SEREMBAN: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) has urged tour guides to master at least three foreign languages to improve communication and service quality for international visitors.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, said language skills are essential to help tourists better understand Malaysia’s attractions, especially its historical sites.
"I have received complaints from foreign tourists about unclear and shallow explanations from tour guides. Some also struggle with the English used.
"Mastery of additional foreign languages can help address this,” he said after the Motac engagement programme with Negeri Sembilan’s tourism industry stakeholders on Monday (Sept 22).
Tiong added that Motac does not specify which languages guides should learn, leaving the choice to their interests.
He also called on tourism agencies to develop new, creative packages ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 to attract more visitors.
As of June, Motac recorded 9,386 registered tour guides nationwide. – Bernama
