The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) today called on the government to postpone the closure of Tourism Malaysia offices nationwide to give ample time for the affected staff to make necessary arrangements to cope with the situation.

Its president, Datuk Azih Muda, said the decision to immediately close the 14 offices was too drastic and approximately 230 affected staff would have to make various necessary arrangements, including finding new house and transferring their children to new schools.

"We (Cuepacs) hope to meet with Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz soon to discuss this matter," he told a press conference here today.

On Jan 23, the minister announced the closure of the offices with immediate effect to avoid duplication of the tasks between the offices and the state agencies in promoting tourist attractions.

He said the move was expected to be able to save about RM6 million in cost annually and that it would not involve the termination of services of the staff as they would be absorbed into the ministry's headquarters and other departments. - BERNAMA