Tourism Unaffected By Dengue Cases - Minister

TUMPAT (Kelantan, Malaysia), Aug 14 (Bernama) -- The dengue fever cases in the country have not jeopardised the tourism sector, said Tourism and Culture Minister Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz. "So far, no foreign tourist has contracted dengue fever in the country," he told reporters after attending an Aidilfitri reception for the Tumpat district at the Sri Tujuh Beach Water Festival Square here. Also present was Kelantan Menteri Besar (chief minister) Ahmad Yakob. The Cabinet Wednesday approved US$8.5 million (RM27 million) to intensify the fight against dengue. On another matter, Mohamed Nazri suggested that the Kelantan government bring out a dictionary on the Kelantan Malay dialect for the reference of the future generations and to prevent its extinction. "We fear that the future generations will forget the Kelantan Malay dialect in its spoken form with the changing times for it is a heritage that must be safeguarded," he said. He also said that the existing tourism products in the state would be upgraded and new products would be identified for promotion because Kelantan was rich in tourism products and culture that could draw more tourists. -- BERNAMA