Johor exco: Tourists still coming, visiting indoor areas to avoid haze

Tourism activities in Johor are now concentrated at indoor areas, following poor air quality due to the haze, especially in the north Johor district.

State Tourism, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairperson Liow Cai Tung (photo, above) said despite the unhealthy air quality, tourist arrivals to the state, especially from Singapore, remained high.

She said so far she has not received any complaint on the drop in the number of tourists from the industry players or on tourists falling ill because of the haze.

“Most tourism activities are focused in Johor Bahru area and the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in the area have not reached a dangerous level.

“The Singapore school holidays are on this week and I see more and more tourists arriving. They spend most of their time indoors at shopping malls or covered tourist spots," she told reporters after opening the Infinity 8 City Centre Coworking Space X Art Gallery in Johor Bahru today.

Liow said the state government was always monitoring the API readings to ensure the safety and health of the people and that they were kept updated on the air quality level.

"For example, while the three-day Desaru International Bike Week is going on we will continue to monitor the air quality there. As at yesterday, the API reading was still low and has not disrupted the programme,” she said.

However, Liow advised the public to limit their outdoor activities, especially in the affected areas and to maintain good health.

Yesterday, the State Education Department ordered all schools, including kindergartens, higher learning institutions and colleges in three districts, namely Tangkak, Muar and Pontian, to be closed starting today, after the API readings exceeded 200.

- Bernama