KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 -Ministry of Tourism and Culture, deputy secretary-general (Culture) Datuk Ab Ghaffar A.Tambi urged the authorities such as the Public Land Transport Commission, to take stern action in enforcing public transportation laws.
Commenting on the tragic bus accident at Genting Highlands which claimed 37 lives yesterday, he said although the influx of tourists have never been affected by accidents at the popular destination and other spots, the Genting Highlands management ought to take steps to restore visitors confidence, including maintenance of its access road.
“We are not unduly worried about the matter.
There have been accidents before this but they have never affected the industry.
“We are more concerned about an epidemic of infectious disease or terrorist activities which could have a negative impact on tourist arrivals,” he told reporters after launching ‘Feast Of Penang : Muslim Culinary Heritage’ a cookbook authored by Prof Datuk Dr Wazir Jahan Karim, here Thursday.
“We hope there will be follow ups by the authorities as yesterday’s incident involved foreigners, including Bangladeshis, Thai nationals, Koreans and Indonesians,” he said.
Meanwhile, economic anthropologist Dr Wazir said the ‘Feast Of Penang : Muslim Culinary Heritage’ was not an ordinary cookbook.
The book aimed to enlighten its readers about the various ingredients and foods that are vividly portrayed as indigenous foods of Penang’s Malay community.
“Most recipe books are just collected and compiled but not this, this is about the anthropology of foods and the stories and narratives behind families who have made a difference in the evolution of Muslim hybrid foods,” she said.
The 132-page book is now on sale at RM150 per copy.
-BERNAMA
