RAFTING CAN BOOST CULTURE TOURISM

LIPIS (Pahang, Malaysia), May 9 (Bernama) - The Sungai Pahang International Rafting Expedition can boost culture tourism, said Deputy Information Communication and Culture Minister Maglin Dennis D'cruz.

He said the program jointly organised by the Tourism Ministry and his ministry can attract more European tourists who love culture and adventurous activities.

"This is because Malaysia is blesssed with rich cultural heritage," he told reporters after attending the Sungai Pahang Expedition launch at Kuala Lipis jetty here Monday.

The Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had earlier flagged off 38 groups of 300 rafters who will tackle Sungai Pahang until May 14.

D'cruz said the rafters will stop at villages in Kuala Triang, Bera to enjoy the Malysian cultural heritage and interact with the local people.

Activities lined-up include sukan rakyat (local sports), top spinning competition and cultural shows.

The Sungai Pahang International Rafting Expedition will be held annually for three years until 2013.