By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Sept 22 — An increase of up to RM10 million in allocation is needed to improve Selangor’s tourism sector, said state executive councillor for local government and tourism Ng Suee Lim.
He said for tourism promotional purposes, RM6 million is allocated every year for the state.
“I was told the allocation for promotion is RM6 million per year. It is insufficient for the entirety of Selangor. If possible, (we need) RM10 million,” said Ng during a meet-and-greet with the media at the Tourism Selangor office here today.
He said to achieve the goal of state tourism, promotional campaigns need to be done consistently, as they are a type of investment.
“It cannot be done in one or two days but perhaps within a year or two. Then we will see the result. We need to be consistent.
“We will get consideration from the state government regarding the budget allocation,” stressing that the funds would be spent wisely.
Earlier in his speech, the five-term Sekinchan assemblyman listed several tourism strategies for next year as preparations for Visit Selangor Year 2025.
Citing Statistics Department figures, Ng said Selangor drew the third-highest number of domestic tourists this year, with 6.4 million visiting the state.
He said Selangor will reach its target of five million tourists this year and that the state has received four million tourists this year as of this month.
The Selangor Tourism Statistic Unit said the state was the biggest contributor to the national gross domestic product in 2022 by channelling RM40.9 billion, with 26.5 per cent from the service sector, which involves the tourism industry.
“We are aware the tourism industry is a crucial contributor to the state’s and national economic growth,” he said.
