Channel event allocations to flood victims, tourism players: Tiong

KUALA LUMPUR – The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) has proposed government agencies to channel the allocations for large-scale events, including the 2023 New Year’s Eve celebration, to tourism industry players and those affected by floods.

Its minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said this was in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s suggestion for the agencies to stop organising big-scale ceremonies to avoid wasting public funds.

“This decision is timely and commendable, especially when the country is facing heartbreaking events following the east coast floods and the Batang Kali landslide, which each has claimed many lives, including those of children.

“The floods have also affected many tourism industry players, damaging their goods and premises.

“As such, Motac will help to ensure industry players who contribute to the country’s economic growth and the global promotion of Malaysia can recover after the floods,” he said in a statement today.

Previously, Anwar also decided to cancel the New Year’s Eve celebration to welcome 2023 at Dataran Merdeka here on December 31. – Bernama, December 23, 2022