With Malaysia seen as a popular tourist destination for Capetonians, the country is hoping to further strengthen ties with South Africa in improve tourism there. This emerged at the World Travel Market Africa 2015, which this year hosted travel companies from around the world at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

For three days, the event offers local and global companies an opportunity to exhibit their business, meet up with existing partners, form new relationships and sign new business deals. The conference aims to reflect on what has been achieved in Cape Town, South Africa and elsewhere around the world. This week discussions focused on practical solutions that create prosperous and sustainable destinations, the responsibility of tourism groups and the partnerships needed to make it work.

Speaking to VOC at the CTICC, Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board chairperson Dr NG Yen Yen said Malaysia is a country which the local Cape Malay community will recognise as “a home away from home”.

“I think that we should maximise on this very strong roots and connection with South Africa and Malaysia. Malaysia, as you know, consists of 65% Malays. I’m sure if the local Malay community in Cape Town knew about the history and the contribution of the country, they would like to visit Malaysia and learn more,” Yen Yen said.

Local Muslims find many similarities between the cultural practices of the Malay population in Malaysia and back home. Thus, Yen Yen called on Capetonians to take advantage of these auspicious practices and further added that the celebrations after Ramadaan is one not to be missed, especially for local Cape Malays.

“Malaysia today is a very modern country and yet we keen our very strong value system and traditions as a top priority,” Yen Yen added.

Raving about the Malaysian cuisine, due to its diverse cultures and people, Yen Yen said if anything was to bring local Cape Malays to a country closely rooted to their identities, it would be the food.

“The Malay food is fantastic. You have eight different types of Laksa as thirteen different states represent a vast difference in culture, food and traditions,” Yen Yen said.

Yen Yen reports an increase in interest and travelling from South Africa to Malaysia and hopes to strengthen the two countries relationship to allow locals an opportunity to learn more about their forefathers who were sent to South Africa in exile. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)