Minister defends policy requiring tour operators to submit accident reports in 24 hours after occurrence
SIBU (July 14): Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing firmly defends his ministry's policy requiring tour operators to submit a report within 24 hours of any accident.
In stressing this, he points out that ensuring tourists' safety is always top priority and thus, his ministry will continue enforcing this measure strictly.
'Numerous tour-related accidents in the past have already raised serious public concern, even leading to foreign governments issuing travel advisories against certain destinations in Malaysia.
'Therefore, the ministry will not compromise under any form of pressure or complaint.
'We remain firmly committed to upholding the principle of safety-first, to restore confidence in Malaysia's tourism brand,' he said in a Facebook post, issued in response to the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta)'s labelling the ministry's policy as 'excessive'.
In this regard, Tiong expressed hope that Matta president Nigel Wong and all association members would fully understand that ensuring the safety of tourists remained their most basic responsibility, and must never be sacrificed for the sake of convenience or profits.
Moreover, the minister clarified that the accident report would facilitate tour companies in providing accurate information such as the driver's background and health status prior to the incident, the inspection records of the tour bus including its latest technical conditions, the travelling group details, as well as the itinerary and routes before and after the incident – all of which would help the authorities determine the cause of the accident.
Nonetheless, Tiong was quite dismayed by the overly-defensive reaction from Matta and its members.
'Would they rather see more accidents happen in the country, with no accountability whatsoever, than to rectify these glaring safety loopholes?
'Why are they so quick to expand their 'comfort zone', lower the costs, and increase profit margins, while showing no interest in improving tourist safety?
'I urge all tourism players to reflect on this. How many tourism-related accidents have happened in Malaysia to date?
'How many lives have been lost during the two and a half years since I took office as minister?
'And what has Matta done to address this? Have they ever proposed safety improvements to their members?'
Tiong pointed out that as the government could approve the operating licences allowing tour companies the opportunity to do business, it was incumbent upon the private sector to ensure that it would fulfil its obligations to safety and regulatory compliances.
'We believe this requirement of 24-hour reporting (after an accident has occurred) will encourage proper screening during the hiring process and more stringent implementation of safety measures.'
Tiong also said it was unacceptable to use 'manpower shortage' as an excuse to compromise safety, noting that in past tour bus and also boat accidents, some drivers or operators were reported to have drug-related criminal records and yet, they were still hired.
There were also recurring incidents, he added, such as the Pulau Perhentian boat accident, where passengers were not provided with life jackets.
'During my official overseas visits, foreign ministers frequently express concern over Malaysia's safety standards. How can our tourism industry thrive in the face of continued safety concerns?'
In this aspect, Tiong hoped that the Matta president and its members would think carefully before making any public statements in the future.
'My ministry and myself are more than willing to work hand in hand with the industry players to grow Malaysian tourism.
'We sincerely hope for strong cooperation on this matter, and welcome more constructive dialogues and engagements to help build a more progressive and responsible tourism landscape for our nation,' he added. accident report lead Tiong King Sing tour operators tourism
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