I HOPE the new Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said will bring about big changes to the industry.

I hope she will not only brag about the number of visitors into Malaysia as her predecessors have done but also look into the facilities that we can provide for foreign as well as domestic tourists.

As a person in this industry, I would like her to make sure that all the so-called cultural villages in the various states are properly operated and maintained. The Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching is one example. The beaches in places like Penang, Port Dickson, Teluk Cempedak should be maintained and the seas kept free from pollution.

The authorities must see to it that all water sports operators have insurance and their equipment are in good working condition.

Another major grouse is that of taxis which over charge passengers at tourist spots, airports etc.

There must also be proper parking spaces for buses at major tourist spots such as KLCC, Kek Lok Si Temple and Afamosa.

Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival organised by Tourism Malaysia should be a sale in the true sense of the word. Not traders making a fast buck by hiking the price and later bringing it down again and consider it as sales.

Your officers must be made to go to the ground checking on all these items to ensure that policies made are properly implemented.

Tourism is big business, and as in any business, it has to be run in a proper manner.

MALAYSIAN ARAB,
Kuala Lumpur.

Source: The Star – March 28, 2008