Ceremonies to mark the launch of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) cost RM10.9 million, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi volunteered the information that this was higher than the cost of launching the Iskandar Development Region in Johor, but did not say by how much.

"Although the sum looks big, we have to take into account all the programmes and activities arranged for the launch," he said in a parliamentary written reply.

"For example, we have to consider the cost of lodging, food, transport and rental of tents."

Abdullah was responding to Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) who asked the prime minister to state the cost of implementing the NCER, with a breakdown by state and activity. She also asked for the rationale of the expenditure.

He explained that Sime Darby Bhd - which prepared the master plan - spent RM1.24 million in Perlis, RM5.6 million in Kedah and RM2.4 million and RM1.76 million respectively in Penang and Perak.

"The project had to be launched in all four states so that the public could take part," he added.

Tourism pays off

On another matter, Deputy Tourism Ministry Donald Lim said the government has allocated RM335 million to the ministry to promote 'Visit Malaysia Year 2007'.

"A big portion of the money was spent on advertising in Asia, North America, Europe and in the domestic market in the form of meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions," he said.

From January to June, the tourism sector earned RM2.4 billion, an increase of 45.9 percent over the same period last year.

Lim said the tourists arrivals are mainly from Asean countries, namely Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei.

The Malaysian tourism sector - traditionally one of the largest generators of revenue - also contributes to employment opportunities in downstream activities in the food and beverage and transportation sectors, among others.