Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi
PUTRAJAYA: The final draft of the new National Culture Policy with a vision to create an advanced nation steeped in culture via a mission to uphold arts, culture and heritage is expected to be ready in September, said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi.
He said the drafting of the new policy took into account the recommendations made by the National Culture Policy 1971 study and his ministry was also roping in various parties including industry players and stakeholders to provide insights.
“It is still at the stage of gathering information and we are confident that the new policy will bring more benefits with the inclusive focus towards building a Malaysian identity,” he told a press conference after his ministry’s gathering here today.
Meanwhile, Mohamaddin said the ministry would also focus on developing eco-tourism industries and culture where Malaysia had the advantage over other countries.
For the eco-tourism and culture concept, he said, besides increasing infrastructure, also preserved were the existing natural and cultural treasures; aspects that foreign tourists wanted, he said.
Towards this end, he said the ministry would continue the 2016-2025 National Eco-Tourism Plan with the mission of promoting Malaysia as one of the globally renowned eco-tourism and cultural destinations more aggressively, strategically and consistently.
Mohamaddin said the ministry targeted an international tourist arrival of 28.1 million with an economic value of RM92.2 billion this year for the sector. – Bernama