TURNING the global economic downturn to its advantage, the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board hopes to attract more visitors from India this year, expecting a nine percent growth, Tamil Nesan reported.

Its director for South Asia, West Asia and Africa division Zulkefli Sharif said that figure could be achieved despite the recession.

He said the board hoped to attract 600,000 Indian visitors to Malaysian shores, up from last year's 550,000. It expects to do this by focusing on the shrinking, expensive long-distant markets.

Makkal Osai reported MIC branch leaders should be pro-active in serving the public and not be concerned about the positions they currently hold.

MIC Serdang division chief Senator S. Ravichandran reminded them this after opening the eighth Annual General Meeting of the Kajang Utama MIC branch.

He said the people's expectations were high and therefore it was the responsibility of each branch to maintain close relationship and tackle their problems with urgency.

"It is not enough to just hold meetings," he added.

-The Star/Asia News Network