Interview with Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib, Deputy Minister of Tourism in Malaysia

Suleiman Abdul Rahman

Suleiman Abdul Rahman Taib, current Minister of Tourism since the last General Elections held in March 2008 in Malaysia, speaks the situation of the country’s tourist market.  

YO: - What was the total number of tourist arrivals in Malaysia during 2007?
R.T: - The total number of tourist arrivals for 2007 was 20,972,822 and the total number for January-April 2008 is 7,102,617. Only 245,302 of the total number were Arab tourists for 2007 and 59,554 for January-April 2008. 

YO: -What is the contribution of the tourism industry to the Malaysian economy?
R.T: - In 2007 the tourism industry received RM 46.07 billion (about US$14.3 billion), which constitutes 7.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

YO: - Do you think there is a lack of promotion for domestic tourism in Malaysia?
R.T: - Certainly not. Tourism in Malaysia has a division dedicated to the promotion of domestic tourism to encourage local residents to take holidays within Malaysia. We organize special advertising campaigns to expose our diverse tourist attractions and we have domestic holiday packages. There was an increase of 13.65 percent in the number of domestic hotel guests in 2007. 

YO: - How has terrorism and high petrol prices affected the Malaysian tourist industry?
R.T: - Generally there are no issues with terrorism. Regarding the increase in the price of petrol, we have yet to gauge its effect. Malaysia is a very affordable tourist destination compared to many others. With the expansion of low cost carriers, people will still travel heavily. We expect regional tourists to cushion the impact of any decrease in long-haul travelers, if indeed there is any. 

YO: - How is the joint cooperation between Malaysia and other countries in the area of tourism?
R.T: - Major cooperation is carried out through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Efforts are also undertaken through sub-regional and bilateral co-operation.

YO: - What are the plans for developing Malaysia’s tourism in the coming years? 
R.T: -The main plan is to increase the number of high-yield tourists. YO: - What about Yemeni visitors to Malaysia? R.T: - We still have limited numbers of visitors from Yemen, only 7,314 Yemeni tourists visited Malaysia in 2007, and 3,474 during January-April 2008. 

YO: -How friendly is Malaysia as a holiday destination? How does the country cater to visiting families?
R.T: - Malaysia is indeed a very friendly country, blessed with a diverse culture due to its multiracial society. For the past few years, the government has introduced the “Feel at Home” program, introducing several conveniences and facilities targeted at Western and Asian tourists. For the first time in Malaysia an area in Kuala Lumpur city is dedicated to Middle East tourists, showcasing Arabic and Middle Eastern cultures with food, songs and dances. Strategically located in the tourist belt areas of Starhill, Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail, the aptly named “Arab street” marks a permanent landmark in Kuala Lumpur and is becoming a favorite haunt for Middle Eastern visitors.

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