SEREMBAN: Port Dickson, the Negri Sembilan tourism industry's jewel in the crown, should keep its name, says a state exco member.
Tourism committee chairman Nicole Tan Lee Koon said changing the resort town's name to Pantai Dermaga, as proposed by a handful of non-governmental organisations, could put a dent in the sector.
"Port Dickson or PD is known by Malaysians from all walks of life, as well as many foreign tourists.
"In fact, you can find tonnes of information on Port Dickson by simply keying in its name in internet search engines," she said in a statement on Thursday (Sept 18).
ALSO READ: MB says Port Dickson should keep its name
Tan, who also holds the culture and arts portfolio, said it would be injudicious to rename Port Dickson, especially ahead of Visit Negri Sembilan Year 2026 (VNSY2026).
She said the state has been promoting the occasion for some time, and changing Port Dickson's name could be counterproductive.
"It would not only derail promotional activities but also involve a huge cost," she added.
Earlier, Mentri Besar and Port Dickson Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun scoffed at the proposal and urged those behind it to reconsider, as the resort town is already globally known as a tourism destination.
Several NGOs recently began a petition to rename Port Dickson, named after British colonial officer Sir John Frederick Dickson, credited with transforming the town into a strategic seaport and railway hub in the late 19th century.
Aminuddin said the NGOs should approach the matter with an open mind.
Tan said if Port Dickson's name was changed, tourists from overseas would encounter problems finding information on the resort town online.
"This can lead to unnecessary long-term problems as far as tourism is concerned," she said.
