KUALA LUMPUR: Formulating effective solutions to help revive the tourism industry, which has been impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak and falling oil prices, is top of the agenda for Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Batang Sadong Member of Parliament, who will be sworn in as the new Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister under Perikatan Nasional today, is also aware that she faces a daunting task in developing Malaysia’s tourism industry amidst global economic uncertainties.
“Malaysia today is facing grave challenges on both the global and local fronts. With the apparent impact of Covid-19 on world economies, businesses and routines are severely affected.
“Coupled with the downward trend of crude oil prices, it is clear that we have to work harder to overcome the challenges ahead.
“I am aware that many industry players, especially in the tourism sector and airline industries, are facing trying times.
“As the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, I am committed to coming up with effective solutions and long-term economic measures to manage our tourism sector better,” said Nancy, who hails from Sarawak, in a statement that was shared on her Facebook account.
Nancy, who was previously the de-facto law minister under the then Barisan Nasional administration, however, said she believes that the country’s economy is resilient enough to face these challenges.
“And with this new Cabinet line-up, we shall take advantage of all opportunities available to persevere through the crisis,” the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) federal lawmaker said.
She also said GPS will remain focused and steadfast on ensuring that the constitutional rights of Sarawak and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are preserved and safeguarded.
“To my constituents in Batang Sadong, I am still the same Nancy Shukri you know, and will continue to serve you in my capacity as an MP,” she added.