Melaka's iconic red clock tower continues to draw tourists
The 134-year-old iconic red clock tower, located at Dutch Square in Stadthuys here, is one of the main tourist draws.
The chief guard of the clock tower, Fadlina Mohni, 43, said as early as 8 am, local and foreign tourists gather around the 50 feet high clock tower, built in 1886, to take pictures for remembrance sake.
“More commonly known as the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, it was built about 61 years after the Dutch surrendered Melaka to the British and it is actually not as old as the Dutch colonial administration building Stadthuys which was built in 1650.
“Now a hundred years old, the clock was never allowed to stop because over the years it has been carefully cleaned, serviced and every component tested to ensure it continues to tick for another 134 years or longer,” he told Bernama at the Stadthuys building here.
Fadlina, who is also the Senior Electrical Engineer, Department of Engineering, Historical Melaka City Council (MBMB) said even more interesting is that the clock tower was also a symbol of family love because it was built by a son who wanted to fulfill his father's request.
She said according to history, the clock tower was built by Tan Jiak Kim, a Peranakan Chinese philanthropist who wanted to fulfill the wishes of his late father Tan Beng Swee who dreamed of a clock tower in the heart of Melaka when he was still alive.
“After Tan Beng Swee’s death, the clock tower was built in the Stadthuys building near Queen Victoria’s Fountain, the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum and Christ Church. Each of the four clock faces with a diameter of 34.5 centimetres (cm) featuring Roman numerals were specially imported from England.
“Then in 1982, the four clocks were replaced with ones from Japan's Seiko brand, much to the chagrin of local senior citizens around Melaka who remembered the harsh treatment and sufferings under the Japanese Occupation,” she said.
Fadlina, who oversees the clock tower, also known as the Bandar Hilir Red Clock Tower, has for the past 17 years hoped that the historic clock tower would continue to be maintained and preserved so that the tourism product could be enjoyed by future generations.
Meanwhile, according to Fadlina’s assistant Mohd Suhaimi Idris, 36, an assistant Electrical and Facilities engineer at MBMB, the 24-volt voltage clock is also equipped with a global positioning system (GPS), to provide the accurate time.
“In collaboration with the Melaka Health Department we installed a predatory bird sound system which plays the sound for 45-seconds with one minute long intervals to prevent crows and pigeons from perching and defecating around the clock tower,” he said.
The hourly striking clock tower is among the core zones recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Melaka as one of the states selected to boost Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM 2020).
-- BERNAMA
Tourist events to go on unless WHO advises otherwise, says DPM
The Deputy Prime Minister said events on a big scale can proceed as usual despite the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.
“We will see how the situation is. If WHO says we are not allowed to have big gatherings then we will issue statements or directives, ” she told a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 29) after visiting the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre here.
She said this when asked if the government intends to restrict Thaipusam celebrations next weekend in Batu Caves, which will be visited by both local and international visitors.
Dr Wan Azizah said the 2019-nCoV virus outbreak is under control and reminded people not to spread false or fake news that can cause uneasiness.
She said 57 hospitals are available for screenings, out of which, 26 have been identified to handle the suspected cases that need further examination and treatment.
Earlier, Dr Wan Azizah held a meeting with several ministries and agencies to discuss the virus situation in the country.
She said among the things agreed in the meeting include enhancing the screening of travellers from China by having a special lane for them.
She also said those with 2019-nCoV symptoms are advised to get themselves checked, especially if they had just returned from China.
Earlier Wednesday, the Health Ministry confirmed three more cases, bringing the total number of such cases to seven.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said two out of the three new cases were from the Patient-Under-Investigation (PUI) group.
Meanwhile, one case was from close contact with infected patients.
All the seven who tested positive are Chinese nationals.
~The Star~
VM2020: 3.2 mln museum visitors expected, 131 events planned
The Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) is targeting 3.2 million visitors to 22 museums across the country in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020).
Secretary-General of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat said he was confident that the target could be achieved through the various programmes and activities planned by JMM.
He said the number of visitors to the museums last year increased by 18.2 per cent to 2.7 million from 2.3 million in 2018.
He added that through the exhibitions held, sale of entrance tickets, book sales and space rental throughout 2019, JMM collected RM3.7 million in revenue compared to RM2.6 million in 2018.
“I see museums as a very big product which we can use to attract people of other countries to visit Malaysia. Therefore, with regard to museums, innovations and creativity are very important,” he said after opening ‘The Lost Kingdoms’ and ‘Enchanting Malaysia’ exhibitions, as well as JMM’s Calendar of Events 2020 at Muzium Negara, here, today.
Meanwhile, JMM director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim, in his speech, said the department had planned 131 programmes as tourism products in line with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.
He said among the programmes were the Paranormal, Snake and Gold exhibitions, besides JMM’s signature programmes, such as ‘Nostalgia Anak Kampung and ‘Denai Malam’.
“All these will give a new life to the era of museums in the country as outlined in the National Policy on Museums 2020.
The ‘Lost Kingdoms’ exhibition runs from last Dec 4 until this April 30 and the ‘Enchanting Malaysia’ exhibition from last Dec 25 to May 23, 2020.
For more information on JMM’s events and programmes, the public can visit www.jmm.gov.my
-- BERNAMA
Coronavirus: Melaka tourism to focus on Southeast Asian markets
Melaka will re-strategise its tourism marketing plan by focusing on Southeast Asian countries particularly Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Brunei following the novel coronavirus outbreak in China.
State Tourism, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis said as Chinese tourists account for the biggest number of visitors to Melaka, dependence on tourist arrival from the country would need to be relooked.
He said the last-minute cancellations by Chinese tourists affected hotel bookings and sale of entry tickets to tourist destinations in the state.
"The coronavirus threat has indeed affected the tourism sector in Melaka as most of the reported cases are in China and have been detected in other countries," he told reporters here today.
According to Melaka Tourism Promotion Division, from January to September last year. the most number of tourists who visited the state were from China with two million arrivals or 40.22 percent; followed by Singapore with 718,000 or 17 percent; and Indonesia 417,000 or 10 percent tourist arrivals.
-- BERNAMA
No plans to bar China tourists
Malaysia has no plans just yet to bar the entry of Chinese tourists, including those from Wuhan, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said many countries were grappling with the novel coronavirus outbreak, but it had yet to reach a critical level here.
“We can’t predict at the moment. Many countries are facing the problem.
“But for now, it is not yet critical to the point where we have to stop tourism, ” he said after attending a Chinese New Year event organised by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and Klang Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the Hokkien Association Hall here yesterday.
He was responding to journalists on whether Malaysia would follow the Philippines, which is sending back Chinese tourists from Wuhan, where the outbreak started.
Dr Mahathir said it was not easy to detect or stop those infected from entering the country, “so we have to accept that complete control is not possible”.
He added that sending Chinese tourists back may not be feasible as they would come into contact with other people during the process.
“It is better to quarantine them first until they show no signs (of infection) and then send them back, ” he said.
He said Malaysia was currently ensuring that those infected with the virus were quarantined.
“We are isolating them and not allowing them to mix with other people. That is the first step but of course, other people must take preventative action as well, ” he said.
“This includes wearing masks in crowded places.”
He also said it was not viable to immediately quarantine all Chinese nationals who arrive in Malaysia.
“Visitors from China sometimes amount to two million people. Where to keep them? In cowsheds?
“Of course, it cannot be like that, ” said Dr Mahathir.
He added that Malaysian authorities would monitor tourists if they showed any sign of infection.
He said Malaysia was not familiar with novel coronavirus infections and prevention rather than treatment was a priority, as of now.
China’s move to quarantine the 11 million people from Wuhan, although drastic, showed the determination of their government to control the disease, he added.
As for Malaysians who are in China, Dr Mahathir said they would be examined to ensure that they are not infected with the virus before they are allowed to return.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who was also at the event, said necessary measures were being put in place to counter the infection, which made its way through Singapore recently.
“We are increasing the number of thermal detection scanners (at the entry points), ” he said, adding that Malaysia had to comply with World Health Organisation guidelines when making and implementing decisions.
But it was a challenge as people may generally come in without symptoms that develop much later, he noted.
“Anyhow, we will increase the number of all equipment and our paraphernalia to detect them.
“We are also having a meeting with the Home Ministry to see how we can intensify it further, ” said Dzulkefly.
He said there were now 51 thermal detection scanners at all entry points into Malaysia and that the Finance Ministry has given its commitment to provide the necessary funds to step up surveillance.
~The Star~
Melaka to deploy bike patrols to combat spread of coronavirus
Tourists in Melaka wearing face masks while touring the historic city during the Lunar New Year festive holidays.
MELAKA: Melaka has come up with its own method to combat the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus by mobilising the Bicycle Emergency Response Team 2.0 or Melbert 2.0 at major tourist hotspots in the historic city.
State Health, Anti-Drug and Unity Committee chairman Low Chee Leong said Melbert 2.0 is a mobile emergency team of paramedics on electric bicycles (e-bikes) and will be mobilised starting Tuesday (Jan 28) at all tourist destinations, including the iconic Jonker Walk.
“This is an ingenious mobile emergency response team of paramedics on bicycles, which was launched in 2016. They will help to monitor the situation and they are equipped with fever monitoring devices, ” he said on Monday (Jan 27).
Low said the team are capable of providing, among others, traumatology and paediatric emergency medicine.
A check at tourist destinations here on Monday showed that many tourists were wearing face masks.
Some of the tourists in tours groups were believed to be from China.
Low said there were many Chinese tourists who have entered Melaka and so far, no one was reported to be a carrier of the coronavirus.
He said there were also irresponsible individuals spreading fake news about public and private hospitals limiting the entries of visitors here following an outbreak of the coronavirus.
Low said although there was an initial case of suspected coronavirus involving a seven-year-old boy from China, but tests conducted by the Kuala Lumpur Hospital found him negative about two days ago.
He said the boy had first sought treatment at a private clinic in Ayer Keroh for fever on Jan 24.
“The clinic wanted to refer the case to the Melaka Hospital, but the boy’s family refused to do so and instead, took the boy to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, where he was tested negative for the coronavirus, ” he added.
"Please don't cause a panic in Melaka by sharing fake news," he added.
~The Star~
Bus terminals to implement cashless ticket purchase
The Transport Ministry is working to get all public bus terminals in the country to implement cashless ticket purchases by using the e-wallet system.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, said it would be carried out in stages since there are terminals which have yet to implement the centralised ticketing system (CTS).
“If possible, we want all terminals to go cashless, but we also need to look at the facilities available and condition at the terminal, so those without CTS facility will take more time,” he told a press conference at the Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS) today.
He was at a TBS to monitor the “balik kampung” exodus among city folks returning to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year celebration. Also present was Deputy Transport Minister Kamarudin Jaffar.
Loke said for bus companies, especially stage bus operators who received subsidies from the government, they are required to implement a cashless ticket purchase system and it will be implemented in stages.
As for express bus companies, Loke said he believed they would be able to implement the ‘cashless’ ticket purchase system as some major bus terminals had already adopted the system.
Currently, among the bus terminals with facilities for cashless ticket purchases are the Terminal Amanjaya in Ipoh, and TBS, which also began accepting ticket purchase through e-wallet today.
In welcoming the move by TBS, Loke said it was in line with the ministry’s focus on the digitalisation of transport services.
In another development, he said the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) had approved temporary licence for 316 additional buses for the Chinese New Year celebration. - Bernama
Yong Tai bags international cruise terminal project in Melaka
Yong Tai Bhd, a tourism and cultural-related property developer, has secured a contract to develop an international cruise terminal in Impression City Melaka.
Wholly-owned subsidiary Yong Tai Bhd Impression Sdn Bhd today accepted the letter of approval from the Melaka state government, the company said.
"The proposed development will be built on Kawasan Bandar VI, Daerah Melaka, which is part of Yong Tai's flagship mixed development project with estimated gross development value of RM8 billion,” it said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia.
The group also entered a memorandum of understanding with maritime passenger terminal operator Singapore Cruise Centre Pte Ltd (SCC) to engage SCC as terminal operation and management consultant for a fee of S$120,000.
In a separate statement, Yong Tai Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Wira Boo Kuang Loon said the cruise terminal development would be integrated with the group’s Terra Square mixed development project in Impression City, which is also linked to Encore Melaka theatre.
“The completion of the cruise terminal is slated to be a major game changer for Impression City, further strengthening the mega-project’s gross development value over the long run,” he said.
Boo said the cruise terminal was also expected to create greater footfall to the Terra Square retail mall, as it would be integrated with the proposed development.
-- BERNAMA
VMY2020:Tourists drawn to Malaysia's diversity
A study by Tourism Malaysia found that foreign visitors are drawn to the country’s rich cultural tapestry through historical walking tours, traditional arts performances and cultural events, including batik-drawing workshops.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said with this in mind, 198 exciting cultural activities had been lined up in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020).
‘With global trends pointing towards experiential tourism as a preferred way to travel, tourists want to experience a destination that offers rich cultural heritage and great creative expressions from the local community.’
Bakhtiar said the recent launch of Tourism Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur (KL) Heritage Food Trails package, among other exciting new initiatives, would continue to bring visitors to places like Kampung Baru, Petaling Street and Brickfields in pursuit of authentic local experiences.
‘In Brickfields itself, there are many houses of worship, such as the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple (built in 1894), the Three Teachings Chinese Temple, Sri Kandaswamy Hindu Temple and the Holy Rosary Church with its well-preserved Neo-Gothic style,’ he said after launching the VMY2020 Happenings@KL Sentral.
Among the events lined up are the East Coast Craft Textile Festival (Jan 23-Feb 2) showcasing batik-painting and songket-weaving, International Aborigines and Indigenous Arts Festival (Aug 5-Aug 9) and Malaysian Games Festival (Sept 25-Sept 27).
Bakhtiar said a reliable transport system was crucial to ensure that tourists get the most out of their stay.
He said the Express Rail Link (ERL) service, connecting KLIA and klia2 to KL Sentral, was currently working on a travel pass for tourists with RapidKL called the KL Travel Pass.
‘The pass would cover airport transfer and two-day unlimited rides on LRT, MRT and KL Monorail lines to cater to tourists’ travel needs.’
Bakhtiar said the high number of transit passengers at KLIA would have a positive impact on the tourism industry.
The VMY2020 Happenings@KL Sentral, held in collaboration with the National Department for Culture and Arts, is a twice-monthly cultural performance that showcases Malaysia’s heritage to visitors at KL Sentral.
‘I would like to urge more industry players and operators in the travel and tourism ecosystem to come forward and join us in ensuring a successful VMY2020 campaign,’ Bakhtiar added.
He welcomed the initiative to introduce Transit Without Visa (TWOV) to citizens from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
‘They can take advantage of the TWOV and we can offer them a package to tour around Kuala Lumpur or Selangor within the 120 hours (five days).’
Meanwhile, ERL chief executive officer Noormah Noor said the company would be organising a monthly KLIA Express Ride & Win Campaign starting from Feb 1, in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry.
For the complete list of events that covers all states and various traditions and cultures, visit www.malaysia.travel.
Malaysia has set a target of 30 million international tourist arrivals this year, with an expected revenue of RM100 billion from the industry.
~New Straits Times~
Malaysia, China toast 2020 Year of Culture and Tourism
The ‘Malaysia-China Year of Culture and Tourism 2020’ will further boost ties and strengthen friendship between the two Asian nations, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
In his congratulatory remarks read out by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi at the Malaysia-China Year of Culture and Tourism 2020 event here tonight, Dr Mahathir said that the relationship between the two countries can be traced back to the 15th century.
"In 2018, Premier Li Keqiang and I were of the opinion that it is a good time to celebrate the close relations enjoyed by the two nations, and to focus on a people-to-people exchange, via culture and tourism.
"It is a relationship that is rooted in the 15th century, during the golden era of the Melaka Sultanate and the Ming dynasty, and it has flourished since.
"Fast forward to the modern day, and Malaysia and China were the first nations in the region to establish diplomatic ties which bloomed into a relationship that is based on respect and trust.
"May the year of the Metal Rat symbolise the re-affirmation of Malaysia and China’s friendship and cooperation, as well as the beginning of new and firm strides ahead," the Prime Minister said.
Dr Mahathir pointed out that Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, and that Malaysians of Chinese descent play a significant role in the nation, in all aspects.
"I am also sure that our guests from China will be able to relate (to our diverse) practices, food, customs and cultures, and will probably be able to trace them to specific provinces in China.
"Of course, other cultures, from India and the indigenous groups from Sabah and Sarawak, have a significant influence on (Malaysia). We are proud of our diversity and we believe that what we have is a significant display of multi-culturalism, which has worked and helped us flourish," he said.
Dr Mahathir added that as Malaysia and China’s cultures are tied, so too are their economies.
"For the record, in 1974, Malaysia-China trade was recorded at US$159 million. This rose by almost 700 times to US$108 billion in 2018.
"Malaysia and China will continue to work together for the benefit of both its peoples. With a vision of shared prosperity, we aim to create an economy that is balanced and sustainable, (and ensure) fair and equitable wealth distribution," he said.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Mohamaddin said that Chinese tourists can now enjoy a free visa for up to 15 days in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020.
"This year will be a very special year for Malaysia in the travel and tourism industry. It is Visit Malaysia Year 2020.
"In this regard, we have taken the initiative to extend a free visa of up to 15 days to Chinese tourists (who will) enjoy the many exciting events planned in the country for tourists from all over the world.
Present at the event were China’s Culture and Tourism vice-minister Zhang Xu and China’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Bai Tian.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
PLUS issues travel advisory for Chinese New Year journey
PLUS Malaysia (PLUS) has issued its Travel Time Advisory (TTA) for North-South Expressway (NSE) users ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration starting from Jan 20 to Feb 2, to reduce traffic congestion with volume expected to increase to two million vehicles daily.
In a statement, it urged motorists from the Klang Valley heading towards Perlis, Kedah, Penang, North Perak and Johor to enter the highway before 9am.
Meanwhile, motorists heading to other destinations such as Ipoh, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka are advised to get into the highway after noon.
For the return trip to Kuala Lumpur, PLUS advised its customers to enter the expressway before 9am to ensure the traffic flows in stages from all locations to the Klang Valley.
At the same time, the company said it would temporarily halt highway maintenance and repair works between Jan 22 and Feb 2 and would provide crane and tow truck services at strategic locations on the highway to help travellers enjoy a safe, smooth and comfortable journey.
PLUS will also enhance cooperation with the authorities such as Royal Malaysian Police, Fire and Rescue Department, ambulance, Civil Defence Force, and People's Volunteer Corps (RELA), as well as increasing the number of its personnel in preparation for emergency assistance.
On top of that, it is providing additional public toilets and mobile water tanks at several locations, as well 70 self-service reload kiosks (SSK) to accommodate the increase in traffic.– Bernama
Tourism apps 'Melaka eXcess' to be launched in March - Exco
Melaka government will launch an official tourism application 'Melaka eXcess' in March in an effort to drive the state tourism industry to a better future.
State Tourism, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis said the application would provide detailed information on tourist attractions, food and beverages, souvenir shops, promotions and discounts to attract tourists and facilitate their access throughout the state.
He said the application, developed in collaboration with a private company, Pilihan Lampiran Swasta Sdn Bhd, would also serve as an e-wallet, navigation system as well as to provide consumer reviews related to the Melaka tourism industry.
“Melaka eXcess will bring together state tourism industry players in various sectors including travel agencies and entrepreneurs to offer their travel services, products or packages.
“The development of the application is in its final stage and registration is still open for interested tourism industry players,” he told reporters after a get-together session in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020) here today.
He said 'Melaka eXcess' has been developed in line with current technological development and with Melaka being one of the states selected to boost the VM2020.
Meanwhile, a total of 185 tourism-related events would be organised across the state during VM2020 and 15 of them would be major tourism events.
“The Melaka government and tourism industry players in the state have been making preparations in various aspects including enhancing tourism facilities and improving the quality of services for tourists to enliven VM2020,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
Melaka hopes to collect RM25 million from River Cruise this year
The Melaka River Cruise (MCR) is one of many tourists attraction in the state. -NSTP/File pic
The Melaka River and Coastal Development Corporation (PPSPM) targets to collect RM25 million this year from 1.2 million tourists taking the Melaka River Cruise (MCR).
State Tourism, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis said last year over one million tourists paid a total of RM20 million for the cruise.
He said in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020), PPSPM has been holding monthly lucky draws since August last year and the annual “Cruise & Win” lucky draws had been held since 2017.
Last December RM306,933 was collected in lucky draw, while the Cruise & Win draw fetched RM490,724, he said at the Melaka Grand Cultural Festival 2019 appreciation ceremony here today.
Muhammad Jailani said PPSPM was also beautifying the lamps along the Melaka River and replacing old boats with new ones in a bid to attract more tourists.
He said the state government was also upgrading Melaka’s tourism products and infrastructure to help the federal government achieve its goal of welcoming 30 million tourists to the country and registering RM100 billion in tourism receipts in 2020. - Bernama
The dos and don’ts for VM2020
Beautiful attraction: Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor is gaining popularity among tourists.
PETALING JAYA: It’s Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020), so here’s a dummy guide to exploring the country.
Observe cleanliness, respect flora and fauna and do not over-bargain during your shopping jaunt.
“When visiting the rural areas, obey the local culture and traditions. Also, don’t bargain so much until the prices become so cheap. How can they (rural sellers) make money if you over-bargain?” said Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang.
He said that both domestic and foreign tourists should be mindful of their behaviour.
Observe the simple “no litter rule”, he said.
“Tourists should also reduce the use of plastic, ” he said yesterday.
Although places such as Penang and Langkawi remain top destinations with their food and island charm, Tan said lesser-known spots, such as Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor, were rising in popularity.
Tourists were looking to experience rural tourism and experiential travel with each market having its own preferred activities and destinations, he said.
Tan said Chinese tourists were into shopping and photo stops while Europeans preferred nature and frequented ecotourism spots in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
Tourism Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi had also said that places such as Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor, the majestic Mount Kinabalu and the Danum Valley forest in Sabah would be promoted this year.
Tan said the Danum Valley forest had been a consistent high-yield demand product and “very stable in receiving high demand from Europe”.
And Mount Kinabalu had always been in high demand for climbers, he added.
“Sky Mirror is also getting very popular for the domestic and also China market, ” he said.
Sky Mirror is a sand bank in the middle of the sea only revealed on particular days, typically during low tide.
The exposed sand bank creates an unusual backdrop that reflects the sky, which is good for photo opportunities.
At night, visitors can take a boat ride to the sea to watch “blue tears”, a natural night phenomenon caused by bioluminescent organisms, which glow in a blue hue.
Sky Mirror Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd managing director Dyven Wong said tourists must observe cleanliness and avoid disturbing the habitat when taking the Sky Mirror and “blue tears” tour.
“Tourists are not allowed to take back any ocean marine life such as clams.
“You can see, you can take pictures, but you can’t bring back anything from there, whether dead or alive, ” he said.
Wong said the number of tourists going for the Sky Mirror and “blue tears” tours was on the rise.
“Every month, we have at least 3,000 to 5,000 people going for the tour with our
company. And the number is increasing, ” he said.
~The Star~
