Ministry suspends roadshows for Visit Malaysia Year 2014

The Tourism and Culture Ministry has temporarily suspended roadshows on Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014 out of respect for the MH370 tragedy.

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the suspension would continue for as long as there was no closure to the tragedy.

Nazri was speaking to reporters after the launch of the fifth Malaysia International Shoe Festival (MISF) 2014, here, Thursday.

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370, carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members, left the KL International Airport at 12.41 am on March 8 and disappeared from radar screens about an hour later while over the South China Sea. It was to have landed in Beijing at 6.30 am on the same day.

The aircraft is believed to have ended its journey into the southern Indian Ocean, west of Perth, Australia and search and rescue operations by international teams is ongoing.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association (MFMA) president, Tony Ting said the MISF targeted RM10 million in sales and 70,000 visitors this year compared to RM7.2 million last year.

The festival which is open to traders and the public until Sunday, is showcasing 100 local and international brands.

In honour of Prof Datuk Dr Jimmy Choo's tremendous talent and contribution to the industry, the organisers have dedicated an exclusive Jimmy Choo Gallery, titled 'Mahkota- The II Series' at the festival this year.

Jimmy Choo is a world class shoe maker, famous around the world for creating shoes for celebrities, including the late Princess Diana.