Malaysia aims to get 30 million tourist arrivals in 2020
The entire year 2020 marks significance for Malaysia as the federal government has designated it as Visit Malaysia Year with the purpose of increasing tourist arrivals to 30 million.
Amir Farid Dato' Abu Hasan, Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Dhaka said this while addressing the Malaysian Culinary Eve reception in conjunction held at the High Commission in metropolis on March 1.
The High Commission of Malaysia and Tourism Malaysia jointly organised the reception in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020 to offer diplomats and travel industry officials of Bangladesh a sneak peek of the various mouth-watering culinary items Malaysia provides to travellers.
“Food is definitely synonymous to Malaysia. Being in the middle of a traditional trade route, various spices and flavours have landed on our shores. Furthermore, with Malaysia having a multicultural population, it involves no surprise that the culinary experience comes from a diverse culture,” said the Acting High Commissioner.
From Malay to Chinese to Indian food, Malaysia is definitely spoilt for choices so that it is a heaven for travelling foodies all over the world and living by the mantra to be truly Asia, Farid added.
Md Mahbub Ali, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism attended the function as the principle Guest.
“Gastronomy is probably the vital parts of tourism. It reflects a country’s folk culture, rich lifestyle and creative imagination of its people. The people of Bangladesh has a rich food culture and thus are naturally drawn to different delicacies. Hence Malaysian dishes such as Nasi Lemak, Nasi Kandar, Nasi Da Gan, Roti Canai, Satmay Murtaba and others are adored by Bangladeshis,” Mahbub Ali said.
Therefore, while travelling to Malaysia, Bangladeshi tourists can enrich themselves with new gastronomic experiences by tasting the country’s different and rich cuisine, added the State Minister.
Several delightful savoury and desserts prepared by the High Commission’s Ladies Association were served among the dignitaries at the function while some dishes were directly airborne from Malaysia. The delectable dishes served include Malaysian Parry Pouse, Sticky Glutinous Rice, Sarawak Keklates, Te Tare and many more.
Notably, the Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh also addressed the current global circumstances, the outbreak of COVID-19, which has resulted in a decline in travel worldwide and ensured the safety of all visiting the country.
“We can make sure that Malaysia as a country is well-equipped to take care of such occurrences. As of March 1, a total of 29 cases have been reported, with 22 cases of recovery no death.”
“The Malaysian authorities continue to ensure proper checks are created at all entry points coming into Malaysia. Daily updates are also given to public and healthcare services are staying vigilant around the clock to ensure safety of not only Malaysian citizens but also of our guests who've come to go to Malaysia,” he concluded.
