Sarawak CM regrets closure of Malaysia tourism offices

KUCHING: Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Openg has expressed his regret over the closing of 14 Tourism Malaysia offices throughout the country.
However, he said, the closure would not affect tourism development and activities in Sarawak as the state had its own ministry and bodies to oversee the development of the sector.
"I understand that Tourism Malaysia will still maintain its office at Kuching International Airport here," Abang Johari, who is also state Tourism Minister, told reporters after the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sarawak government and China Express Airlines Co Ltd.
Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz today announced the closure of those offices with immediate effect to avoid overlapping of functions between the agency and tourism authorities at respective states.
Recently the minister also announced that at least four Tourism Malaysia offices abroad would be closed this year, following discontinuation of Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) flights to the cities of the countries involved.
Abang Johari also hoped that the federal tourism ministry would continue to provide funds for the development of the state tourism sector.
Meanwhile asked on the Sarawak government plan to take over MasWings, the Chief Minister said the plan had been scrapped following no firm decision from the holding company of the airline, Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB).
He said in tourism sector, air connectivity was important and hoped that China Express Airlines Co Ltd would assist the state in that area.
The China based company specialises on international domestic airlines, specialising in passenger and freight transportation services and is currently operating five air bases in China with more than 70 destinations in remote tourist spots.
China Express Airlines is among four China based companies which signed the MoU with the Sarawak government today to explore areas of cooperation and collaboration for investments in the tourism sector in Sarawak. — Bernama