Often called the 'Land Below the Wind' because it lies below the typhoon belt, Sabah occupies the eastern part of North Borneo and is East Malaysia's second largest state with an area of 74,500 sq.km. Sabah has the South China Sea on the west and the Sulu and Celebes Seas on the east.
Mountainous and largely carpeted by lush tropical rainforests, its population of nearly two million is made up of 32 colourful ethnic communities.
Kota Kinabalu, the capital, lies in a fertile lowland plain where most commercial and administrative activities are concentrated. But the 'real' Sabah can best be found in its contryside.
Kinabalu Park has been listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site, due to the diversity of plant life and wildlife there. It provides a challenging climb amidst a lush virgin rainforest, where you can find hidden hot springs in cool high altitudes.
Sipadan island off the south eastern coast of Sabah, has been one of the top five dive sites in the world for years. This is attributed to unique underwater goegraphy that encourages proliferation of wildlife. Leatherback turtles, barracuda and white tipped sharks are a common sight while diving in Sipadan.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Sarawak
The name 'Borneo' has long meant magic to travellers, and if you skip Sarawak, you'll miss something special. The state has a superb system of national parks, beautiful beaches and a diverse thriving tribal culture whose hospitality to strangers is unmatched. Situated on the north-western coast of Borneo, the Land of Hornbills beckons the visitor with its rich rainforests, intricate weave of rivers, pepper plantations, and the diverse cultures of its indigenous people.
Sarawak shares its borders with Indonesia's Kalimantan province in the south and Brunei and Sabah in the north-east. Sarawak is Malaysia's largest state, covering an area of 124, 450 sq.km. with one of the most pleasant cities in all of Asia, Kuching, as its capital.
Two-thirds of its land is covered in rainforests and its population of 1.7 million is made up of 23 ethnic groups. Sarawak's indigenous peoples have a strong sense of identity and have made their mark in government, education and the media. A unique history has given Sarawak a character of its own, distinct yet very much a part of Malaysia.
Sarawak shares its borders with Indonesia's Kalimantan province in the south and Brunei and Sabah in the north-east. Sarawak is Malaysia's largest state, covering an area of 124, 450 sq.km. with one of the most pleasant cities in all of Asia, Kuching, as its capital.
Two-thirds of its land is covered in rainforests and its population of 1.7 million is made up of 23 ethnic groups. Sarawak's indigenous peoples have a strong sense of identity and have made their mark in government, education and the media. A unique history has given Sarawak a character of its own, distinct yet very much a part of Malaysia.
Perlis
Bordered by the Thai province of Satun in the north, Kedah in the south-east, and lapped by the gentle waters of the Straits of Melaka on its western coastline, Perlis exudes quaint, unspoilt beauty and old rustic charm.
Expansive green padi plains, punctuated occasionally by limestone outcroppings, along with the laid-back village lifestyle make driving a refreshing and pleasant way to experience the offerings of this destination.
The state capital of Perlis is Kangar, while Arau, only 10 km away, is the traditional royal capital of the sultan.
Perlis lies on both the road and rail routes linking Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in the south to Bangkok in the north.
From January to April, the weather is usually warm and dry with September to December being wetter months. The annual range of temperature is from 21C to 32C.
Expansive green padi plains, punctuated occasionally by limestone outcroppings, along with the laid-back village lifestyle make driving a refreshing and pleasant way to experience the offerings of this destination.
The state capital of Perlis is Kangar, while Arau, only 10 km away, is the traditional royal capital of the sultan.
Perlis lies on both the road and rail routes linking Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in the south to Bangkok in the north.
From January to April, the weather is usually warm and dry with September to December being wetter months. The annual range of temperature is from 21C to 32C.
Kedah
Kedah Darul Aman (Kedah's official name) lies between Perlis in the north and Perak to the south and forms one of the northern states of Peninsula Malaysia. It's a small state but you would never know by the surprising variety of attactions on offer here.
Primarily agricultural, Kedah offers a pleasant rural landscape which can take on different hues depending on the seasons of the padi (rice).
The countryside is greenest when the newly planted padi is sprouting, turns a golden yellow at harvest time and turns into a brown, earthy hue after the harvest.
It appears that much may lie hidden under the rolling plains of rice, for Kedah was once the cradle of an ancient civilization, the threads of which are just beginning to emerge from slow excavations of various historical sites found in the state.
Alor Setar is the capital of Kedah and the seat of government and royalty. It is also the main commercial centre of the state. Langkawi, the most well-known cluster of islands on the peninsula, and a huge tourist draw, falls under Kedah's jurisdiction.
Primarily agricultural, Kedah offers a pleasant rural landscape which can take on different hues depending on the seasons of the padi (rice).
The countryside is greenest when the newly planted padi is sprouting, turns a golden yellow at harvest time and turns into a brown, earthy hue after the harvest.
It appears that much may lie hidden under the rolling plains of rice, for Kedah was once the cradle of an ancient civilization, the threads of which are just beginning to emerge from slow excavations of various historical sites found in the state.
Alor Setar is the capital of Kedah and the seat of government and royalty. It is also the main commercial centre of the state. Langkawi, the most well-known cluster of islands on the peninsula, and a huge tourist draw, falls under Kedah's jurisdiction.
Penang
Penang, often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient, is one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in all of Asia. This tropical island lies in the Indian Ocean, just off the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Penang received its name from the Pinang, or Betel Nut tree, once commonly found on the island. Established as the first British trading post in the Far East in 1776, Penang today is a bustling metropolis reflecting a uniquely exotic blend of East and West.
The state of Penang consists of the island of Penang and a strip of land on the mainland known as Seberang Prai.
The Penang Bridge, one of the longest in Asia at 13.5 km, links the two land masses. Penang is also connected by a ferry service to the mainland.
On Penang Island sits the capital, Georgetown, a city steeped in history and tradition yet sparkling with progress and modern development. Certain sections of Penang present a quaint picture from the past where narrow side streets, trishaws, temples and traders plying their goods, seem to belong to a forgotten era. Penang is a shopper's paradise for goods old and new, at bargain prices.
The island also boasts some of the best food in the region, ranging from fabulous Chinese, Malay and Nyonya cuisines to foodstall favourites like nasi kandar, char kway teow and penang laksa, all of which are cooked in a uniquely 'Penang' way.
Penang received its name from the Pinang, or Betel Nut tree, once commonly found on the island. Established as the first British trading post in the Far East in 1776, Penang today is a bustling metropolis reflecting a uniquely exotic blend of East and West.
The state of Penang consists of the island of Penang and a strip of land on the mainland known as Seberang Prai.
The Penang Bridge, one of the longest in Asia at 13.5 km, links the two land masses. Penang is also connected by a ferry service to the mainland.
On Penang Island sits the capital, Georgetown, a city steeped in history and tradition yet sparkling with progress and modern development. Certain sections of Penang present a quaint picture from the past where narrow side streets, trishaws, temples and traders plying their goods, seem to belong to a forgotten era. Penang is a shopper's paradise for goods old and new, at bargain prices.
The island also boasts some of the best food in the region, ranging from fabulous Chinese, Malay and Nyonya cuisines to foodstall favourites like nasi kandar, char kway teow and penang laksa, all of which are cooked in a uniquely 'Penang' way.
Perak
As you leave the busy hub of Selangor and head north towards Perak, the character of the land changes from an urban profile to a scenic, undulating countryside. Here and there, you will spot pleasant plots of farmland and palm oil and rubber plantations set against a background of green jungle and jagged limestone hills.
Covering some 21,000 sq.km., Perak lies between Kedah in the north and Selangor to the south. The Main Range mountains cut across the state of Perak, standing in dramatic juxtaposition to the flat, steaming plains of the western coastline.
Often referred to as 'The Land of Grace' for its laid-back, timeless beauty, Perak is divided into nine districts.
Each district has its own characteristic beauty and history, and tourist attractions include old-style Anglo-Malay and Chinese mansions, colonial buildings, ancient limestone caves, temples and cool hill stations such as the Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) station.
Perak's capital, Ipoh is a slow-moving, quiet town full of quaint old bungalows and is famed for its simple yet excellent hawker food. This food has such a reputation that it is not unusual for Malaysians from other towns to drive for up to three hours just for a bowl of delicious noodles!
Perak has a western coastline facing the Straits of Melaka and not far off its coast are a number of islands. The nearest is Pangkor Island, off the coastal town of Lumut. Pangkor's unique island lifestyle offers visitors a variety of experiences and some outstanding beaches. And wait until you taste the cheap, fresh and delicious seafood here!
Covering some 21,000 sq.km., Perak lies between Kedah in the north and Selangor to the south. The Main Range mountains cut across the state of Perak, standing in dramatic juxtaposition to the flat, steaming plains of the western coastline.
Often referred to as 'The Land of Grace' for its laid-back, timeless beauty, Perak is divided into nine districts.
Each district has its own characteristic beauty and history, and tourist attractions include old-style Anglo-Malay and Chinese mansions, colonial buildings, ancient limestone caves, temples and cool hill stations such as the Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) station.
Perak's capital, Ipoh is a slow-moving, quiet town full of quaint old bungalows and is famed for its simple yet excellent hawker food. This food has such a reputation that it is not unusual for Malaysians from other towns to drive for up to three hours just for a bowl of delicious noodles!
Perak has a western coastline facing the Straits of Melaka and not far off its coast are a number of islands. The nearest is Pangkor Island, off the coastal town of Lumut. Pangkor's unique island lifestyle offers visitors a variety of experiences and some outstanding beaches. And wait until you taste the cheap, fresh and delicious seafood here!
Kuala Lumpur
A delightful mix of cross-cultural influences and traditions, Kuala Lumpur radiates an exciting, enticing charm, which will no doubt pique your interest throughout your stay.
Let the city's warmth embrace you as you lose yourself in its unique blend of tradition, cultureold world charm and new world sophistication. Explore its nooks and crannies, and you'll discover captivating sights, sensational sounds, aromatic smells and fantastic people.
Kuala Lumpur, affectionately known as KL, is an amazing cultural melting pot. Here, you will wander through communities of Chinese, Malays, South Indians, East Malaysian ethnic groups, Thais, Indonesians, Sikhs and a huge community of expats. Each community offering its own festivals, food, music, art and fashion while influencing each other's cultures.
KL has a lively nightlife scene and a fascinating art and performance culture, which blends contemporary and traditional styles from many backgrounds. There is the widest range of sporting activities available with state-of -the-art facilities to impress any sporting enthusiast. The architecture is somewhat eccentric and is certainly unique, from hundred year old mansions to awe-inspiring sky scrapers, and all within metres of each other. Treat your tastebuds to Kuala Lumpur's extremely varied cuisine, which is certainly a tasty adventure in itself! Above all else KL is a shopping haven, offering everything from street side trinkets to haute couture.
The resulting kaleidoscope of cultures, costumes and cuisines is nothing short of a whirlwind for the senses - more intense here than anywhere else in the country.
Let the city's warmth embrace you as you lose yourself in its unique blend of tradition, cultureold world charm and new world sophistication. Explore its nooks and crannies, and you'll discover captivating sights, sensational sounds, aromatic smells and fantastic people.
Kuala Lumpur, affectionately known as KL, is an amazing cultural melting pot. Here, you will wander through communities of Chinese, Malays, South Indians, East Malaysian ethnic groups, Thais, Indonesians, Sikhs and a huge community of expats. Each community offering its own festivals, food, music, art and fashion while influencing each other's cultures.
KL has a lively nightlife scene and a fascinating art and performance culture, which blends contemporary and traditional styles from many backgrounds. There is the widest range of sporting activities available with state-of -the-art facilities to impress any sporting enthusiast. The architecture is somewhat eccentric and is certainly unique, from hundred year old mansions to awe-inspiring sky scrapers, and all within metres of each other. Treat your tastebuds to Kuala Lumpur's extremely varied cuisine, which is certainly a tasty adventure in itself! Above all else KL is a shopping haven, offering everything from street side trinkets to haute couture.
The resulting kaleidoscope of cultures, costumes and cuisines is nothing short of a whirlwind for the senses - more intense here than anywhere else in the country.
Selangor
Selangor surrounds the capital city and is home to many city commuters who commute to neighbouring Petaling Jaya or KL. Moving at a slower pace, it is also touched by a regal atmosphere as Selangor is home to the country's most influential sultan. His palace stands high on a hill in the state capital of Shah Alam, which overlooks his neat and carefully planned city. Until just 25 years ago, what is now the state capital was little more than a rubber and palm oil plantation. But in the late 70s, a massive building programme spawned a well-developed infrastructure and a rapidly growing population.
Rich in history and culture, it is home to spiritual landmarks like the Batu Caves and our very own Blue Mosque. The Batu Caves are a focal point for Malaysia's millions of Hindus. A shrine, located in a huge cave 15 km north of KL, comes alive every January or February when up to a million devotees flock to the shrine for the exhuberant and colourful holiday of Thaipusam.
The Shah Alam mosque, nicknamed The Blue Mosque for its blue aluminium dome covered in verses from the Quran, is Malaysia's largest mosque and can accommodate 24,000 worshippers. Its four minarets are the world's tallest at over 140m.
Rich in history and culture, it is home to spiritual landmarks like the Batu Caves and our very own Blue Mosque. The Batu Caves are a focal point for Malaysia's millions of Hindus. A shrine, located in a huge cave 15 km north of KL, comes alive every January or February when up to a million devotees flock to the shrine for the exhuberant and colourful holiday of Thaipusam.
The Shah Alam mosque, nicknamed The Blue Mosque for its blue aluminium dome covered in verses from the Quran, is Malaysia's largest mosque and can accommodate 24,000 worshippers. Its four minarets are the world's tallest at over 140m.
Negeri Sembilan
Negeri Sembilan starts just 50 km south of Kuala Lumpur. Negeri Sembilan, which literally means nine states, has many villages with patches of urban development. But that is slowly changing.
Negeri Sembilan is well-known for its strong Minangkabau influences, which are still evident in its unique architecture and matrilineal society.
The Minangkabau people migrated across the Straits of Melaka from Sumatra centuries ago and their traditional houses are distinguished by sweeping roof peaks shaped like buffalo horns. Some examples of these influences can be seen in the State Mosque and the State Secretariat Building.
The Minangkabau people of Negeri Sembilan still practise the matrilineal social system known as the "adat perpatih", where the women are the head of the household, making the state the only one to adhere to such social norms.
The state has one of the most accessible beaches closest to the federal capital of Kuala Lumpur, known as Port Dickson, which is popular with weekenders. But beyond this famous beach, there is a little bit of everything for everyone to explore in this state, from the history buff to the nature lover.
Negeri Sembilan is well-known for its strong Minangkabau influences, which are still evident in its unique architecture and matrilineal society.
The Minangkabau people migrated across the Straits of Melaka from Sumatra centuries ago and their traditional houses are distinguished by sweeping roof peaks shaped like buffalo horns. Some examples of these influences can be seen in the State Mosque and the State Secretariat Building.
The Minangkabau people of Negeri Sembilan still practise the matrilineal social system known as the "adat perpatih", where the women are the head of the household, making the state the only one to adhere to such social norms.
The state has one of the most accessible beaches closest to the federal capital of Kuala Lumpur, known as Port Dickson, which is popular with weekenders. But beyond this famous beach, there is a little bit of everything for everyone to explore in this state, from the history buff to the nature lover.
Melaka
The city of Melaka is divided into the new and old sections. The older part of the city is fairly compact and has many historical and cultural attractions tucked into the nooks and crannies of its narrow streets.
Much of the remnants of Melaka's glorious past lie within the Town Square and waterfront area near the river.
Just above the Town Square is St. Paul's Hill (Bukit St. Paul) which is the site of the original Portuguese fort of A'Famosa and St. Paul's Church.
There is a sign-posted heritage trail which visitors can follow to visit all the historical places in the old part of town. The new section of Melaka lies across the Melaka River and is mostly built on land reclaimed from the sea. It consists of modern shopping centres like the Mahkota Parade and is a bustling food and entertainment district.
Outside Melaka town, there are a some nice beaches, two excellent offshore islands with resorts and a golf course. The Air Keroh district is close to the North-South Expressway and has many recreational theme parks.
Much of the remnants of Melaka's glorious past lie within the Town Square and waterfront area near the river.
Just above the Town Square is St. Paul's Hill (Bukit St. Paul) which is the site of the original Portuguese fort of A'Famosa and St. Paul's Church.
There is a sign-posted heritage trail which visitors can follow to visit all the historical places in the old part of town. The new section of Melaka lies across the Melaka River and is mostly built on land reclaimed from the sea. It consists of modern shopping centres like the Mahkota Parade and is a bustling food and entertainment district.
Outside Melaka town, there are a some nice beaches, two excellent offshore islands with resorts and a golf course. The Air Keroh district is close to the North-South Expressway and has many recreational theme parks.
Johor
Johor is the southern most state of Peninsular Malaysia, with a long coastline flanked by the Straits of Melaka on its west and the South China Sea on the east. Johor Bharu, the state capital, sits at the southern tip.
Its vast landscape is characterised by plantations of pineapple, rubber, coconut and palm oil, punctuated by spectacular national parks, quaint fishing villages, and 5-star sea-side resorts.
Retaining much of its natural splendour, the state has miles of golden sandy beaches, and beautiful offshore islands with clear waters which are excellent for diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing. The state is also endowed with several internationally-acclaimed forest reserves. Nature lovers will find the Endau-Rompin National Park located on the Johor-Pahang border, an unforgettable experience.
This lush, virgin lowland dipterocarp forest is home to several rare and endangered species, including the two-horned Sumatran rhinoceros.
Johor also has some of the best golf courses and luxury resorts in the country.
Its vast landscape is characterised by plantations of pineapple, rubber, coconut and palm oil, punctuated by spectacular national parks, quaint fishing villages, and 5-star sea-side resorts.
Retaining much of its natural splendour, the state has miles of golden sandy beaches, and beautiful offshore islands with clear waters which are excellent for diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing. The state is also endowed with several internationally-acclaimed forest reserves. Nature lovers will find the Endau-Rompin National Park located on the Johor-Pahang border, an unforgettable experience.
This lush, virgin lowland dipterocarp forest is home to several rare and endangered species, including the two-horned Sumatran rhinoceros.
Johor also has some of the best golf courses and luxury resorts in the country.
Pahang
Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, is endowed with a diverse range of attractions. Nearly two-thirds of the state is enveloped in verdant rainforest, making it a magnificent enclave of lush greenery, exotic wildlife and natural wonders.
The country's premier national park, Taman Negara, as well as the Endau Rompin State Park, contain an astounding ecological diversity with a vast collection of flora and fauna. The Orang Asli, Malaysia's indigenous people, with their intriguing traditions and way of life, add colour to Pahang's heritage.
Pahang's long, scenic coastline is a paradise of swaying palms and sandy beaches washed by the South China Sea. Cherating Beach and Tioman Island are renowned as the region's most popular beach resorts, captivating sun seekers with their exciting beach activities, underwater attractions and relaxed charm.
The formidable Main Range of mountains divide the state into east and west, and Gunung Tahan, the highest peak in the peninsula, provides challenging adventures for serious climbers. The state's mountainous terrain has also endowed it with several invigorating hill stations, ideal for fun-filled family holidays.
Genting Highlands, dubbed the City of Entertainment, and Bukit Tinggi, a French-themed resort, are excellent getaways situated an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur. Fraser's Hill and Cameron Highlands are quaint hill stations, which offer fantastic bird watching and nature trails. Kuantan, the state capital, is an interesting mix of modern buildings and charming old-world cottage industries.
Pahang's majestic nature, exciting eco-adventures, beautiful beaches, bustling townships, quaint villages, friendly people, unique handicrafts and delicious food make for a mesmerising and unforgettable vacation. Come, discover this gift of nature!
The country's premier national park, Taman Negara, as well as the Endau Rompin State Park, contain an astounding ecological diversity with a vast collection of flora and fauna. The Orang Asli, Malaysia's indigenous people, with their intriguing traditions and way of life, add colour to Pahang's heritage.
Pahang's long, scenic coastline is a paradise of swaying palms and sandy beaches washed by the South China Sea. Cherating Beach and Tioman Island are renowned as the region's most popular beach resorts, captivating sun seekers with their exciting beach activities, underwater attractions and relaxed charm.
The formidable Main Range of mountains divide the state into east and west, and Gunung Tahan, the highest peak in the peninsula, provides challenging adventures for serious climbers. The state's mountainous terrain has also endowed it with several invigorating hill stations, ideal for fun-filled family holidays.
Genting Highlands, dubbed the City of Entertainment, and Bukit Tinggi, a French-themed resort, are excellent getaways situated an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur. Fraser's Hill and Cameron Highlands are quaint hill stations, which offer fantastic bird watching and nature trails. Kuantan, the state capital, is an interesting mix of modern buildings and charming old-world cottage industries.
Pahang's majestic nature, exciting eco-adventures, beautiful beaches, bustling townships, quaint villages, friendly people, unique handicrafts and delicious food make for a mesmerising and unforgettable vacation. Come, discover this gift of nature!
Kelantan
One of the northernmost states in Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan Darul Naim borders Thailand in the north, Perak in the west, Terengganu in the south-east, the South China Sea to the east and Pahang in the south.
As the state shares a border with Thailand, and, indeed, was once under Thai rule, it's not surprising to find a strong Thai influence here in the local cuisine, architecture, and, of course, among the local population. The capital, Kota Bharu, is a good place to sample this culture and cuisine, and also makes a good base to explore the surrounding countryside. Kelantan is a unique travel destination because of its splendid beaches, rich cultural heritage, ornate handicrafts and wood carvings.
Women have always played a major part in the economy of the state. The handicrafts they produce, from Kelantan silver to baskets and cloth, are are some of the best in Peninsular Malaysia and are much sought after by both foreigners and Malaysians themselves. The Kelantanese seem to favour huge items and everything is big from the kites to the tops and the drums known as Rebana Ubi.
As the state shares a border with Thailand, and, indeed, was once under Thai rule, it's not surprising to find a strong Thai influence here in the local cuisine, architecture, and, of course, among the local population. The capital, Kota Bharu, is a good place to sample this culture and cuisine, and also makes a good base to explore the surrounding countryside. Kelantan is a unique travel destination because of its splendid beaches, rich cultural heritage, ornate handicrafts and wood carvings.
Women have always played a major part in the economy of the state. The handicrafts they produce, from Kelantan silver to baskets and cloth, are are some of the best in Peninsular Malaysia and are much sought after by both foreigners and Malaysians themselves. The Kelantanese seem to favour huge items and everything is big from the kites to the tops and the drums known as Rebana Ubi.
Terengganu
Terengganu is endowed with a wealth of superb natural landscapes. It is often said to have the most amazing geographic and natural diversity of all the states in the nation. Few visitors would disagree...
It has beaches, exotic islands, lush virgin tropical jungles, quaint fishing villages, dazzling waterfalls and much, much more. Miles and miles of white, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters stretch the length of its coastline from Besut in the north to Kemaman in the south.
Her islands are among the most picturesque and romantic in the country. From its myriad of colourful pastimes, which include batik-printing and songket-weaving, to the celebration of its many cultural and traditional heritages handed down from generation-to-generation, Terengganu is indeed a very blessed state.
Terengganu's population is predominantly Malay and speak in a dialect almost foreign to the rest of the country. The pace of life in Kuala Terengganu, the state capital, and all the towns and villages in Terengganu is countrified and unhurried.
It has beaches, exotic islands, lush virgin tropical jungles, quaint fishing villages, dazzling waterfalls and much, much more. Miles and miles of white, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters stretch the length of its coastline from Besut in the north to Kemaman in the south.
Her islands are among the most picturesque and romantic in the country. From its myriad of colourful pastimes, which include batik-printing and songket-weaving, to the celebration of its many cultural and traditional heritages handed down from generation-to-generation, Terengganu is indeed a very blessed state.
Terengganu's population is predominantly Malay and speak in a dialect almost foreign to the rest of the country. The pace of life in Kuala Terengganu, the state capital, and all the towns and villages in Terengganu is countrified and unhurried.
Malaysia Among World's Safest Tourist Destinations
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Foreign tourists have no worry coming to Malaysia because the country is among the safest destinations in the world to visit, Tourism Malaysia Director-General Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab said.
He said the crime rate in Malaysia was still low compared to those in some developed countries in Europe like in Paris, France, where the rate was so high that people had to queue to lodge police reports.
He gave a scenario in Milan, Italy as an example where tourists who lost their luggage were approached by the thieves who demanded payment for the return of the baggage.
"Malaysia is a safe place where even a petty crime gets reported," he told reporters after opening the general meeting of the Association of Malaysian Bumiputera Adventure and Travel Companies (Bumitra) here today.
He was reacting to crime reports by the media, whether they would adversely affect promotions for the Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
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