Last year when McDonald’s Malaysia displayed their iconic Mekdi at their very first restaurant in Bukit Bintang, I absolutely loved the idea! It’s just so Malaysian and it brought so many people together in appreciation for this very Malaysian nickname that we (Malaysians) gave to our much loved restaurant McDonald’s.

But I hardly go to town, so I didn’t get to take a photo with the signage then. So when I heard that they were extending this initiative to more of their restaurants all around Malaysia in conjunction with celebrating 38 years since opening it’s first ever McDonald’s Restaurant in Malaysia- I was absolutely thrilled!

With the unwavering support by the rakyat, Malaysians nationwide were given the power to vote at https://www.mcdonalds.com.my/Mekdi for which McDonald’s restaurant should display the iconic Mekdi signage, and these were the chosen restaurants:

• McDonald’s Bukit Bintang
• McDonald’s Titiwangsa
• McDonald’s KLCC
• McDonald’s Putrajaya, Presint 2
• McDonald’s Kuala Selangor
• McDonald’s Greenlane, Penang
• McDonald’s Jln Gopeng, Ipoh, Perak
• McDonald’s Stulang Laut, Johor
• McDonald’s Kulai, Johor
• McDonald’s Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan
• McDonald’s Taman Buaya, Malacca
• McDonald’s Teluk Cempedak, Pahang
• McDonald’s Kota Bahru, Kelantan
• McDonald’s Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
• McDonald’s Kuching 1, Sarawak
• McDonald’s Api-Api, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

So I went to the closest Mekdi to me, which is in Putrajaya and YESSS! I finally have a shot with this iconic signage! I’m so happy! Unfortunately my baby boys were asleep when I took this shot.. But am sure gonna bring them back and take another shot with the whole family!

Also, there’s a new twist to their beloved Nasi Lemak McD.. Now we get to choose to have it with either Rendang Ayam, Spicy Chicken McDeluxe Cutlet or Grilled Chicken Burger (GCB) Cutlet.. Woot woot! Not to forget some scrumptious Malaysian inspired desserts – the all-new Cendol McFlurry  and a comeback on the Corn Pie and Cendol-flavoured ice cream.. Super YUMMSS!

Don’t you just love how McDonald’s Malaysia is being localised and that they are embracing the essence of being Malaysian?

From its food, to its people, as well as the causes that the company champions such as:

• Raising the standards of human capital development in Malaysia by nurturing young talents and helping them build meaningful careers..
• Various initiative organised to give back to the local communities it operates within. E.g. Anugerah Guru Inspirasi, Flood Relief Efforts, Food Sponsorship for frontlines during the Movement Control Order (MCO), Programmes under Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC Malaysia), and ‘Back-to-School’ programme.

Business wise pun they are very localised, for example:

• They always come up with amazing localised flavours and menus,
• Their ingredients are also locally sourced,
• Their workforce pun, 95% Malaysian,
• And their franchisees are all 100% Malaysian!

So, sapa tak pergi lagi to Mekdi and take photo with the signage.. take the opportunity now before it’s too late! Share the our proud Malaysianess and try out their awesome Nasi Lemak McD too! Don’t forget to hashtag  #Mekdi #McDonaldsMalaysia #NasiLemakMcD if you’re posting on your social media!

Few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to check out the new SOPs in LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort in compliance with the #NewNormal post the Movement Control Order (MCO). At LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, you get to experience the LEGOLAND Theme Park, Water Park, Hotel and SEA LIFE Malaysia all in one LEGO themed destination so we were really excited.

This was the first time that I took my boys out since MCO and of course my boys were thrilled to finally be out of the house, after months of being confined in our small little apartment.

Just like anywhere else these days, there are temperate check and check-in stations all around the resort. This includes check-in stations at the main entrances of the resort, the water park, theme park and SEA LIFE Malaysia.

New Health & Safety Measure at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort

There are a series of  new health and safety measures at Legoland Malaysia Resort below, which will pretty obvious the moment you arrive the resort. In order for all of us to #KitaJagaKita, guest are required to adhere to the guidelines provided so everyone can have a good time without having to worry.

Some of the measure that we should adhere to on our side include:

• Keeping an eye on latest updates about the resort on their website and social media.
• Prepare for ‘contactless’ payments instead of cash whenever possible
• Wear a face mask when we’re in the resort
• Refrain from visiting the resort should you start displaying any symptoms associated with COVID-19, instead contact them to amend your booking.
• Maintain social distancing at all times.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

While we were there, we noticed a number of social distancing measures that were in place to ensure that everyone can still enjoy their time at the resort. One of the best measure in my opinion is the fact that they have reduced their daily ticket capacity. This in itself assures us as parents that the park won’t be too crowded and that social distancing can be still practised with ease. Other social distancing measures in placed include:

• Leaving empty seats between guests on on rides
• Ensuring gaps between guest in dining area by removing or blocking seats
• Introduction of new capacity limits for their indoor experiences and facilities such as shops, theatres and guest service building
• Distance or seat gaps for live show and theatrical scenes

They’ve also suspended some experience and facilities to ensure social distancing is maintain. But that also means that there are a number of areas that are closed off so the kids won’t be able to play in those areas.

HYGIENE & DISINFECTION MEASURES

Besides a large number of hygiene stations around the resort and parks, we also noticed a few guys walking around the park with what looks like a backpack of disinfection spray.

We can see that LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort enhanced their cleaning measures a lot. Throughout the day, you will also notice their staff disinfecting high-frequency touch points such as tables and chairs, service counters, flush handles, door handles, elevator buttons and taps.

We also notice that the staff ensures to clean and disinfect rides after each guest, so that really put our mind at ease as parents.

FOOD & DINING AT LEGOLAND MALAYSIA RESORT

Eating at the hotel and around the park is different this time as well. they’ve introduced new menu offerings across their food outlets to have more ‘Grab & Go’ options. Their cutlery and condiments are also provided to guest with meals or on request- so they are not left in open areas anymore.

Their hotel breakfast is also served differently now. You are now required to pick a designated time slot for breakfast. There isn’t a wide array of buffet spread, but instead you will be able to choose your meal from a breakfast menu provided. Although the options are limited, I would say that it’s still kind of a buffet style, as you are able to order more of your favourite dishes if you’d like.

LEGOLAND MALAYSIA RESORT’S NEW NORMAL

Overall I would say that Legoland Malaysia Resort did a good job at implementing the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health. My boys were pretty used to this #NewNormal, which didn’t quite bother them from having fun at LEGOLAND’s theme park, water park as well as SEA LIFE Malaysia. We were a bit disappointed to find out that certain areas were closed off, but I guess that’s all done for the safety of everyone.

As more and more people and families are easing up to the idea of travelling and going on holiday within Malaysia, let us not forgot to adhere to the guidelines and precautions set by the Ministry of Health so we can stay healthy and safe, while enjoying some time of happiness and togetherness with our family and friends.

For more information on LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort protocols, head on to: https://www.legoland.com.my/planning-your-visit/safety-measure/