Latest news with #MATA
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Political unrest threatens Malaysia's tourism & economy
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA) has expressed concern that ongoing political instability and large-scale public demonstrations could harm Malaysia's international image, investor confidence, and tourism growth. Its president Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Harun said such unrest threatens efforts to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026, a national initiative aimed at attracting millions of international tourists. 'Malaysia is now in a strong phase of post-pandemic economic recovery. Any actions that disrupt political stability and national security may hinder the growth of both the tourism and economic sectors,' he said in a statement. Mohd Khalid said prolonged street protests can affect business operations, job opportunities and investor confidence, ultimately increasing the cost of living for Malaysians. He stressed that public safety must remain a priority as large gatherings carry risks of provocation, conflict and chaos that could threaten public order. 'Stability and peace are the foundation of tourism growth. Without guaranteed safety, tourists will simply choose other destinations that are more stable and secure.' He added that a negative global media coverage could also severely impact the country's Islamic and nature-based tourism sectors. 'Tourism is a major contributor to Malaysia's economy, supporting millions of jobs. 'We recognise the right to voice opinions, but it must be done responsibly and not at the expense of national harmony. We must protect our stability to ensure the success of Visit Malaysia 2026 and the continued growth of the people's economy,' he added. The latest rally, held on Saturday at Dataran Merdeka, saw nearly 15,000 people in attendance.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Street protests risk Malaysia's tourism growth ahead of VM2026
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA) has raised concerns over ongoing street protests, warning they could damage the country's reputation as a safe travel destination ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). With Malaysia actively promoting the tourism campaign to attract international visitors, large-scale demonstrations risk undermining economic recovery and public security. 'A tarnished national image can directly affect tourist arrivals and foreign investments,' MATA stated. The association highlighted that protests disrupt business operations, reduce job opportunities, and increase living costs, stressing that public safety must remain a priority. MATA cautioned that mass mobilisations could escalate into conflicts, further destabilising public order. Malaysia, known for Islamic and nature-based tourism, faces significant challenges if negative global media coverage persists. Datuk Sri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun, MATA president, noted Malaysia's post-pandemic recovery hinges on stability. 'Tourists seek safe destinations. Without peace, they will choose alternatives,' he said. While acknowledging the right to protest, he urged responsible actions to safeguard national harmony. 'Collective efforts are vital to ensure VM2026's success and sustained economic growth,' he added. - Bernama
Focus Malaysia
18-07-2025
- Focus Malaysia
Confusion over MATTA and MATA—intentional or otherwise?
I REFER to the Bernama report 'New tourist bus safety regulations in Malaysia from Aug 1' published on July 14. The first paragraph is reproduced here in toto: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATA) has voiced strong support for the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) in enforcing new regulations for tourist bus operations. And the following paragraph: Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun JP, MATA president, stated that the updated rules, effective from Aug 1, will introduce stricter maintenance schedules, driver working hour limits, GPS tracking, and compulsory six-month safety checks. Over the past six years, some reporters and editors were unclear or confused between MATTA and MATA, and they were not at fault if they had been misled or not corrected, But it had brought much confusion among the public. MATTA was established half a century ago, and its registered name was 'Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents'. Its acronym was also used in the 50-year-old logo. The headquarters of the association is housed in its own building in Kuala Lumpur named Wisma MATTA, On the other hand, MATA was founded six years ago in 2019 and shares the same Seremban address as Housecoff Travel & Tours as listed by MOTAC, with Datuk Seri Dr H Mohd Khalid Harun as the president & CEO. Interestingly, Khalid served as MATTA president until 2013. But on Sept 11, 2014, MATTA held an extraordinary general meeting which voted overwhelmingly to expel five of its members, including Khalid, who were office bearers of MATA for causing moral and material damage to MATTA. MATA was registered as 'Persatuan Agensi Pelancongan Malaysia' and the correct translation is Malaysia Tourism Agency Association and abbreviation MTAA. Both the above official Malay and English names are stated in its website Instead of using MTAA, MATA was used to masquerade as MATTA and its popular MATTA Fairs. Before the pandemic, there were more than 3,600 MATTA corporate members in 2019. MATTA's website allows the public to verify all its members listed in 'Member Directory'. In contrast, MATA's website has only four names, all from its 'Executive Committee' and an occasion scheduled in 2022 is still listed under 'Upcoming Events'. It appears there were hardly any activities in MATA, but claims to represent the majority of tourism players in Malaysia. There are more than 10 travel associations in Malaysia listed in 'Travel associations are one too many' published on May 28, 2020, which may provide an inkling as to why they were set up. Are these trade bodies serving their industry or just a platform to draw attention and gain importance? ‒ July 18, 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: MATTA
The Sun
13-07-2025
- The Sun
New tourist bus safety regulations in Malaysia from Aug 1
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATA) has voiced strong support for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) in enforcing new regulations for tourist bus operations. These measures aim to improve road safety ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun JP, MATA president, stated that the updated rules, effective from August 1, will introduce stricter maintenance schedules, driver working hour limits, GPS tracking, and compulsory six-month safety checks. 'This initiative will boost public trust in tourism transport and ensure safer travel for both local and international visitors,' he said. Recent data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) revealed over 2,300 accidents involving tourist buses between 2020 and 2024, with 27 fatalities and 230 injuries recorded in 2023 alone. Mechanical failures, driver fatigue, and poor maintenance were identified as key causes. MATA has pledged to collaborate with MOTAC, operators, and transport firms to conduct safety training and encourage telematics adoption. The association also aims to promote responsible scheduling to reduce driver fatigue while providing feedback on regulation implementation challenges. 'The tourism sector is vital to Malaysia's economy, and transport safety is fundamental to the visitor experience,' Mohd Khalid added. 'These regulations will strengthen Malaysia's global reputation as a secure travel destination.' – Bernama
Barnama
13-07-2025
- Barnama
MATA Supports MOTAC's New Regulations To Enhance Tourist Bus Safety
KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATA) supports the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) in implementing new regulations on the operation of tourist buses in Malaysia. Its president, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun JP, said this step is very important and timely following the increasing concerns about the safety level of commercial tourism vehicles on the roads, especially with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026. "The new regulations, which will come into effect from Aug 1, set stricter requirements including more frequent vehicle maintenance, driver working hour limits, the installation of GPS tracking systems, and mandatory safety inspections every six months. "This initiative aims to strengthen public confidence in the tourism transportation sector and ensure greater safety for both local and international tourists," he said in a statement today. According to him, data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) show more than 2,300 accidents involving tour buses and coaches between 2020 and 2024, and in 2023 alone, 27 deaths and more than 230 injuries were reported. Among the main factors were mechanical failures, driver fatigue, and insufficient maintenance, highlighting the need for stricter regulations in this industry. Mohd Khalid said MATA is committed to continuing cooperation with MOTAC, tour operators, and transport companies in conducting safety awareness training for tourism transport operators and promoting the use of telematics systems and digital safety technology in tourism buses. Additionally, MATA is also said to promote more responsible travel scheduling to reduce driver fatigue and continuously provide feedback to MOTAC regarding the implementation and challenges faced at the field level. "The tourism sector is one of the main contributors to the country's economy, and transportation safety is the cornerstone of the tourist experience.
