By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 28: Malaysia has uncovered cases of local travel agency and tour guide licences being illegally rented out to Chinese nationals to operate tourism businesses, prompting Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to seek China’s cooperation in tackling the issue.
Raising the matter during a bilateral meeting with China’s Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Gao Zheng at the 13th Tourism Ministerial Meeting (TMM13) in Macau, Tiong said the illegal operations have disrupted market order and, in some cases, endangered tourists’ safety.
“Malaysia has uncovered cases where local travel agency licences and tour guide licences were being illegally rented out to Chinese nationals to operate tourism businesses.
“These operators were not conducting their activities in accordance with Malaysian laws and safety regulations,” he said in a Facebook post last night.
He cited Semporna, Sabah, where illegal operators had allegedly taken visitors to unsafe diving sites, resulting in fatal accidents.
“Malaysia warmly welcomes Chinese visitors, but more importantly, we want every visitor to arrive in Malaysia with joy and return home safely to their loved ones.
“The last thing we want is for any visitor to be involved in accidents caused by illegal or non-compliant tourism operators,” he added.
Tiong stressed that the issue was not directed at Chinese tourists or China, but at curbing illegal tourism activities that undermine the industry.
“Malaysia will continue to take enforcement action against anyone who violates our laws,” he said, adding that he had proposed sharing Malaysia’s findings with the relevant Chinese authorities to enable both countries to strengthen cooperation against illegal operators.
He also briefed Gao on Malaysia’s crackdown on non-compliant tourism accommodation and resort operators, stressing that while the country welcomes foreign investment, including from Chinese companies, all businesses must comply with Malaysian laws and regulations.
“Only by ensuring that businesses operate legally and responsibly can visitors’ rights be protected and the tourism industry continue to grow in a healthy and sustainable manner,” he said.
According to Tiong, Gao acknowledged the concerns and said China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism would examine the issues raised while exploring ways to assist within its jurisdiction.
The meeting also touched on the continued growth of Malaysia-China tourism following the implementation of the mutual visa exemption policy, with both sides expressing commitment to safeguarding bilateral tourism cooperation from illegal activities. — DayakDaily
