JOHOR BARU, Nov 22 — Motorists on the North-South Expressway will now know where and what culinary delights are available at the rest and recreation areas (R&R) along the highway.

The launch of an English publication of Jom Singgah, a collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and expressway operator PLUS, was aimed at providing motorists a comprehensive guide to where the 16 R&Rs were located, and the signature dishes available at each stop.

Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsuddin, when launching the 116-page book at the Gelang Patah R&R (northbound) here yesterday, said the book would offer tourists, especially those from Singapore and Thailand, an insight into Malaysian favourite fares available at the various rest stops.

“Fourteen million tourists from Singapore visited Malaysia last year and 74 per cent used the overland route. This means an estimated 10 million used the expressway, either in cars or buses,” she said.

Mas Ermieyati said the book would make it easy for tourists to know what signature dishes were available  at which R&R. 

“For example, the Machap R&R is known for its mee rebus Jawa. At the Ayer Keroh stop, there is the famous version of the Singapore rojak, and the Gurun stop has its fish head curry,” she said.

According to PLUS chief operating officer Mohammad Fuad Khusairi, 50,000 copies of the book had been printed and made available for free at strategic locations across the country, like tourism offices in Malaysia and Singapore, and at selected PLUS customer service centres.

“The book also states tourism areas near the R&R,” Mohammad Fuad said.

A Bahasa Malaysia version was launched in October last year for the domestic market and according to Mas Ermieyati, it was a hit.

“But now, we need to cater to the needs of our foreign friends,” she said.