KUALA LUMPUR: Bad apples can ruin Malaysia’s image as a tourist-friendly destination, says the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA).
Its president Nigel Wong said those who demanded payment at tourist spots and others providing illegal tours could spell doom for the tourism sector if left unchecked by the authorities.
“They paint a picture that Malaysia is not a tourist-friendly destination. This is due to the fact that these people are unregulated and do not adhere to the regulations and guidelines set by various agencies.
“Once they realise they have been duped, disgruntled tourists will spread a poor perspective of Malaysia,” he said.
Wong said this would discourage potential visitors from coming here and would ultimately harm local tourism.
To prevent such a grim fate, he called for a crackdown on illegal operators as soon as possible.
“A mere slap on the wrist will only encourage the proliferation of illegal businesses and operators. Strict enforcement and harsh punishment against such practices must be prioritised. The authorities must investigate and act immediately,” he added.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said he would direct his officers to go down to the ground to investigate incidents of tourists being cheated and fleeced.
“We will invite the police to do a joint investigation,” he said.
A recent viral video showed a large number of people loitering in the vicinity of the PETRONAS Twin Towers, demanding payment for photography services from tourists.
In Penang, there have been reports of illegal tours conducted by foreigners.
