Following the recent tidal wave (tsunami) disaster caused by the major earthquake at Sumatra, there has been some reported damage in Malaysia but the situation is fully under control. A tsunami tidal wave set off by an earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter Scale which struck 160km offshore from the Indonesian island of Sumatra caused some damage to coastal villages in Penang, Langkawi, Kedah and Perlis at about 1.40 pm on Sunday, 26 December 2004.The Malaysian authorities monitoring the situation have taken the necessary measures as a precaution.

The following were reported by the National Disaster Committee on 28 December 2004:

o 60 people have died; 183 injured; and 29 missing.

o Those who perished were either local picnickers or anglers who were on the beach or out at sea.

o About 700 homes at coastal villages near Balik Pulau in Penang and Kuala Muda in Kedah were destroyed.

o Despite some minor damage in Penang and Langkawi, two popular winter destinations, hotel operations there have returned to normal and all is calm. At the beachfronts of some hotels, debris clearance is expected to take a few days. All other hotels and resorts in the affected areas are operating as usual while tourist attractions are unaffected.

The Prime Minister has instructed the National Disaster Committee to initiate relief works, and the Treasury to make out the necessary compensation for victims who lost their homes in the tidal wave disaster.

Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato'Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also the Chairman of the National Disaster Committee, has ordered National Disaster Operation Rooms to be opened 24 hours in all affected states in Peninsular Malaysia and for rescue and relief work to continue.

In Malaysia, the situation is back to normal and everything is fully under control. All gateways and airports are opened and it is business as usual. The country remains a safe destination for tourists.

According to Star Cruises, its two cruise liners, SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Gemini which sailed from Singapore and Port Klang respectively on 26 December are amending their itineraries to call in on Langkawi on 28 December instead of Phuket until further notice.

The Malaysian Host Committee of ATF 2005 from 21 to 29 January 2005 in Langkawi wishes to reassure all registered delegates and participants that all is proceeding as scheduled and looks forward to welcoming everyone to a successful conference and TRAVEX.

For more updates, please log on to our website: www.tourism.gov.my __________________________________________ Issued by: Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia Date: 28 December 2004 Contact: Tel: (603) 2615 8188 E-mail: enquiries@tourism.gov.my