MALAYSIAN travel consultants are of differing views on how tourism would be affected by a new ruling in Terengganu that stipulates all shopping malls in the state have to close for two hours on Friday afternoons.
Effective next year, this new ruling by the state government of Terengganu aims to encourage Muslim male youths to attend Friday prayers at the mosques instead of loitering in shopping malls.
Alex Lee, CEO of Ping Anchorage Travel & Tours, said: “It will definitely affect tourism as a majority of tourists would like to do last-minute shopping before their departure. This move is also not good for the state economy.”
On the other hand, Ganneesh Ramaa, manager at Luxury Tours Malaysia, does not foresee major impacts on the tourism sector, as he believes that the main attractions for foreign visitors to Terengganu are the islands and not the malls.
Adam Kamal, Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association deputy president II, agreed: “Tourists don’t go to Terengganu because of the malls. The ruling only affects shopping malls. Bazaars and markets will still be open, and I think foreign tourists are keener to buy local products and handicrafts than to shop in modern malls. Those who wish to do last-minute shopping before their departure can still do so at the airport.”
