PRESS STATEMENT

The Malaysia Tourism Federation welcome the move by the Tourism Minister to give bigger role to taxi drivers in providing local tours. The Minister had said yesterday that taxi and hired car associations have been urged to offer attractive packages to tourists to strengthen the tourism industry. In making the call, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the tour packages should be made available to local and foreign tourists. Under the programme, tourists can choose a day trip package to various hotspots via taxi for a single charge. “The drivers will double up as tour guides too, but they have to attend a day-long course with the ministry to participate. The drivers will be given a RM100 monthly allowance each and they can earn more through the taxi tourism package,” said Dr Ng. Dr Ng said she hoped to start similar programmes in other districts. The taxi stand that was built over four months has a unique roof which comes with a self-cleaning technology which is the first of its kind in Malaysia. The Federation feels that upgrading the taxi drivers will make them better and responsible members of the tourism industry. MOHD TAIB WAHAB Secretary General MALAYSIA TOURISM FEDERATION mobile: 012-2992911