The Perlis government welcomes any private company with the expertise in managing and improving the tourism sector to collaborate with it in efforts to boost tourism in the state.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man said the government did not deny that if managed to the optimum, the tourism sector could substantially increase the state's revenue despite the currently sluggish global economic situation.

He said the tourism sector in Perlis was rather slow due to the lack of expertise, thorough planning and efficient management of facilities.

"Perlis has provided more tourist spots with natural environment, mostly involving forest reserves which are under the care of the state Forestry Department.

"However, the department does not have the technical expertise in the tourism field which could enable them to manage these tourist spots as wanted by this sector," he said when tabling the Perlis Budget 2017 at the state assembly sitting, here, Tuesday.

In this regard, the menteri besar said the state government would be happy if a win-win collaboration could be established with private companies interested in boosting the state's tourism sector.

He said through such an initiative, the existing tourist attractions like the Kelam Cave and Secret Garden in Wang Kelian, Eagle Park, cattery and golf course in Bukit Air, here, could be redeveloped to draw more tourists to the state.

Azlan said RM3.38 million had been allocated in the state's 2017 Budget to spur tourism activities.

"Out of this amount, RM1.03 million is allocated for the forest recreational parks and ecotourism with focus given to the Bukit Ayer and Bukit Kubu recreational forests," he said.

He said RM1.25 million would be allocated for agricultural complexes and agrotourism products in Bukit Temiang, Bukit Bintang and Sungai Batu Pahat.

Azlan said the state government would also build new facilities and attractions including a hypermarket, hotel and more attractive cafe-like eateries in Kuala Perlis and Padang Besar. -- BERNAMA