Increase in tourist arrivals can boost ringgit, says deputy finance minister

An increase in foreign tourist arrivals can strengthen the value of the ringgit, which is currently relatively low, says Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan.

He said more than 200 million tourists from China were planning their trips abroad and voiced hope that they would choose Malaysia as their destination.

"We want a lot of tourists because they generate revenue for the country, including the tourism, hotel, food and beverage sectors.

"At the same time, the demand for the ringgit by tourists when they visit Malaysia can boost the performance of the local currency," he told reporters after a working visit to the Port Dickson passenger jetty yesterday.

He said agencies such as the customs department also played an important role in enhancing the tourism economic sector.
 
"Delays at the airport and at the jetty are a recurring thing. I think when we need a lot of tourists to come to this country, one of the agencies that plays an important role is customs, which is to manage the arrival of tourists efficiently.

"Nevertheless, I see improvements being made. For example, at this jetty, customs uses the approach of collecting goods to be screened at the scanner while other passengers line up waiting for their turn at the counter. It is a method that can speed up the queue," he said.