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Bikini Ban on Golden Beaches |
| © Copyright 2003 Bill Jones World Rights Reserved |
The order for divers and beach-goers to cover up could not
have come at a worse time, just two days before the October 12 bombing attacks
in Bali's Kuta nightclub district. Abdul Kadir, a government
spokesman for the state's tourism industry, confirmed that the terrorist bombing
coupled with the Bikini Ban "have had a profound effect on the country's
economy". Tourism is one of Malaysia's top three industries.
On a more positive note, Abdul Hadi Awang, the state's
chief minister and leader of Malaysia's Islamist party (PAS), has begun toning
down the message because of the economic pressures. In a December press
conference, he said: "In isolated places, as in the beaches where women
and 'husbands' want to enjoy themselves, it is OK " …to wear less modest clothing.
Resorts all over South East Asia have seen serious declines
in SCUBA divers and tourism since the terrorist attacks on Bali, in neighboring
Indonesia. Expect to see some reduction in SCUBA package pricing in these areas
this summer.
Editor Note: Bill Jones, The Scuba
Guy, is a PADI Master Instructor and a Published and Award-Winning
Writer
Questions & Comments:
The
Scuba Guy
Terengganu, Malaysia. The number of
SCUBA divers and tourists visiting resorts has declined by almost 30% during the
three months since Muslim fanatics issued another Bikini Ban in Malaysia.
The hard-line Islamic state government ordered sunbathers on its golden beaches
to cover themselves up and dress more modestly! Houston area
divers should be aware that Bikini's and
Speedo's are still OK on the Spree, the Fling, Blue Lagoon, Lake Travis,
and Canyon Lake.
