Don’t panic fellow Christians! Malaysia is still safe to travel!

I have to write this post. I might get questioned after this but I have to let travelers from worldwide knows about this incidence to protect our travel industry of Malaysia. I need to comfort fellow Christians worldwide that Malaysia is still safe to visit, though the recent dispute over the issue of using the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims here in Malaysia saw a total of 9 church being attacked for the past 5 days.

The row actually flared suddenly after the High Court on December 31 last year ruled in favour of aCatholic newspaper here for the right to use “Allah” in its Malay-language section, though the word ‘Allah’ had been used by non-muslims here for centuries in their Malay version translation for god. Then some of the strong believers of Islam suddenly realised the word ‘Allah’ must not be used to represent god other than by Muslim themselves and minorities of them triggered off the church attack. Malaysian Government has also made their stand towards the ban of the usage recently and the High Court ruling was suspended then pending on an appeal.

Well, for me, it really doesn’t matter though I’m not either Muslim or Christian. What really bother me is our ‘likely to boom’ tourism industry. Malaysia has just been nominated 2 months ago as one of the Top 10 Best Value Destination To Visit in Year 2010 by Lonely Planet, the world famous travel publication. Travelers around the world are expected to rush over to Malaysia this year for vacation travel, thanks also the world economic meltdown last 2 years where budget travelers and budget travel destinations have ruled the industry.

Unfortunately, this incidence happened. 9 churches, the place of worship for the Christians were attacked with fire-bombs, splashed with black paint and had windows smashed with stones. It has inevitably caused tensions between religious ethnic groups in the nation and possibly racial conflicts.

However, don’t turn away Christian travelers! You would still be safe to come to visit Malaysia. This was only isolated case happened to a minority group of people here. Majority of us and most of our Malaysian no matter Malays, Chinese or Indians, no matter Muslims, Christians, Buddhists or Hindu, are still living harmonious in Malaysia. We work, sleep, eat, smile and get drunk same as before. Travel destinations are still beautiful and attractive as before. Nothing has changed so far and I believe it will not change in future! This is typical Malaysian’s belief.

So, come over to Malaysia folks! Our hands are always open and you are always welcomed! See you. – Travel Feeder.

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.