KOTA KINABALU: A consumer group has welcomed the government’s intensified monitoring and enforcement efforts against price manipulation and profiteering in the tourism transport industry.
National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (YPNM) Sabah Chapter chairman David Chan said that the firm stand taken by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry was timely, as the group had received public complaints about excessive and unreasonable tourism fares.
“YPNM has heard growing concerns and complaints from both local consumers and tourists regarding inconsistent and inflated charges, particularly involving airport transfers, tour services, and e-hailing arrangements.
“Such practices, if left unchecked, could undermine Malaysia’s reputation as a fair, transparent, and tourist-friendly destination,” Chan said in a statement.
He said that it was important for all service providers to maintain fair pricing principles and ensure that charges are clearly communicated to consumers before services are rendered.
He urged authorities to come down hard on overcharging and unethical pricing practices to ensure a clear display of pricing structures for all tourism-related transport services
“There should be closer coordination between the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, tourism authorities, and local councils to ensure compliance and swift action against offenders, including penalties to deter repeat violations,” he added.
Chan also urged consumers and tourists to remain vigilant and to report any instances of overcharging through official complaint channels.
