By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 13: The federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) will not compromise under any form of pressure or complaints over the requirement for tour companies to submit a report within 24 hours of any accident.
In a Facebook post, its minister, Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, was responding to a statement by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) over a circular issued by MOTAC that travel agents will be required to submit a report within 24 hours of an accident, with the risk of their operating licences being revoked if they fail to do so.
Tiong, who is also the assemblyman for Dudong and Bintulu MP, said that although the measure was ‘extreme’, it was necessary in ensuring the safety of tourists.
He cited numerous tour-related accidents in the past, which raised public concern, which led to foreign governments issuing travel advisories against specific destinations in Malaysia.
“To be clear—submitting a report within 24 hours of an accident is not an admission of guilt, rather it allows tour companies to provide accurate information in their possession such as the driver’s background and health status, the tour bus’ inspection records and technical conditions, travel group member details, as well as the itinerary and travel routes before and after the incident, to help the authorities determine the cause of the accident,” he said.
He also expressed dismay over MATTA’s reaction, adding that the requirement of the 24-hour reporting will help encourage proper screening during the hiring process and stricter implementation of safety measures.
“During my overseas official visits, foreign ministers frequently express concern over Malaysia’s safety standards. How can our tourism industry thrive in the face of continued safety concerns?
“Let us not allow more tragedies to occur before we take concrete actions to prevent them. We wish not for similar incidents to happen to any of our loved ones.
“My ministry colleagues and I are more than willing to work hand in hand with industry players to grow Malaysian tourism. We sincerely hope for strong cooperation on this matter, and welcome more constructive dialogue and engagement to help build a more progressive and responsible tourism landscape for our nation,” he said.
According to The Star, MATTA said the directive over the suspension of vocational licences of commercial vehicle drivers involved in road accidents will affect tour bus drivers and lead to complications involving labour laws, such as the employment of drivers and the continuation of their salaries.
They also urged the ministry to reconsider the rulings on one-day submission of reports and the suspension of driving licences and to engage industry players for a solution that benefits all parties. — DayakDaily
