KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism stakeholders welcomed the substantial amount the government has allocated for next year, saying that it is a positive development for the industry.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Ngiam Foon said the RM899 million "shows the government's seriousness and commitment in making the tourism industry a major contributor to growth".
"We welcome the government's move," he said in reaction to Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's speech yesterday.
Najib said the tourism industry had great potential, given its high value-added factors, including eco-tourism, agro-tourism and health.
"Despite the weak global economic environment and the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, tourist arrivals remain high, averaging two million per month," Najibsaid.
Ngiam, however, asked for a breakdown of the allocation.
"How much is going into capital expenditure and how much is for promotion purposes?"
He also sought details on how the government intended to ensure that tourism front-liners were local.
"At present, tourism as a career seems to be the last choice and not as a preferred one."
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) vice-president Ivo Nekvapil said MAH fully supported the government's efforts to hire more locals to replace foreigners who served as front-liners in the industry, especially hotels.
However, he questioned its feasibility.
"Will locals take up the jobs? We are more than happy to hire locals. In fact, we wish it could be done sooner but can we change the mindset of locals?" he said, adding that locals preferred jobs in the service sectors.
The Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association said the allocation for the tourism industry was insufficient.
Its president Chay Ng said the government should set aside at least RM1 billion as the industry was the second biggest revenue-earner for the country.
He questioned the government's focus on the "Malaysia My Second Home" programme, which he claimed did not generate sustainable income.
"We should be concentrating on shopping, eco-tourism and health tourism as these are our main income generators."
He said work was also needed to be done to upgrade facilities such as signs and cleanliness at tourist spots.
"We lack proper signages leading to tourist spots and there's a lack of security at homestay areas."
He also suggested that incentives be given to shopping complexes so that they could promote shopping.
Homestay Association of Malaysia president Sahariman Hamdan welcomed the government's move to upgrade homestay facilities.
"This is a good move. We can upgrade rooms to ensure better service for visitors."
Sahariman said the success of homestay programmes depended on human capital in information technology, house and surroundings development and promotional tools.
Managing director of Retail Group Malaysia Tan Hai Hsin said factory outlets were a viable retail development in Malaysia but they needed a rethinking.
"The government had set up two factory outlets before but they were not successful. Factory outlets should be private-sector driven, with some financial incentives and support from the government."
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