The state government is optimistic that the target of five million tourists to Terengganu this year will be achieved despite the risk of declining visitors from China.

State Tourism, Culture and Information Technology Committee chairman Ariffin Deraman said the state's tourism industry was looking at the issue thoroughly and focusing on promoting other opportunities.

“Basically, we see that there will be problems. But overall, the tourists are not just from China, many are tourists are also from Europe, the Middle East, and our mainland.

“Most tourists from China love to visit the resort islands in Terengganu. However, to date, the islands have not been opened to the public since the end of the last monsoon season. So we don't know how far it will go, ”he said.

According to Ariffin, the state government is also focusing more on promoting local tourists, which accounts for more than 80 percent of visits to Terengganu.

“According to our records, so far only 15 to 20 percent of visitors to this country are foreign tourists.

"We are still hoping to reach that 5 million target by focusing on other opportunities and promoting it in other countries," he said, adding that the Coronavirus outbreak would be addressed soon.