MALAYSIAN TOURISM MINISTRY SENDS CONDOLENCES TO THAI GOVT OVER BUS CRASH

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Tourism Ministry Tuesday
conveyed its deepest condolonces and sympathy to the Thai government over the
bus crash, near Ipoh, which killed 25 Thai tourists and injured 10 others.

Its Deputy Minister Dr James Dawos Mamit, in a message faxed to Thai
Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa, said it was a sad day for
everyone at the Tourism Ministry.

"Words alone cannot express our feelings of grief as we mourn the lives
lost. Please accept our condolences on behalf of the families affected by the
incident," he said.

Dawos Mamit said as friends and neighbours, he gave his personal assurance
that the ministry would work with the relevant authorities to facilitate the
arrangements that needed to be made.

He said the ministry's concern was the well-being of the survivors and it
would do whatever it could within its capacity to assist them and expedite
help.

On Monday, a bus carrying Thai tourists crashed and overturned as it came
down from Cameron Highlands, killing 27 people and injuring 10 others in what is
believed to be the worst road accident in Malaysian history.