The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry plans to form a 'tourist police' team in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020 to enhance the security of tourists arriving in the country.

Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi said his ministry would be meeting with the Home Ministry in the near future to discuss the proposal.

“I will discuss with the Home Ministry about the roles and (potential) members of the tourist police team,” he told reporters after attending the opening of Oghang Kedah Festival officiated by Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir in Jitra today.

Mohamaddin said the members of the tourist police team would be stationed in each state, especially in popular tourist spots.

Meanwhile, the minister refuted claims that Malaysia was among the worst countries in Asia for solo female travellers, as claimed by an independent travel blog based in Australia, Asher & Lyric.

Mohamaddin said that thus far, his ministry has not received any complaints or official reports on the matter.

“Our country can be said to be one of the safest to visit. In fact, I have never received such complaints,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the Oghang Kedah Festival, Mukhriz said art and culture were among the elements that could attract tourists and thus increase the income of the people and the state.

"This include performances, lifestyle, culture, food and beverage, heritage, architecture, handicrafts, hospitality and all the elements that characterise the lifestyle of the community at any given destination,” he said.

- Bernama