KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has requested that all maintenance and improvement projects at the entry points into Malaysia, including airports and ports, be expedited to accommodate the increased arrival of foreign tourists.
He said facilities at the entry points into the country needed to be efficient and improved to avoid congestion, like at certain airports including Tawau, Sabah, and Penang.
Upgrading work of the aerotrain services at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) should also be completed quickly.
“Not only (airports) in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang, Alor Setar (Kedah), and Kota Bharu (Kelantan), but also Tawau (Sabah).
“As we know, the airport in Tawau is small and not designed to receive tourists from abroad. We have to attract tourists from outside. (So) we cannot have work to repair airports to take up to three of four years,’ Anwar said during the 2024 National Craft Day 2024’s opening at the Craft Complex today.
The event was also attended by Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.
The Prime Minister added the authorities at the affected locations (undergoing maintenance or repair) need to consult the Transport Ministry (MOT) and the Finance Ministry (MoF) to expedite the work.
However, the process to speed up the projects in question must be according to stipulated procedures.
He expressed the need for the synergy between ministries and agencies to be intensified to ensure Malaysia’s tourism industry, covering various interrelated elements including service, safety, convenience and attractions, remains competitive.
Promotion of local products, handicrafts, batik, and songket should also be expanded.
“I congratulate the Tourism Ministry for this (promotion) …promoting products of Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak. The promotion should be extensive so that no state feels left out. This is important.
“Promoting local products, like handicrafts, can raise the dignity of the lives of the poor,” Anwar said.
At the event, the Prime Minister also presented the 2024 National Craft Award to Puan Bangie Anak Embol for her Pua Textile Craft.
The National Craft Day is celebrated in recognition of craft entrepreneurs’ and activists’ involvement and contribution in developing the country’s craft industry.
— Bernama
