The tourism minister of the Malaysian state of Sarawak is urging the federal government to establish a fast emergency response team after a Dutch tourist died at a popular tourist spot.
Peter Hans, 66 was found dead after flash floods inside a cave at the Mulu National Park in Sarawak.
Hans was thought to have drowned.
"It saddens us whenever a mishap like this happens," Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told local media, adding that safety response must be improved to protect the tourism image.
"On our part, we will ensure that adequate information, proper signages and facilities are made available in these areas to ensure the wellbeing of visitors," he said.
Hans was accompanied by a tour guide whose body was found a day later.
The minister wants the government to fund a regional emergency response team which could ultimately save lives.
Mulu National Park is a UNESCO site and a popular spot for hiking and caving.
Visitors are given a briefing regarding personal safety before exploring the caves but the minister says more can be done to protect tourists’ safety.
