Perak exco: Poor foreign language skills, lack of translated info hurting tourism push

Perak exco: Poor foreign language skills, lack of translated info hurting tourism push



Perak Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee speaking during State Legislative Assembly at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building in Ipoh, Perak. — Picture courtesy of the Perak Secretariat’s Corporate Unit

Wednesday, 10 Sep 2025 1:12 PM MYT


IPOH, Sept 10 — Efforts to promote Perak as a tourism destination for international visitors are being hampered by the lack of foreign language proficiency among tourism industry personnel, said State Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee.

While emphasising that Bahasa Malaysia must remain a priority, Loh said incorporating foreign languages was equally important to ensure visitors felt welcomed and better understood local attractions.


“Language proficiency is very important. Our officers need to be able to communicate in multiple languages, and at the same time, tourists should have access to information in languages they understand.

“QR codes offering translations into selected languages could be an effective solution,” he said.

Loh was responding to a question from the Menglembu assemblyman on the state government’s efforts and challenges in promoting tourism in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, during the State Assembly sitting at the Perak Darul Ridzuan building.



Meanwhile, state opposition whip chief Datuk Seri Zainol Fadzi Paharudin argued that language should not be seen as a major barrier to attracting tourists, pointing out that tourism continued to thrive in other countries despite limited foreign language proficiency.

“In Thailand, many locals do not speak English, yet the country records high tourist arrivals daily. Language alone should not be used as an excuse.


“We understand there are challenges such as transportation and airport facilities, but these have not stopped tourist numbers from rising every year,” he said.

Zainol suggested that the government focus on organising signature events in Perak annually, similar to past events such as the Royal Belum Drum Festival and the International Poetry Festival in Pangkor, which consistently attracted international visitors.

“Events like these are important to identify and establish as signature festivals that take place in Perak on a yearly basis,” he said.

Loh said he agreed with some of Zainol’s views, though not entirely.

“Much of what has been said is true, but not completely. I am not saying that without foreign languages we cannot progress, but we also cannot deny that with foreign languages, we can achieve greater reach,” he said.

On annual events, Loh said several programmes were already linked to tourism and culture.

“For instance, we host the Island Festival in Pangkor, which is an international festival featuring participants from countries such as Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and others,” he said.

“We also hold annual events such as the Lenggong Archaeological Festival and various cultural festivals across Perak.

“If there are additional opportunities, we are open to collaborations, as long as they benefit Perak’s tourism sector,” he added.