How effective are MOTAC's enforcements?

Focus Malaysia

22-07-2025

RECENTLY, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) issued a media statement in its Facebook page regarding enforcement actions against unlicensed tourism activities.
The media also reported that 22 enforcement actions were carried out nationwide in early July, and 13 notices for various offences were issued.
A total of 180 vehicles, 30 tourism companies, four accommodation premises, and 33 tourist guides were inspected at key locations.
MOTAC also acted on public tip-offs in Perak, investigating entities suspected of operating without valid licences. If convicted, the parties involved can face a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both, under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482).
Unlicensed tourism service providers, including transport operators, accommodation providers, and tour organisers were urged by MOTAC to apply for licences immediately at the nearest state office to avoid penalties.
The ministry also pledged to strengthen cooperation with enforcement agencies like the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
Public cooperation was encouraged, with reports on suspected violations accepted via the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) here .
This online channel is used for managing feedback such as complaints, appreciation, enquiries and suggestions from the public on the services of MOTAC.
I too had personal encounters with tourism enforcement, but that was decades ago in the 1980s just before and after the Culture and Tourism Ministry was set up in 1987.
I brought my family to Penang and joined other foreign tourists in a round island sightseeing tour. (Image: The Straits Times/Ariffin Jamar)
While passengers stood up and ready to disembark at a local attraction, we were prevented from exiting by an enforcement officer from the Tourist Development Corporation (TDC).
He was checking whether the tourist guide had a valid licence, a requirement since 1975. The TDC officer could have waited after passengers had gotten down from the minibus, which was a large van but with a roof lower than the height of an average adult.
Therefore, I was stooping uncomfortably together with other passengers in the minibus while the overzealous enforcement officer conducted the inspection at his convenience with no regard for the comfort of visitors and the bad image created by coarse enforcement.
After the Tour Operating Business and Travel Agency Business regulations were introduced in 1987, I placed a job advertisement in a newspaper without including my tour company licence number as required in all advertisements.
After spotting my mistake, I quickly wrote to notify the new ministry. Instead of just accepting my explanation and apology, I was given an overly stern warning. Later, I realised that I should not have been too honest and straightforward, as the error would have gone unnoticed.
In any case, legitimate operators are the one that suffer while unlicensed operators get away scot-free if enforcement is lacking, or non-uniform enforcement officers avoid cracking down on shady businesses but instead pick on vulnerable licensed companies for minor infringements.
Therefore, the recent blitz on unlicensed tourism activities is like a breath of free air. A decade ago, I worked closely with the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and Datuk Paduka Che Hasni Che Ahmad, a humble retired army major general, was the head of enforcement.
He was professional, dedicated and active, and I was included in the group that often received texts of impending operations at targeted areas against errant taxi drivers. Unlike raids on vice dens, there is no danger of leaks allowing offenders to flee or the premises vacated in advance.
For operations against unlicensed tourism operators, it would be much more effective for MOTAC to work closely with honourable travel and hotel associations.
Apart from discussing unhealthy industry practices, it can also complement the shortage of enforcement officers. ‒ July 22, 2025
YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image : The Star/Azhar Mahfof