Matta slams rule for crash report within 24 hours, says industry not consulted
KUALA LUMPUR : The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) has criticised the tourism, arts and culture ministry for requiring tour companies to submit a report within 24 hours of any accident, or risk having their business licence cancelled.
Matta president Nigel Wong said the mandate, effective from July 1, was an 'extreme' measure introduced without consulting industry players.
'Government agencies should first carry out investigations before pronouncing judgment. As far as the ministry is concerned, we understand it needs the information to improve on the situation (of road accidents involving tour vehicles).
'However, 24 hours is not a reasonable timeframe, and suspending licences should the report not be lodged within this timeframe is also not acceptable,' he said.
Nigel Wong.
Wong said stripping tourism companies of their licences would not only affect their staff and their families but also the company's clients, which would not reflect kindly on Malaysia as a travel destination.
'(In terms of road accidents) it may not be the owners of the businesses (who are at fault). It could be the drivers themselves, or the condition of the vehicle. It could even be external influences.
'The tourism community is saying, look, don't just penalise a tour company for the sake of making a statement,' he said.
The ministry had made it mandatory for companies holding Tour Operating Business and Travel Agency Business (Tobtab) licences to report any accidents within 24 hours of the incident from July 1.
It said failure to comply with this new rule would see their licences revoked without notice, adding that this is to ensure the safety and integrity of the nation's tourism sector.
This followed several fatal road crashes involving tour buses, including one on June 9 that saw 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students losing their lives.
Multiple agencies but no coordination
Wong said various ministries and agencies were stepping in to impose regulations on the industry now, including the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry, and the road transport department (JPJ).
However, he said, there seemed to be no coordination among them.
Matta vice-president (land transportation) K Subramaniam called for greater transparency and clarity on proposed regulations for the sector, saying regulatory ambiguity only leads to more confusion within tour companies that manage transport.
Wong reiterated that industry players would be happy to work with the relevant ministries to formulate a balanced solution to issues, but the government must start implementing regulations with stakeholders in mind.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
6 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Four decades, one mission: Johor couple keeps Malaysia close to tourists' hearts
BATU PAHAT, Aug 6 — In a corner of the Arena Warna complex in Ayer Hitam — a popular spot for traditional handicrafts and snacks — an elderly couple can be seen diligently serving customers at their souvenir shop. With warm and welcoming smiles, 70-year-old Wang Ah Hie and his 69-year-old wife Karen Lim proudly display a range of locally themed merchandise, including T-shirts bearing the words 'Malaysia', 'Johor' and 'Ayer Hitam'. For the couple, these items are more than just products for sale — they are a symbol of their love and devotion to the country. 'When tourists return to their home countries, they take a piece of Malaysia with them. This is our small way of introducing the country to visitors and fostering a sense of patriotism among locals,' he told Bernama at his shop. The couple began modestly by selling handmade crafts by others — including pottery, vases, fridge magnets and T-shirts — by the roadside in Ayer Hitam in 1980. In 2000, they took a step forward by launching their own products under the 'Kampungku' brand. — Picture from X/Bernama The couple began modestly by selling handmade crafts by others — including pottery, vases, fridge magnets and T-shirts — by the roadside in Ayer Hitam in 1980. In 2000, they took a step forward by launching their own products under the 'Kampungku' brand. What makes their business even more unique is that most of the designs for their T-shirts, mugs, jackets, tote bags and caps are created by their eldest son, Wang Sin Ee, 45. Sin Ee said they opened a branch at Senai International Airport in 2015, aiming to attract foreign tourists seeking to take home a memento of Malaysia. 'We want tourists not just to buy our products as souvenirs, but also to feel proud when wearing something that says 'Malaysia'. Patriotism isn't just for locals — it can be shared with others too,' he said. What makes their business even more unique is that most of the designs for their T-shirts, mugs, jackets, tote bags and caps are created by their eldest son, Wang Sin Ee, 45. — Picture from X/Bernama According to him, the distinctive designs of Kampungku's T-shirts have drawn strong interest from tourists from Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Japan, South Korea, and Middle Eastern countries. 'We come up with more than 20 T-shirt designs every year due to strong demand. We make sure every design reflects elements of Malaysia — from the colours to the lettering. That's what makes them stand out,' he said. Meanwhile, Yong Peng District Council secretary Muhamad Sharul Azmi Md Kamil described the family's efforts as extraordinary in promoting national identity through small-scale entrepreneurship. 'Imagine, for over four decades they have tirelessly promoted the names Malaysia, Johor, and Ayer Hitam to foreign tourists. This is a remarkable example of ordinary citizens helping to elevate the country's image on the global stage,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
9 hours ago
- Malay Mail
"All in Taipei, Made for You" – Taipei Showcases Tourism Appeal in Singapore and Malaysia, Enhancing City Branding and Southeast Asia Outreach
The "Shiok you around" tourism promotion event in Singapore drew over 70 travel professionals from Singapore and Malaysia, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with energy and active networking. TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 August 2025 - To strengthen Taipei's visibility and competitiveness in the Singapore and Malaysia travel markets, the Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government, in collaboration with the governments of New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan, partnered with tourism industry representatives from northern Taiwan to present a major tourism promotion event in Singapore. The event attracted over 70 travel professionals and media representatives from both countries, highlighting Taipei's growing appeal in the Southeast Asian the theme "All in Taipei, Made for You," Taipei highlighted its strengths as a travel destination—convenient transportation, a safe and friendly environment, and a vibrant blend of nature, culture, and modern urban life. Key annual events were showcased, including the Dadaocheng Summer Festival, Taipei New Year's Eve Countdown Party, and the Taipei Lantern Festival, all of which sparked great interest among also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) and the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) to promote bilateral cooperation in marketing resource sharing, tourism information exchange, and future joint Hsiang, Commissioner of the Department of Information and Tourism, stated, "Taipei is a multi-layered city where history and modernity converge. Travelers can stroll through nostalgic neighborhoods like Dadaocheng and Wanhua, explore centuries of culture at the National Palace Museum, enjoy the scenic beauty of Yangmingshan and Maokong, or immerse themselves in the energy of Xinyi District and Taipei 101. The city is also a food lover's paradise—from Michelin-recommended xiaolongbao and beef noodles to local night market favorites like bubble tea, oyster omelets, and mango shaved ice."Taipei is also committed to inclusive tourism. The city recently received the 2025 Muslim Women-Friendly Travel Destination City Award, was ranked 2nd in the world for safest night tourism by, and 1st as the safest city for female digital nomads by, reaffirming its reputation as a secure, welcoming international ahead, Taipei will continue its diversified marketing strategies in the region, including the rollout of in-depth travel packages featuring two-night stays with local Singapore travel agencies during upcoming travel fairs. The "All in Taipei, Made for You" brand will be prominently displayed, complemented by outdoor advertising, local food media features, and radio promotions on YES 972 FM, all aimed at increasing visibility and inspiring more travelers from Singapore and Malaysia to choose Taipei as their next #DepartmentofInformationandTourismTaipeiCityGovernment The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Malay Mail
10 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Entry from RM2: Johor's Royal Botanical Garden to reopen Aug 31 as key tourism draw for 2026
JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 6 — The Johor Royal Botanical Garden will reopen to the public starting August 31, thus becoming one of the state's new tourism landmarks in conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026. Menteri Besar Johor Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi expressed his gratitude to His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia for the reopening of the Johor Royal Botanical Garden. He was also grateful to the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail who agreed to upgrade the garden as one of the main tourism landmarks in the state of Johor. 'I would like to share the news that the entire Johor people have been waiting for. The Johor Royal Botanical Garden will open to the public starting August 31, 2025!' he said in a Facebook post today. He said the garden will be open to visitors every Wednesday to Sunday from 8am to 6pm, while it will be closed every Monday and Tuesday for maintenance purposes. Entrance ticket prices are set at RM2 for Malaysian citizens and RM30 for non-citizens, while entry is free for children aged five and below and holders of Disabled Persons (OKU) cards. Onn Hafiz said the Johor Royal Botanical Garden was first developed in 1864, and is now back with a new look that is more beautiful, organised and reflects the natural heritage that is the identity of the state of Johor. Covering an area of more than 126 acres, the garden now features 12 Special Gardens with more than 583 species of flora and almost 145,000 trees. It is the result of close collaboration between the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG), Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu), Pengerang Municipal Council (MPP) and Pontian Municipal Council (MPPn). 'Hopefully this effort will revive the memories and sentimental value of the historical locations that are part of the identity of Johor Bahru City. God willing. 'Come on, Bangsa Johor! Starting this 31st August, bring your family and friends to explore the Johor Royal Botanical Garden! Hopefully your presence will enliven the opening, thus making the Visit Johor Year 2026 agenda a success. God willing,' he said. — Bernama
