Panaji, April 26 (ANI): The Department of Tourism in Goa has banned drinking and carrying of liquor bottles on beaches in the state.

Goa's image has taken a beating recently, largely due to a spate of crimes against foreign tourists, rising prices and its overcrowded beaches.

The Director of Tourism Department in Goa, Nikhil Desai, said they took the decision to ban consumption of liquor on beaches to make tourists feel safer.

"Now, if people want to come to Goa, they are our guests, we will welcome them. Let them have drink in shacks or in hotels or any other licensed premises, which is perfectly legal, and let them behave responsibly so that Goa continues to remain beautiful not only for them, but for other tourists and other stakeholders who are part of this industry," said Desai in Panaji.

Tens of thousands of tourists visit Goa to enjoy its sun kissed beaches, which are also famous for night-long parties.

The tourism department has also asked the state police to increase patrolling to prevent the tourists from breaking glass bottles on the beaches.

The President of All Goa Liquor Traders Association, Dattaprasad Naik, however, said the ban would affect liquor traders and sales.

Goa attracts over 2.6 million tourists annually. The surf, sun and cheap liquor are some of the main draws of the state, which is one of the top beach tourism destinations in the country. (ANI)

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Goa tourism department bans drinking on beaches

This was Barisan Nasional candidate for Pulau Tikus Rowena Yam's message to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who appeared to be bent on pushing for an undersea tunnel, which she said was going to bring environmental degradation to Penang's seafront promenade.

Yam was responding to a New Straits Times report on Wednesday over a survey which revealed that Penangites were not given adequate information by the state authorities over a multi-billion ringgit infrastructure project involving the tunnel and three highways.

"I am shocked that the independent poll by non-governmental organisation Citizens Awareness Group revealed that 75 per cent of the 1,000 respondents said the government had not provided enough information on the projects before they were approved and awarded to a consortium.

"Moreover, the report stated that 80 per cent of the respondents did not know that the construction of the undersea tunnel might potentially sacrifice the seafront promenade of Gurney Drive.

"If this is true, the Pulau Tikus constituency is bound to lose its most iconic landmark and a public recreational seafront. I am sure Penangites want to know how the 6.5km Gurney Drive-Bagan Ajam undersea tunnel and the 4.2km bypass at the Gurney Drive-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu highway are going to impact the seafront promenade."

Gurney Drive, located in the Pulau Tikus neighbourhood, is lined with condominiums where owners paid a premium for the seafront view.

Yam was referring to Lim's recent announcement that his administration had awarded a RM6.3 billion infrastructure project to a Sino-Malaysian consortium.

"The Gurney Drive beaches are gradually disappearing due to coastal erosion and land reclamation. The state government should embark on projects to restore the beaches to its former glory. I would also propose that they be turned into a larger stretch of white sandy beaches for visitors to come and enjoy a sunny day by the sea."

Yam, 44, who is a lawyer, said she would leave it to the voters to decide if they would like to vote for an environmentally-revitalised Gurney Drive or the undersea tunnel and the destruction of Gurney Drive.

Barisan Nasional candidates for Pulau Tikus Rowena Yam and Bukit Bendera Teh Leong Meng (right) having a light moment with a barber during their walkabout at Pulau Tikus market. Pic by Goh Thean Howe

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'Restore, not destroy Penang beaches'

I'll let you in on a secret...

Thailand is not the only country in southeast Asia with stunning beaches. Malaysia has dozens of tiny islands on both the east and west coasts that rival the beauty of southern Thailand. Plus, the beaches in Malaysia have the added advantage of being relatively unknown (read: cheaper, less crowded, more unspoilt).

Photo credit: Nicolas Lannuzel on Flickr.

One important fact to keep in mind when planning a trip to any Malaysian beach is the monsoon season -- do not visit the east coast of Malaysia between November and March, unless you like rain. Lots of rain. That one caveat aside, here are my top picks for a beach-hopping Malaysian adventure.

For more information about Malaysia tours & things to do in Malaysia, check out our Things to Do in Malaysia Blog and our Suggested Itineraries in Malaysia blog post

Photo credit: Nicolas Lannuzel on Flickr.

Redang. The most expensive of the east coast islands, Redang is truly paradise. Very few Malaysians actually live on the island, so you pretty much have the whole place to yourself. Snorkeling is available off any beach; if you're lucky, you might even see some sea turtles. Redang is well known as a turtle sanctuary, they usually lay their eggs on Turtle Beach on the north of the island. Berjaya Air makes it very easy to get to Redang from KL's Subang airport (a 45-minute flight, and you're on the beach within five minutes of arriving).

Photo credit: Nguyen Thnh Lam via Flickr.

Perhentian Islands. A selection of smaller islands just north of Redang, the Perhentians are very popular with budget travelers. The beaches are totally unspoilt, with a wide variety of beach huts right on the shore, for just the right price. A favorite for diving and snorkeling, the Perhentians are a great place to earn your scuba diving certificate.

Read more: A Backpacker's Paradise: the Perhentian Islands

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Viator: Insider's Guide to Malaysia's Best Beaches