FOR THE ALBUM: Dr Ng (centre) with the people at the state-level Chinese New Year gathering in Kota Bharu. — Bernama photo
KOTA BAHARU: Indiscriminate logging and land clearing activities, claimed to be happening in Kelantan, can be destructive to the environment and will adversely affect the state’s eco-tourism industry.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the state’s natural beauty and the environment should be preserved as they were the main factors that attracted foreigners to Malaysia.
“The Tourism Ministry cares for the environment and protect it for tourism,” she told reporters at the state-level Chinese New Year gathering here yesterday.
She said this in response to a claim by a non-governmental organisation, called “Orang Muda Berpadu Anti-Korupsi (Ombak)”, on indiscriminate logging activities in Kelantan.
According to Ombak president, Wan Khairul Ihsan Wan Muhammad, the areas worst affected were in Lojing, Gua Musang and Dabong in Kuala Krai.
Dr Ng said the ministry was concern with Kelantan because of its potential to be a popular tourist destination.
However, she said, the state government would also have to play its role by providing the necessary infrastructure and to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the state.
In another development, Dr Ng, who is also Kelantan MCA chairman, said there was increasing support for Barisan Nasional by the Chinese community in Kelantan. — Bernama