KUALA LUMPUR: Lack of infrastructure, especially the absence of hotels, is a major contributing factor to the low number of tourists to Rantau Panjang.
Rantau Panjang member of parliament Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff said local tourists instead tend to favour nearby destinations such as Golok in Thailand.
"There are no hotels in Rantau Panjang. Tourists coming to Rantau Panjang have to stay in hotels in Thailand or Kota Bharu, even though the distance between Golok and Rantau Panjang is near.
"There is a need to increase the number of hotels that can provide accommodation to draw tourists.
"Those who come to Rantau Panjang only stop briefly on their way to other places, including Thailand, because there are no facilities. Thousands of Malaysians cross into Thailand every day because Rantau Panjang is the gateway," she told the Dewan Rakyat today.
In response, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing acknowledged that many Malaysians only stop briefly in the border town on their way to Thailand, with Thai nationals doing the same.
He said this situation highlights the urgent need for improvements to the town's facilities.
"We need to engage with the state government to ensure our plans for Rantau Panjang are aligned, particularly when it comes to building hotels and other essential infrastructure, as well as upgrading existing facilities," he said.
Tiong assured that the ministry is ready to assist, adding that it does not discriminate against opposition-held states.
"We urge all parties to work together to strengthen the economy, expand tourism opportunities, and ensure a better quality of life for the people."