3 days ago
Look before you leap on tours
KUALA LUMPUR: From petty theft to accidents, Malaysian travellers abroad have been urged to treat safety as a top priority, with experts and seasoned travellers stressing the importance of preparation, insurance and knowing where to turn to for help in emergencies.
Johor Tourism Association deputy chairman Chua Poh Kok recalled the December 2015 tragedy in Chiang Mai, Thailand, when 13 Malaysians died after their bus collided with a pickup truck and plunged off the road.
'The travel agency contacted us for help, but the local Thai agency said it would cost a huge amount to bring the deceased home,' he said.
Chua sought assistance from the Transport Minister, leading to the deployment of a RMAF aircraft to repatriate the victims.
'Police cars escorted the remains to Batu Pahat. The travel agency assisted the families, checked for additional insurance, and initiated the compensation process,' he said.
He advised Malaysians travelling abroad to know how to contact the nearest Malaysian embassy, which can provide critical help, as can Tourism Malaysia's offices overseas.
While travellers need not always book through agencies, Chua said agencies can be vital in emergencies.
'Airlines can charge heavily to fly a coffin home, but with embassy help, costs can be reduced,' he said, urging solo travellers to always buy travel insurance. He added all licensed travel agencies must attend refresher training every two years to stay updated on emergency procedures.
Recent incidents have underscored the dangers Malaysians may face abroad.
On Thursday, two Malaysian tourists, Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, and her boyfriend Ong Yik Leong, 26, were critically injured in Bangkok after a local man doused them with thinner and set them on fire while they were seated outside a shopping centre on Ratchadamri Road.
Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) president Mint Leong said safety must always be a top priority, whether travelling alone or in a group.
'When travelling alone, you must know local safety measures, keep up with weather and political updates, have the nearest emergency contacts and safeguard travel documents and money – ideally stored separately,' she said.
'If you lose your passport or valuables, contact the local police and Malaysian embassy immediately. Without proper help, replacing travel documents can be a long process,' she said, adding that travel agencies often help expedite such matters.
Leong also cautioned against scams involving counterfeit currency, rigged taxi fares or ride-hailing services taking longer routes.
She said a Taiwanese tourist suffered a stroke in a Malaysian hotel bathroom.
'It took a month of hospital care and a week of travel arrangements, including special seating on the flight home. Such cases demand high costs and coordination with family, embassies, insurers and local authorities.'
She stressed the need for travel insurance, particularly for lone travellers.
'For unfamiliar destinations, travel should never be spontaneous – preparation is key,' Leong said.
About five years ago, Bashir Azwan, 38, was a victim of pickpockets overseas. He was forced to make an emergency call to his bank to deactivate his credit card and borrow money from a friend to reach the embassy for a replacement passport.
'I was grateful to have a friend with me,' said the contractor.
'Now, I stay vigilant on every trip. Avoid provoking anyone or wandering into unsafe areas. Travel with a companion where possible, dress modestly to avoid attention, and always make sure you have travel insurance.'
Justin Lee, 28, a programmer, said he always keeps the Malaysian embassy's email and Wisma Putra's contact details handy before travelling, in case of emergencies.
'I also follow the news in the country I'm visiting,' he said.
Lee carries a small amount of cash for convenience, stays in regular contact with his family and never travels without insurance.
