Insensitive and stupid, say netizens on plans to attract tourists during floods

 

Netizens said they are embarrassed by the alleged comments by Kelantan tourism committee chairman Kamarudin Md Noor because people suffer, and even die, during floods. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Social media users have slammed plans by the Kelantan government to turn the monsoon season, which causes annual floods, into a tourism product, saying such proposals are insensitive and stupid.

Earlier today, tourism, culture, arts and heritage committee chairman Kamarudin Md Noor was reported by Astro Awani as saying the state was looking at promoting activities like surfing and food that is traditionally eaten during the monsoon season to attract tourists.

He said the state seemed “deserted” during the monsoon season as there were no tourists.

X users took issue with such plans, with one, identified as Zac, reminding Kamarudin that lives are often lost during the floods.

“And yet he thinks it (the floods) could become a tourism activity. He is really out of touch.”

Another, who identified himself as Xavier Naxa, said he suffered “second hand embarrassment” as a Kelantanese.

He said he found it odd that there are those who seem to celebrate the floods, while the people of Kelantan had to suffer during such times.

“If stupidity could be converted to diamonds, these people would be millionaires,” Xavier said.

Another, identified as eKharus, wondered how such leaders are voted in.

One YouTube user said he had respect for the newscaster for keeping a straight face when reporting the news.

Another quipped: “This is not thinking outside the box, but out-of-your-mind.”

This evening, it was reported that more than 51,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes because of the floods on the west coast of the peninsula.

In Kelantan, the worst-hit state, 42,048 victims are seeking shelter at 189 relief centres in 10 districts. - FMT