How do we make sure Malaysians choose to travel domestically and not resort to Thailand most of the time? According to the Vice-Chancellor of the Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), Professor Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, we already have one reason to stay local when travelling.
He claimed that the nature in Malaysia is 400 times more beautiful than Thailand’s, and he disagreed that Thailand is more beautiful than Malaysia because the local nature is much more beautiful and preserved.
Phra Nang Beach, Krabi, Thailand
The nature in Malaysia is 400 times more beautiful than Thailand’s, UPSI Vice-Chancellor claims
However, Dr Md Amin clarified that this alone is not enough to keep Malaysians travelling in the country, as the key is to lower tourism costs, create Rahmah packages, and carry out continuous promotions because these are the main criteria that Malaysian tourists take into account.
When highlighting why Malaysians flock to neighbouring countries as their tourism destinations, the UPSI Vice-Chancellor said that lower costs, cheap food, and a variety of activities are among the main attractions that cause hundreds of thousands of people to flock to the neighbouring countries.
Professor Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff
For instance, a tour package with a half-board tour bus from Malaysia to Krabi for three days and two nights with accommodation, meals, and activities is as low as RM499 per person.
Not only that, but food prices in Thailand are much lower than those in Malaysia, with more options available abroad
“Imagine rice, tom yum and a variety of seafood options for six people for only around RM100 to RM150.
“If Thailand can maintain the price of Rahmah food despite being visited by millions of foreign tourists every year, why not our main tourist areas?” Dr Md Amin said, as reported by Harian Metro.
As for the nature, Dr Md Amin said that those we see in Malaysia are much better than the ones we have seen in Thailand, and dubbed the scenery in Thailand “overrated.”
“Port Dickson is more beautiful than Ao Nang Beach. The islands in Langkawi are more beautiful than those in Krabi. The water in Redang, the Mersing islands and even Pulau Kapas is clearer than Ko Phi Phi.”
Pulau Kapas, Terengganu, Malaysia
Dr Md Amin, however, admitted one truth:
The souvenirs in Thailand are much cheaper, while in Malaysia, they are more expensive with limited choices.
“Try looking for a Sungkai fridge magnet, but I can’t find one. Even in Genting, I don’t know how much it costs. If there is one, it’s even more expensive than in Thailand,” the UPSI Vice-Chancellor commented.
Last but not least, he highlighted that the domestic tourists need to be given the same attention as foreign tourists by lowering basic costs, creating Rahmah packages, and continuous promotions meant for all.
Also read: M’sians Returning Home Get Stuck at Thai Border for 12 Hours, Some Had to Spend ~RM370 on Hotel Stay
