Malaysia promos on London roads

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian jungles and marine parks will be making their “rounds” at London's tourist sites on the city's iconic double-decker buses over the next three months. Launched by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen at Belgrave Square, London, the five selected buses will ply the city's centre, north, east and west routes. Dr Ng said she was excited about the partnership with Transport for London to promote Malaysia's destinations in Britain.

Moveable media: Dr Ng flanked by Tourism Malaysia ambassador Datuk Jimmy Choo (left) and Tourism Malaysia acting director-general Datuk Azizan Nordin (right) at the launch of the campaign in London Friday.

“We hope the buses bring more sunshine and help put a smile on the faces of London's commuters,” she said during a reception at the Malaysian High Commission here. Painted with colourful nature and underwater scenes, the buses will ply famous tourist sites such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Piccadilly Circus and Harrods.

On Malaysia winning the gold medal for its show garden at the Chelsea Flower Show for the second year running, Dr Ng said the country was honoured by the award. “We are extremely honoured and feel that this is a tribute to the unique mixture of flora and fauna our country boasts of,” Dr Ng said at Sloane Club later.

She said Malaysia's involvement in the flower show was aimed at raising awareness on the country's beautiful parks and gardens among nature enthusiasts and horticulturists. Queen Elizabeth II and Duchess of Cornwall Camilla, were among the VIP guests who visited the Malaysian show garden. Dr Ng said that although 429,965 British tourists visited Malaysia last year (1.2% less than the previous year), she was optimistic that the number would increase as the country's economy picked up.

-thestar online.