NETIZENS PRAISE MOVE TO DITCH TOURISM LOGO

Design an embarrassment to country, say FB users

THE Tourism Ministry’s decision to change the Visit Malaysia Year 2020 logo has been described as a long overdue move. Netizens agreed that the logo, featuring an orangutan and a turtle in sunglasses, was an embarrassment to the nation.

Most who commented on the New Straits Times’ Facebook post said the design was not up to standard and should not have been used.

Facebook user Muhammad Sharil Tarmize, 23, said the ministry could do better by hiring local graphic designers to come up with a new design.

“It is obvious the logo was done hastily. It is good that the ministry is going to hold a competition to choose a new design.”

Another Facebook user, Dzarith Miersya, 21, said a new and creative logo was needed.

“We have designers who can create a better logo to show a modern Malaysia and, at the same time, highlight the country’s multicultural society.”

Graphic designer Muhammad Luqman Hafiz, 27, said the logo was too simple and not attractive.

“It can be improved and hopefully, the new logo will be better.

“The ministry is doing the right thing by organising a competition for the new logo. It will not only cut cost, but also get more people involved.”

It was reported that the ministry had decided to ditch the logo. Its minister, Mohamaddin Ketapi, said the logo had come under criticism since it was introduced early this year.

He said the ministry planned to organise a contest for people to come up with a new design.

Former tourism minister Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz had come under fire for the logo with its tagline “Travel. Enjoy. Respect”.

Nazri unveiled the logo at a travel forum in Thailand in January.

He said the orangutan and proboscis monkey in the logo were wearing sunglasses to show Malaysia as a sunny country.

We have designers who can create a better logo to show a modern Malaysia and, at the same time, highlight the country’s multicultural society.

DZARITH MIERSYA

Facebook user