KUCHING, Feb 12: A circular involving shopping in tour itineraries to Malaysia will be issued soon following complaints from foreign tourists that they ended up in shopping malls after visiting only one or two tourist destinations in the country.
Federal Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Dato Seri Tiong King Sing said tourists, in their complaints to the ministry, said they felt deceived by the promotional videos of travel agencies that show many interesting destinations in Malaysia.
“Therefore, I have ordered a circular regarding this matter be issued in the near future to provide guidance to travel companies or agencies.
“The circular will later limit shopping, and instead multiply and list interesting and historical tourist destinations in the itinerary of foreign tourists to Malaysia,” he said in a statement yesterday (Feb 11).
At the same time, Tiong said he and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) team would also meet with travel agencies to gain a deeper understanding and discuss matters related to the planning of travel schedules for foreign tourists to Malaysia.
He emphasised that the travel activities of foreign tourists visiting Malaysia must meet their demands who want to enjoy their experience in the country.
“MOTAC will continue to monitor and get views from all parties, including travel agencies and foreign tourists, from time to time,” he added.
Tiong further stressed that this does not mean visiting shopping malls would be banned from the travel schedules for foreign tourists.
“Tourists can still shop in Malaysia while being in the country. MOTAC had also listed many shopping malls on the ministry’s website for tourists’ reference,” he stated.
In addition, he said the ministry is currently working on a mobile app where users can later utilise the search function to find shopping centres, restaurants, and entertainment and leisure places near their accommodation. — DayakDaily
