KUCHING, Jan 9: Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac) Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing stated that his ministry is re-examining the rating system for hotels and food and beverage establishments in Malaysia.
In a Facebook post today, Tiong stated that the goal is to create a clearer and more reflective way of rating the quality of tourism industry cornerstones.
In addition, he disclosed that his ministry does not rule out downgrading the star rating of establishments that violate fundamental standards of service quality and cleanliness and that additional information regarding the new rating will be announced later.
“As the Malaysian tourism industry continues to be a major contributor to economic recovery, I appeal to all hotels and restaurants to immediately take steps to improve the basics of their businesses, namely cleanliness, service, and product quality, as well as washroom amenities.
“Hotels must ensure that they provide the quality and standards expected of their star rating, rather than being complacent following any boost to their rating. This includes, but is not limited to, room and toilet cleanliness, facilities, and product and service quality.
“Restaurants must also adhere to basic expectations of quality, including clean toilets and having properly trained and certified service and kitchen staff,” he explained.
Tiong, also Bintulu MP, emphasised that Motac is on a mission to ensure that the country’s tourism continues to enhance its reputation for high-quality and responsive service and quality during the reopening period while the nation recovers from Covid-19.
“Malaysia’s tourism industry generated RM197.9 billion of gross value-added of tourism industries (GVATI), contributing 12.8 per cent to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021, compared to 14.1 per cent in 2020, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia,” he noted.
He continued by stating that much must be done to address complaints of poor maintenance standards, which have damaged the reputation of Malaysia’s tourism industry.
“In general, guests often do not get the standard of quality they expect and have paid for. Therefore, it reflects poorly on the industry and, indirectly, on our country in the eyes of the world tourism market, which is expected to be worth between US $1.2 to $1.31 trillion in 2022,” he stressed.
In a related matter, Tiong noted that 4,851 tourist accommodations and hotel operators are currently registered with Motac.
“I urge all unregistered hotels, restaurants, and homestay operators to register with the ministry to assist in developing the industry to its full potential,” he remarked.
Please visit the ministry’s official website at https://www.motac.gov.my for more information, application guidelines, application forms, and other details. — DayakDaily
