People's Ability To Speak English A Factor That Lures Foreign Tourists - Nazri

photo: MOTAC facebook

MELAKA, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- The ability of the people to speak English is among the factors that have drawn foreign tourists to Malaysia, says Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

He said this factor also enabled foreign tourists to feel safe and unafraid to approach the locals (for queries or assistance) who generally could converse in basic English. "So, Malaysians must improve their English proficiency. Let's not think of the government's emphasis on the importance of English as a challenge to the Malay language.

"The Malay language is the national language for us to communicate with each other, while the English language is important for us to communicate with the world," he told reporters after visiting the 'Bahtera Merdeka' (Ark of Independence) and launching the Melaka Alive logo in Bandar Hilir, here, Sunday.

Also present were State Tourism, River, Beach and Island Development Committee deputy chairman Datuk Ghazale Mohamad and Melaka Alive chairman Mohd Nizar Mohd Najib.

Mohamed Nazri said the hospitality shown by Malaysians had also lured foreign tourists to Malaysia. Some 16.1 million tourists visited Malaysia between January and August this year compared to 14.6 million in the corresponding period last year, he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Nizar said the Bahtera Merdeka, an amphitheatre in the shape of an ark and using state-of-the-art technology water screen, was expected to begin operating in January 2015.

He said the ark was expected to attract more local and foreign tourists to understand the history of Melaka in particular and Malaysia in general. The ark, which is the first phase of the Melaka Alive historical theme park project, is expected to receive 20,000 visitors a month.
-bernama.