Call for Balanced Oversight Following Recent Incidents
In light of recent tragedies involving tour vehicles, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has issued a call for tighter control of land transport services. Among the suggestions is a requirement for tour agencies to provide 24-hour incident reporting for their vehicles. While MATTA supports the intent to improve safety and accountability, it cautions that such requirements may present operational challenges for agencies.
Need for Clarity on Driver Suspension Policy
MATTA also seeks clarity from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) regarding its current policy of suspending drivers involved in accidents. It remains uncertain whether this policy applies only to fatal incidents or extends to all cases, including minor ones—raising questions about its potential implications for travel agencies.
“Some travel agencies manage full-scale travel operations, not just transportation,” said Nigel Wong, President of MATTA.
“To propose revoking an entire tourism licence due to a transportation-related issue, especially when the fault lies with a third-party driver or the vehicle provider, is neither proportionate nor constructive. Reforms must be fair, targeted, and considerate of operational realities,” he added.
Support for Reform, But With Grounded Implementation
The Association reiterates that any enforcement measures must be evidence-based, not blanket in nature, to avoid unjust penalties on agencies that comply with current laws and standards.
“MATTA fully supports the government’s initiative to modernise the Tourism Industry Act, we firmly believe that reforms must be practical, inclusive, and aligned with the realities faced by industry players on the ground,” said Wong.
“Recent developments, especially those concerning licensing and compliance, have sparked significant concern among our members. These views must be acknowledged and addressed collectively.”
Townhall Sessions to Collect Industry Feedback
In response, MATTA has launched a nationwide Townhall Series aimed at gathering feedback from stakeholders directly impacted by the proposed legislative changes. These sessions are designed to foster open dialogue and provide MATTA with insights that will be consolidated into formal recommendations for the relevant ministries and government agencies.
The Townhalls have already been held in Johor and Kuala Lumpur and are scheduled to continue in other key regions including Sabah, Penang, and Terengganu.
“These sessions are crucial in capturing ground-level sentiment and actionable input that MATTA will consolidate into formal feedback to be submitted to relevant ministries and agencies.”
Working Toward a Safer, More Practical Tourism Ecosystem
MATTA remains committed to safeguarding the interests of travel and tour operators, ensuring that Malaysia’s tourism policies reflect both vision and practicality.
