PADANG BESAR: With just about RM500 or slightly less, Perlis can rival Hatyai in Thailand as a worthwhile holiday destination with the attraction of many interesting locations in conjunction with Visit Perlis Year (TMP) 2024 - 2025 which began yesterday.
State development, tourism, culture, arts and heritage committee chairman, Wan Badariah Wan Saad, said that Perlis should not be overlooked as a tourism destination since it has what it takes to attract both local and foreign tourists.
"Across the border in Hatyai, a budget of about RM1,000 is said to be more than enough. Over here in Perlis, a budget of RM1,000 is also more than enough. In fact, with about RM500 or less even, tourists and visitors alike in Perlis can enjoy a worthwhile holiday that is very interesting and worth it, value for money.
"Accommodation here in Perlis can be had for less than RM200, with the added bonus of wonderful food that is quite reasonable and where interesting sights in the state may be visited for a very minimal fee. Simply said, you may have a nice time while also saving money.
"There are many choices and options for tourists who want to try Thai food. So, in comparison to Hatyai or other holiday locations, Perlis is a worthy attraction and site to visit," said Wan Badariah after attending the Tourism Programme in conjunction with Visit Perlis Year 2024-2025 here at Santuari Ikan Air Tawar, Tasik Timah Tasoh in Beseri, yesterday.
Wan Badariah said that the state government was highly hopeful about drawing 3.5 million tourists to Perlis this year due to a rise in the number of visitors from time to time.
"Over the past two weeks of the school holidays, we estimate that there were more than 100,000 visitors from in and outside of Perlis who came to the state to enjoy a holiday.
"And in light of this development, it is not unthinkable that the 3.5 million tourist target for this year and next, in conjunction with Visit Perlis Year 2024 - 2025, can be met," said Wan Badariah.
Meanwhile, Perlis State Consumer Affairs and Cost of Living Exco chairman, Razali Saad, reminded traders and entrepreneurs, as well as owners and operators of eateries in the state, not to use Visit Perlis Year 2024 - 2025 as a platform or excuse to raise food prices, particularly in popular, well-known areas such as Kuala Perlis.
"We have received complaints about price hikes, especially for food in the Kuala Perlis area and action has already been taken by the State Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. Just because it is Visit Perlis Year 2024 - 2025, we do not want to see any side or party taking advantage of the situation by raising prices of food without valid reason," he said.