MORE AIR ROUTES TO BE EXPLORED TO BOOST TOURISM

KUALA LUMPUR, April 13 (Bernama) -- The Transport Ministry will explore more
air routes to further promote Malaysia's tourism industry, said its minister
Ong Tee Keat.

Besides this, Ong said the ministry would also intensify efforts to get more
landing rights for Malaysia's national carrier MAS and low-cost-carriers (LCCs),
specifically in West Asian countries.

He told this to reporters after officiating the 'Marhaba' programme here
Sunday. It is a special programme to assist Middle Eastern tourists in various
aspects during their visit to the country.

Meanwhile, Ong also proposed that the status of the Commercial Vehicle
Licensing Board (CVLB) be reviewed carefully when it is placed under a new
ministry so that it can effectively handle problems related to taxi drivers.

Before the new Cabinet line-up was announced on the Thursday, the CVLB came
under the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry but that ministry
has since been abolished.

"Licensing of taxis come under the CVLB, but at the same time, enforcement
also involves the Road Transport Department (JPJ). The roles of the two bodies
when it comes to taxis is something that needs to be addressed," he said.


-- BERNAMA