PUTRAJAYA: Tourism companies are reminded to cooperate only with licensed tourism entities and use fully licensed vehicles to ensure the safety of tourists, says the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac).
“Companies operating tourism activities without a licence must obtain a valid licence immediately to avoid enforcement actions,” it said in a statement.
Motac said it conducted 35 nationwide integrated enforcement operations from July 14 to Aug 3 to ensure compliance with the Tourism Industry Act (Act 482) and the Tourism Vehicles Licensing Act 1999 (Act 594).
It added that the operations were carried out in collaboration with the Road Transport Department, the Royal Malaysia Police, the National Registration Department, and the Penang Port Commission.
According to Motac, checks were conducted on 220 tourist vehicles, 200 tourism companies, four accommodation premises and 67 tour guides, Bernama reported.
“As a result of the inspections, 24 notices were issued for various offences, including five notices for operating tourism businesses without a valid licence and seven for using unlicensed vehicles to transport tourists,” it added.
The ministry emphasised that strict action will be taken against any parties found violating the law.
