TOURIST ARRIVALS IN EAST MALAYSIA STATE TO DROP THIS YEAR

KUCHING (Malaysia), July 21 (Bernama) - Tourist arrivals in East Malaysia state of Sarawak are expected to drop between five and 10 percent due to the Influenza A (H1N1) virus and the global economic downturn, state Urban Development and Tourism Minister, Michael Manyin, said Tuesday.

He said the state tourism players were bracing for a drop in tourist
arrivals as most countries now were amid global travel slowdown.

"The worldwide recession and fears of the flu will definitely affect the
state's tourism industry. If the situation continues, tourist arrivals in the
state will drop between five to ten percent.

"We hope the Influenza A (H1N1) situation will improve and the economy
situation recovers soon so we can pick up by the end of this year," he told
reporters at a news conference here Tuesday.

Manyin said Sarawak targeted 3.4 million tourist arrivals this year.

"I doubt we can achieve it if the situation persist," he said.

Earlier, Manyin said the 18th Kobe Osaka International (KOI) Karate World
Cup will be held here beginning July 23-26 at the Sarawak Indoor Stadium, Petra
Jaya.

He said about 2,000 exponents from 35 countries including, Scotland, Italy,
Greece, India, Egypt, Holland, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran,
Hong Kong, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia were scheduled to compete in more than
30 categories (aged eight to 45 and above).

Malaysia will be represented by the national team and clubs from east coast
state of Pahang, Federal Territory of Labuan, and East Malaysia states of Sabah
and Sarawak.

Youth and Sports Minister, Ahmad Shabery Cheek will declare open the event
on Thursday.
-- BERNAMA