Latest news with #ArtsandCultureMinistry
The Star
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia's diversity to shine in VM2026
All love: (From left) DJ Jeff, Lee, Woo, Wang, Yeoh, Chan, DJ Cassey, Ng and DJ Danny posing for a picture at the 988 radio station in Menara Star. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's rich and diverse mix of ethnicities makes it an ideal destination for foreign tourists seeking a unique and multifaceted travel experience, says Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin. He said the ability of Malaysians to speak several major languages and the country's reputation as one of the safest countries in South-East Asia are among the key factors that will attract visitors during Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). 'Malaysia is ideal for tourists as it is not just affordable but also a safe country. 'Moreover, we are multilingual and have a warm and amiable culture, which is another plus point.' He said currently, all preparations and steps to ensure VM2026 is a booming success are underway. 'We are heavily promoting the campaign through various platforms, and the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) is expected to launch the campaign in September,' Yeoh said during a courtesy visit to Menara Star yesterday. Yeoh said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, with support from other agencies, would also monitor and take action against illegal tourism service providers seeking to profit from the expected influx of visitors next year. 'We hope licensed tourism company operators and the public in general will provide us with information on such illegal companies they may come across.' Also present were Yeoh's private secretary Fu Yu Keong, Star Media Group group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, chief operating officer Lydia Wang, chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and senior general manager Sharon Lee Li Wei as well as Star RFM senior general manager Woo Bee Ay.
Focus Malaysia
a day ago
- Focus Malaysia
How effective are MOTAC's enforcements?
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
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Melaka hosts international workshop on cultural heritage value creation
MELAKA: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) will hold an International Workshop on the Melaka Declaration on Cultural Heritage Value Creation from July 23 to 24 in Melaka, a Unesco World Heritage City. The event, co-organised with the ASEAN Secretariat, Think City, and Telekom Malaysia Berhad, aims to unlock Southeast Asia's cultural heritage potential for sustainable development. Over 100 participants, including cultural experts, academics, and ASEAN representatives, will explore heritage conservation strategies and economic value creation. Panel discussions and breakout sessions will focus on enhancing ASEAN's cultural heritage value chain for economic growth and regional cooperation. The ministry stated, 'This international gathering will bring together over 100 distinguished participants including cultural experts, academics, creative economy leaders, representatives from ASEAN Member States, SOMCA and stakeholders to explore transformative approaches in heritage conservation and value creation.' The workshop also seeks to boost public awareness and community involvement in heritage preservation while integrating culture into sustainable development policies. The Melaka Declaration, a key outcome, will contribute to an ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) document set for adoption at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025. 'It aims to strengthen cultural cooperation, expand inclusive economic opportunities and promote a deeper appreciation of ASEAN's shared heritage,' the ministry added. - Bernama
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
MOTAC To Host International Workshop On Melaka Declaration On Cultural Heritage Value Creation
GENERAL MELAKA, July 20 (Bernama) -- The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) will host an International Workshop on the Melaka Declaration on Cultural Heritage Value Creation from July 23 to 24 at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage City of Melaka. The ministry's Corporate Communication Unit said the two-day workshop will be jointly organised with the ASEAN Secretariat and strategic partners, Think City and Telekom Malaysia Berhad. 'The workshop is a step forward in harnessing the untapped power of Southeast Asia's rich cultural heritage as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, social cohesion and creative innovation. 'This international gathering will bring together over 100 distinguished participants including cultural experts, academics, creative economy leaders, representatives from ASEAN Member States, SOMCA (Senior Officials' Meeting on Culture and Arts) and stakeholders to explore transformative approaches in heritage conservation and value creation,' the ministry said in a statement tonight, adding that panel discussions, breakout dialogues and plenary sessions would be held throughout the workshop. Discussions on maximising the socio-economic potential of ASEAN's cultural heritage by elevating its value chain for economic growth, strengthening regional cooperation through whole-of-ASEAN frameworks and cross-pillar collaboration will also be held during the workshop. The event is expected to promote public awareness and community engagement in heritage preservation, and integrate culture and heritage into sustainable development policies to ensure inclusive growth and social cohesion. 'The Melaka Declaration, as the main outcome of the workshop, will contribute to the development of a significant ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) outcome document, targeted to be adopted at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. 'It aims to strengthen cultural cooperation, expand inclusive economic opportunities and promote a deeper appreciation of ASEAN's shared heritage,' the ministry added. — BERNAMA
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Tourism Ministry issues 13 notices in nationwide tourism industry crackdown
PUTRAJAYA: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has issued 13 notices for various offences during 22 enforcement operations conducted nationwide in the first two weeks of this month. The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, in a statement, said that the enforcement operations involved inspections of 180 vehicles, 30 tourism companies, four accommodation premises, and 33 tour guides at several key locations. It added that inspections were also conducted on entities suspected of operating tourism businesses without valid licences in Perak, based on public tip-offs. "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)," it said. The ministry also reminded individuals or companies providing tourism services, including transportation, accommodation, or the organisation of tourism activities, either physically or online, to immediately apply for a licence at the nearest state Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry office to avoid strict legal action. Additionally, the ministry said it will continue strengthening strategic cooperation with enforcement agencies such as the Road Transport Department, police, National Anti-Drug Agency, and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency to ensure full compliance with tourism-related laws. The ministry also welcomed cooperation from the public and industry players to report any tourism activities suspected of violating regulations through the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) at Arts and Culture - Bernama
