KUALA LUMPUR – Racial rhetoric in remarks made by Perikatan Nasional (PN) figures have reduced tourists’ desire to visit Malaysia, according to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (Bintulu-GPS).
Addressing the Dewan Rakyat today, Tiong called on the opposition to provide their cooperation in improving the nation’s tourism economy, instead of harping on racial sentiments which have caused uneasiness in travellers, specifically those from China.
“I hope that the other side (opposition) can work together with the government (to boost tourism) and not bring up racial issues at every chance.
“I’ll be honest, I’ve heard from some tourists from China (say that) they’re not sure if they want to come here (because of the spread of racial sentiments).
“The only way we will progress is if we work together to promote our nation’s tourism industry,” Tiong said during his winding-up speech on the 12th Malaysia plan mid-term review.
Tiong also lamented on how a number of MPs had failed to show up in person when the ministry had extended invitations to meetings to discuss the tourism needs of a constituency.
“When the ministry invited some MPs to attend meetings and discuss the needs of their constituency or whether some (tourist) areas need to be upgraded, they (MPs) did not show up.
“Sometimes they will send an officer, but when we ask them (on constituency needs), they don’t know what is needed,” the minister said.
He added his hopes that MPs will be able to cooperate with the ministry during future meetings on Budget 2024.
According to Tiong, as of the third week of August, 12.7 million tourists have visited Malaysia, bringing the ministry closer to its target of 16.1 million tourists this year. – September 19, 2023