On July 9, Facebook user Serge Jardin posted on the inaccuracies he found in the guidebook, which quickly went viral on social media and local news outlets. - Pic courtesy from Serge Jardin Facebook.
On July 9, Facebook user Serge Jardin posted on the inaccuracies he found in the guidebook, which quickly went viral on social media and local news outlets. - Pic courtesy from Serge Jardin Facebook.

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Melaka has issued a show-cause letter to a publisher following errors highlighted in a tourist guidebook on the historical state.

On July 9, Facebook user Serge Jardin posted on the inaccuracies he found in the guidebook, which quickly went viral on social media and local news outlets.

Tourism Melaka general manager Saari Basron in a statement yesterday said immediate action had been taken to stop the distribution of the guidebook.

"The book was recalled from all tourist information centres, while the e-book version was removed from electronic and social media platforms.

"Tourism Melaka has requested the publisher to review the errors. The publisher has since corrected the information and submitted it to relevant agencies and departments for official verification before proceeding further.

"Tourism Melaka has demanded an apology and issued a show-cause letter to the publisher over the mistakes, which have tarnished the department's image," he said.

Saari added that he had met with Serge Jardin and Institut Tun Perak chief executive officer Dr Mohd Ainuddin Iskandar Lee yesterday to discuss the matter.

"The parties agreed not to prolong the issue further. Jardin expressed appreciation for Tourism Melaka's prompt action.

He commented: "Happy ending! Thank you Tourism Melaka, action taken, books recalled, errors will be corrected and a new guidebook will soon be at the disposal of tourists.

"Tourism Melaka has once again apologised for any inconvenience caused and gave its assurance that measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future," he said.