THE Tourism Ministry plans to increase the number of its Chinese and Indian officers by 10% in two years' time, reported Sin Chew Daily on Monday.

Deputy Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai was quoted as saying that of the 1,300 officers working in the ministry and tourism departments, there were only nine Chinese and 19 Indians.

He said the 10% increase would also help in penetrating the tourism market of China and India.

He said having officers who could speak in native languages during their promotional activities overseas would definitely bring in more "sales" as there would be no language barrier.

Lim said it was vital that civil servants be made up of various races holding high positions.

Such a formation would become handy while dealing with any racial issue or achieving a higher level of economic development, he said.

He added that certain government sectors had no Chinese officers and their information counters were often left unattended during festive seasons.