July 2025. The French national succeeds Henri Giscard d’Estaing, whose two-decade tenure saw the company through a period of transformation and global expansion.
The decision was made following a formal succession process, led by d’Estaing and endorsed by the Board. Maquaire, previously Executive Director for Carrefour Brazil and Latin America, brings extensive experience in premium brand development and international operations.
Based in Paris, he will guide Club Med Holding through its next phase of growth, with a continued focus on maintaining the brand’s French identity and values. Maquaire has already met with the company’s three Deputy CEOs to establish operational priorities.
“In Stéphane, we have chosen a leader with deep experience in the consumer sector and a remarkable international track record,” said Xiaoliang Xu, co-CEO of Fosun International and chairman of Club Med Holding.
Maquaire described Club Med as “a culture, a spirit, a way of living and sharing,” adding: “I am honoured by the opportunity to lead this unique company into its next chapter of success.”
Two new Board members have also been named: Philippe Heim, a veteran of Société Générale and La Banque Postale, and Takuya Yamada, Chairman of IDERA Capital and close collaborator on Club Med’s Japanese resorts.
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