700-YEAR-OLD TEMPLE TO BECOME TOURIST SITE

GUA MUSANG (Malaysia), July 31 (Bernama) -- The oldest Chinese temple in the
country, located in Kampung Pulai in here in the northeast state of Kelantan,
will be promoted as a new tourist destination through the Cuti-Cuti Malaysia
(Holidays in Malaysia) campaign.

Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen said it was high time for the 700-year-old
temple to be promoted to the world and thus lure more tourists to the place.

She, however, reminded the temple's committee not to do anything to renovate
the temple as its attraction would depend on its authenticity.

"We don't want any changes on the temple because we want to preserve its
traditional elements so that the tourists can really enjoy it," she told
reporters after visiting the temple, here Thursday.

Dr Ng also asked the residents in the village to set up a tourism committee
and organise homestay programmes to facilitate the incoming tourists.

"Those providing traditional houses for the homestay programme, however,
must make sure that the houses are clean and attractively furnished to enable
them to earn extra income," she added.
-- BERNAMA