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From the Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi
Dear friends,
I am sure most of you have watched with disbelief the terrible scenes of devastation as a result of last week`s tsunami in Asia. By the grace of God, Malaysia can consider itself fortunate in that the impact of the waves was limited to brief stretches of coastline with the resulting damage and loss of life relatively small.
In view of the forthcoming Le Tour de Langkawi (28th Jan – 6th Feb 2005), I wish to present clear information so that you may better understand the current situation in Malaysia.
- Based on the latest reports (28/12/04, pm), 66 persons are dead, 118 injured and 6 missing.
- Those who perished were either local picnickers or anglers who were on the beach or out the sea. About 700 homes were destroyed. They were mostly from the coastal villages of Penang and Kedah.
- In Malaysia, where such natural disasters and calamities have never occurred before, the situation is very much under control. The crisis management committees were activated on site immediately to monitor the situation and provide all necessary assistance to those affected by tidal wave.
- At Penang and Langkawi, hotel operations have returned back to normal. Only the beachfronts of three hotels were affected by the tidal wave. The cleaning up of the debris is now complete, all hotels and resorts in the affected areas are now operating as usual, while tourist attractions are unaffected.
- Meanwhile, all the gateways and airports are fully open and it is business as usual. The country remains a safe destination for visitors and tourists.
- Since peninsular Malaysia is sheltered by the island of Sumatra and not directly exposed to the Indian Ocean, it is relatively safe from the direct effects of the tsunami aftershocks.
- Neither the route, hotel resorts or facilities involves with the Le Tour de Langkawi 2005 have been affected by the tsunami. The organisers preparations for the event continue and remain unaffected.
- Plans are well underway for the event to be used as a fund raising platform for those affected by tsunami.
The Organiser, sponsors and Malaysia government believe the event will show the world that Malaysia is a safe destination and open for business.
The above is an accurate assessment and we shall be keeping you updated on a regular basis until the situation in the region stabilizes. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@tdl.com.my.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to welcoming you to Malaysia for the 10th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi.
With kind regards,
Managing Director
Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi
Malaysia 6/1/2004
