The logo for Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY 2020) is expected to be launched by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad next month, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohammadin Ketapi.

According to Mohammadin, preparations for VMY 2020 are being conducted both at home and abroad.

“To further boost the VMY 2020 campaign, we will be launching a logo soon... it can be said that 60 percent of the preparations have been made, we have also participated in the World Travel Market and Arabian Travel Market," he said.

Mohammadin was speaking to reporters after the Opening Ceremony of the Malaysia-Thailand Cultural and Sports Tourism Fair in Narathiwat on Friday night.

Also present was Narathiwat governor Ekkarat Leesen.

Earlier, Mohamaddin said in his speech that the yearly event is the best platform for Malaysia and Thailand to promote cultural diversity and many attractions in Narathiwat.

“Malaysia and Thailand, both active members of Asean, enjoy cordial diplomatic relations and share strong bilateral ties in areas such as sports, tourism, culture and connectivity and socio-economic developments in border areas,” he added.

Meanwhile, when asked about the proposal to build a 21-storey building at the Malaysian Tourism Centre (Matic) in Jalan Ampang, Mohammadin said it had yet to be decided, adding that it has also not been tabled and approved by the cabinet.

A portal had previously reported that the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry was planning to build an administrative building in Matic.

The RM255 million ringgit 21-storey building project was seen to have affected the old Matic building with Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman, which was classified as national heritage in 2018.

The project was approved by the previous administration in 2017, but its status is still dependent upon the Pakatan Harapan government.

- Bernama