Influenza A (H1N1): Country safe for tourists

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourists can consider Malaysia's tough measures in battling the global spread of the influenza A (H1N1) virus as an assurance that the country is a safe place to visit.

Their well-being, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, "is not being taken lightly" by the country.

She believes that the H1N1 scare would not greatly affect the 10th Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (MMSC) 2009 which began on Saturday.

"We are extremely careful to ensure that Malaysia is safe for everybody, We believe in safety above all," she said.

Dr Ng said tourists could expect a festive atmosphere since the mega sale carnival coincided with the KL Festival this month. There will be cultural shows, street performances and theatre and music shows held around the Klang Valley.

Entry to some of these events is free.

There will also be the Samrah Festival at Bukit Bintang here where Middle Eastern performances will be held every Friday and Saturday during the carnival.

News extracted from: News Straits Times (07.07.2009)