KOTA BARU: Local councils in Kelantan have been taken to task for their failure to maintain the cleanliness of public amenities that have now become a turn-off for tourists.

“They do not upkeep facilities such as toilets and changing rooms in Pantai Cahaya Bulan, the Bachok beaches, Pergau in Jeli – and the list keeps growing”, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said.

The state tourism authorities had sent letters to the councils but the effort remained futile, she said.

Dr Ng said the level of cleanliness at these facilities was “way below par” compared to the other states, and this was thwarting the ministry’s effort to develop the tourism sector here.

“I am disappointed with these municipal councils, who always wait for my ministry to come up with plans to upkeep the cleanliness of their respective areas.”

“They should not expect the Federal Government to maintain such areas when it is their responsibility to do so,” Dr Ng told reporters after attending a Chinese New Year event at the Kelantan Chinese Chamber hall yesterday.

Dr Ng said that about RM30mil had been allocated to develop 14 tourism projects in Kelantan under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

However, the funds would be wasted if there was no high standard of cleanliness at tourist spots, she added.

“I have received complaints from tourists and visitors about this. It is disheartening,” she said.

On a brighter note, Dr Ng announ­ced that efforts were under way to promote rail tourism with the cooperation of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). She noted that selected railway stations along the route from Singapore to Tumpat would be decorated as attractions for visi­­tors from Singapore.

KTMB would also upgrade two coaches to include karaoke and entertainment facilities for passengers on the 10-hour journey to Tumpat, she said.