PETALING JAYA: GPS tracking devices have to be installed on tour buses as part of licensing requirements, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Following a Cabinet committee meeting for tourism, arts and culture, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the issue of tour buses was among the main topics discussed, including SOPs in the event of road accidents that involve foreigners.
According to Ahmad Zahid, the Transport Ministry has been tasked to supervise the licensing for such vehicles, based on four set criteria.
"Among which the vehicle must have a valid Travel Agencies (TOBTAB) license, be installed with a GPS device, be no older than 15 years old and its handler attend Industrial Code of Practice (ICOP) training.
"These criteria are to ensure operators operate legally while also ensuring passenger safety," he said.
On Oct 24, thirteen people, including Japanese tourists, were injured when a tour bus crashed into the rear of the trailer in an incident at KM230.3 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) heading south near Taiping.
The meeting also decided that a set guideline for Short Term Rental Accommodation activities is to be tabled to the committee.
He said that with the estimated 35.6 million tourists visiting the country by 2026, the guideline would ensure legal compliance while also tackling community issues such as noise complaints, lack of parking and easing the licensing process.
"In addition, a digital platform for STRA management has been suggested to ensure Malaysia's competitiveness in the tourism sector," he said.
