RALLY CAUSES US$32.9 MILLION LOSS TO TOURISM INDUSTRY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- The country's tourism industry incurred over RM100 million (US$32.943 million) in losses due to the illegal rally last Saturday, Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen said.

The rally not only affected petty traders around the city but also major hotels, she told reporters after launching a novel, titled "The Dulang Washer: An Epic Tale Of Love, Valour And Secrets," here Tuesday.

Ng said travel agencies took tourists out of Kuala Lumpur on Friday and had them return on Sunday, to ensure their safety.

The novel, which depicts the tale of history, love and sacrifice, written by Paul Callan, retails in stores for RM39.90 (US$13.14) each.