River cruise sector still struggling

River cruises are big money-spinners overseas but not so in Malaysia due to the reluctance of local banks to give financial help to those starting such activities said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen on Sunday during a river cruise along the majestic fjords in Milford Sound, in New Zealand ’s South Island.

She has every reason to be disappointed that despite Malaysia having wonderful marine parks, geo-parks, riverine towns, settlements and islands, the river-cruise sector in almost every state was struggling to move forward.

“This river-cruise sector is one area where we need to catch up with the rest of the world,” said the Minister, who is on a 10-day promotional visit to Australia and New Zealand .

In the four days of her visit to New Zealand , Ng had a close-up look at the country’s botanical gardens, Maori handicraft, the Auckland Museum , aerial tourism as well as the food and shopping sectors.

“In Malaysia , we also have some scenic and beautiful coastal and river-based attractions, such as the Langkawi geopark, the islands off the east and west coasts, Kuching City and the interior settlements of Sarawak and Sabah .


However, banks in Malaysia are reluctant to give loans to those who want to go big in the river cruises because they see the sector as one that gives slow financial returns. If we don’t develop our cruise boats and ships, we can’t draw tourists and progress fast in the cruise sectors.

This river-cruise sector in Malaysia has not achieved its full potential. The ministry is to come up with workable plans on what we can do to progress in this sector.