Despite the Health Ministry expressing concern over the spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) from Singapore, the Johor state government today said it encourages visitors from the republic.

Menteri Besar Abdul Ghani Othman said the state government wanted to turn the state - which borders the republic - into a tourist and shopping haven for Singaporeans.

However, he added that health screening conducted o­n both sides of the causeway would continue to ensure that o­nly those who were fit were allowed into the state.