CHURCH ATTACKS THREATENING MALAYSIA`S TOURISM INDUSTRY, SAYS MINISTER

RAUB (Malaysia), Jan 11 (Bernama) -- The Tourism Ministry fears that
attempts of arson on several churches in the country may threaten its tourism
industry's growth.

Its minister Dr Ng Yen Yen sad the religious tension could cause
fear among foreign tourists of visiting Malaysia, hence affecting its economy.

"This is the communicaton era, so information travels fast...tourists will
choose not to visit a country faced with conflicts, especially religious
conflicts," she told reporters after officiating at a Christmas and New Year
celebration attended by about 150 Christians, here, Sunday.

Dr Ng said the church attacks were sending the wrong message to foreign
tourists when Malaysia was always touted as a harmonious country despite its
multiracial and multireligious society.

However, she said, the ministry had not received information on the effects
of the incidents on tourist arrivals in Malaysia.

"We are monitoring the developments through our offices overseas."

Dr Ng who condemned the church attacks said the people should not be
influenced by the actions of a few who were out to create chaos in the country.

She said the National Front (Barisan Nasional - BN) government, which at all
times wanted to safeguard peace and religious freedom in this country, would
ensure the individuals involved would face appropriate action.

So far, seven churches with the latest in Miri, Sarawak (East Malaysia
state) as well as the
church and guard post at Convent Secondary School in Taiping, Perak (Northern
state in Peninsular Malaysia) have been
targeted.

-- BERNAMA