Cleanliness A Catalyst For Attracting More Tourists
SIBU: A clean and attractive tourism environment is described as a key catalyst in drawing more tourists.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said such conditions can also boost the local economy through a chain of benefits for traders, hoteliers, restaurant operators, local product entrepreneurs, tour drivers and the transport sector.
"Tourists don't just look at destinations, hotels or shopping centres — they also look at roads, markets, public toilets, parks, recreational areas, and the state of towns and villages.
"If our surroundings are clean and well-managed, it will give tourists a good experience and strengthen Malaysia's image. That's why cleanliness is not a small matter. Cleanliness is our face and the country's image," he said.
He said this in a speech text read on his behalf by Councillor Paul Teo at the Malaysia Cleanliness Day 2026 Programme at Taman Hui Ning, Lorong Upper Lanang 29, here, on Saturday.
The Dudong Assemblyman said such programmes are not merely gotong-royong clean-up activities, but also efforts to build awareness, foster a sense of responsibility and cultivate the practice of cleanliness among the community.
In addition, Dato Sri Tiong stressed that cleanliness is not solely the responsibility of the government or local authorities (PBT), but the responsibility of all parties.
"I hope that wholesome programmes like this do not end once today's activity concludes. Instead, let it be a starting point for continuous change.
"The government, PBT, private sector, NGOs, schools, communities and every individual all have their own roles to play," he said. -UKASnews
