By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 17: Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Dato Sri Tiong King Sing urged tourism agencies and transportation companies to report any incident involving tourists immediately.
Tiong in a statement today said delays in making reports would lead to negative consequences while prompt and accurate reports will allow his ministry to quickly take appropriate and effective measures to provide assistance and solutions.
“The reputation of the Malaysian tourism industry will be affected if the relevant parties are slow to act and careless in handling any reports,” he said.
He said Motac is currently in discussions with the relevant authorities regarding the transfer of certain regulatory powers over tourist vehicles, including tourist buses, to allow the ministry to coordinate surveillance measures, implement reforms and enforce regulations more effectively.
“I have also directed the Tourism Licensing and Enforcement Division to address the matter properly and effectively,” he added.
On the same note, Tiong said during his recent visit to Japan, he was informed by the Japanese authorities that investigation into a fatal accident on Oct 25 in Taiping that resulted in death of a Japanese tourist has not yet been resolved.
He said following a meeting with representatives from travel companies today, they will hold discussions next week with the three main parties which are travel agencies, tour bus operators and insurance companies.
“We will also request the participation of PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) representatives in ensuring that an effective solution method can be achieved,” he said. — DayakDaily
