'Why is food cheaper in Thailand than here?'

SHAH ALAM - TikTok influencer Saify Akhtar has called for lower food prices and improved cultural preservation at tourist destinations to attract more visitors to Malaysia.

Saify highlighted the issue of expensive food, claiming that many tourists choose Thailand over Malaysia due to its affordability.

He compared the cost of seafood in Hatyai, Thailand, to that in Malaysia, stating that a meal easily exceeds RM100 in Malaysia despite the stronger Thai baht.

"How is food in Malaysia more expensive than Hatyai?

"If you eat seafood, the bill will definitely be more than RM100 for a family.

"In Hatyai it doesn't reach RM100 even though the (currency) bath is higher than the ringgit, but why (food prices) still expensive?

"Restaurants in tourist areas cannot make a profit (up to) two to three times. That's why Malaysians 'run' to Hatyai," he said.

Saify further slammed the lack of engagement and historical immersion at tourist attractions.

Citing the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur as an example, he expressed disappointment that the building serves as an office and theater instead of a museum showcasing Malaysia's rich history.

He compared it to Petrosains, a museum that actively engages visitors, especially children, with its informative displays.

Saify also questioned the low ranking (314th) of the National Museum, attributing it to uninspiring exhibits.

He expressed frustration that despite Malaysia's rich history, museums fall short in presentation, ultimately failing to engage visitors.

"It should be a museum that tells about the history of this place, (to be) a place that my children should want to go to, like Petrosains.

"I don't know why the National Museum is ranked 314th best museum in the world, lagging behind Cambodia, the Philippines and Singapore.

"What's in the museum is just rocks and replicas. It's sadder that Malaysia has a lot of history but we are the ones who make this museum boring," he said.

Saify also criticised the inauthentic cultural experiences offered at tourist hotspots like Melaka.

He expressed his disappointment at seeing rickshaws decorated with cartoon characters and irrelevant features like disco music and "tom yam lights."

He stressed the importance of preserving authentic cultural experiences and providing clear explanations for tourists, which he believes are currently lacking.