KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor says his recommendation to extend the operating hours of nightspots in the country was based on feedback from tour operators.

"They do not know what to do at night (with their tour groups). Even the coffeehouses in hotels are closed at midnight," he said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar (PAS-Tumpat) today (Aug 28, 2006).

"I was merely conveying the recommendation made by tour operators. It was not my own recommendation. I did not specify nightclub operators. I asked whether entrepreneurs in our country, specifically those located in certain areas where nightspots and shopping complexes are located, could be allowed to operate beyond the closing time of 10pm," he explained.

"The Yang Berhormat (YB) of Tumpat, it is not my intention to see Malaysia becoming like Thailand. The YB, you are from Tumpat, please look at Tumpat itself! I am afraid that Tumpat will end up like Golok," Tengku Adnan said.

He said the ministry's aim was to turn Malaysia into a wholesome family-orientated destination for tourists.

It is not the government's intention to do things like in Thailand and Indonesia or certain other countries, he added.