PETALING JAYA, Jan 22 — Consumer groups  urged the relevant authorities to upgrade tourist destinations in the country.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Datuk Paul Selvaraj said the attraction sites must be enhanced, and there is a lot that needs to be done to attract Malaysians to visit these places.

“Most of them are badly damaged and not well maintained,” he said.

“We must upgrade tourist spots to ensure visitors enjoy quality service and experience.”

Selvaraj said this will help attract foreigners to the country.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had on Tuesday announced a list of proactive measures to toughen the country’s resilience and one of it was to accelerate promotion of domestic tourism through competitive domestic air fares.

Malaysian Consumers Association secretary general Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said the Tourism Ministry must ensure all local holiday destinations and tourist attraction spots had been vetted and were on par with international travel destinations.

“It is a good move but the government must make sure these places are well-maintained,” he said.

“There were many times where consumers experienced tourist spots that were left in a deplorable state.”

Amarjit said the ministry played a vital role to promote and market these destinations to attract both the local and international markets.

“After making sure that local holiday destinations are of good standing, the ministry need to publicise these places well,” he said.

Malaysia Consumers Movement president Darshan Singh Dhilon said the promotion of domestic travel was about stimulating domestic consumption to ensure the country’s economy was self-sufficient.

“Visiting local destinations will allow domestic industries to grow.”

Darshan said it was important for the people to work hand-in-hand with the government to ensure a long-term benefit.

“As this is something that will affect everybody, we should work together so more people would spend locally, thus helping to stimulate the economy,” he said.

“While contributing to gross domestic product growth, this will also contribute to the gross national income which is key to achieving a high income nation status.”