Latest news with #TiongKingSing
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Operators reminded to uphold professionalism amid Semporna slapping probe
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism players must maintain professionalism and treat guests with respect, says the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry in the wake of a viral slapping incident between a diving instructor and a foreign tourist in Semporna. Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the case was now under formal investigation, with the instructor already arrested. 'Let me remind all operators to uphold professionalism and treat guests with respect. Violence, insults, or intimidation are unacceptable except in clear cases of self-defence. If faced with rude behaviour, respond calmly and try to resolve issues peacefully,' he said in a statement shared on his official Facebook page, on Saturday (July 26). He was commenting on the widely circulated video of the July 23 incident in Semporna, where a local diving instructor was seen slapping and threatening a foreign tourist following a dispute over a dropped oxygen tank. 'All relevant enforcement agencies will work closely to uncover the full story and ensure the process is legal, fair, and transparent,' Tiong said. Initial findings indicated that the altercation began when a compressed air tank was wrongly placed on the boat deck and accidentally dropped, injuring the instructor's foot. This led to a verbal dispute, which escalated into a physical confrontation. 'I want to stress that if either party is found to have acted wrongly or broken the law, action must be taken accordingly, with no favouritism,' Tiong said. He also warned that the ministry will take firm action against the misuse of licences, including dive permits, tour guide credentials, and travel agency approvals. 'We will take firm action against the misuse of licences, including dive permits, tour guide credentials, and travel agency approvals. Travel agencies must use their own licensed vessels, and violations will not be tolerated,' he said. Tiong reminded all tourism operators to comply with safety and operational guidelines strictly, and urged tourists to follow instructions from certified guides to avoid putting themselves or others at risk. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, he said all tourism stakeholders must work together to protect the country's image. 'We each have a role to play in ensuring Malaysia remains a globally known friendly destination. Let's help every visitor better understand and respect our laws, culture, and norms,' he added.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Borneo Post
Tiong warns of firm action after Semporna clash
Tiong KOTA KINABALU (July 27): Firm action will be taken against the misuse of licences, including dive permits, tour guide credentials and travel agency approvals if found guilty, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said. In a post on his Facebook on Saturday, Tiong said this was in response to a video showing a clash between a diving instructor and a foreign tourist in Semporna, which has gone viral and sparked public concern. Initial findings suggest that the incident began during a dive trip when an air tank was improperly placed on the boat deck and accidentally dropped, injuring the instructor's foot. A dispute ensued, which later escalated into a physical confrontation. 'The case is now under formal investigation and the instructor has been arrested. Relevant enforcement agencies will work closely to uncover the full story and ensure the process is legal, fair, and transparent.' 'While investigations continue, MOTAC will monitor the case and address any non-compliance in tourism activities,' he said. Tiong urged tourism operators to strictly adhere to safety and operational guidelines to prevent similar incidents, while also stressing the importance of tourists cooperating with guides and instructors to ensure their safety and that of others. He also reminded operators to uphold professionalism and treat guests with respect, ensuring that there is no violence, insults or intimidation involved, except in clear cases of self-defence and to respond calmly and strive to resolve issues peacefully when faced with rude behaviour. 'As Malaysia is known globally as a friendly and welcoming destination, we take pride in our natural beauty and cultural diversity, and we welcome travellers from around the world,' he said. He added that with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, all parties must play their part in protecting the country's image, ensuring that every visitor better understands and respects Malaysia's laws, culture and norms. 'I call on all tourism players to work together to create a safe, respectful, and professional environment, so that both visitors and hosts can fully enjoy the best of Malaysia,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Malay Mail
Tiong King Sing warns of firm action over misuse of dive, tour, travel licences after Semporna clash
KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 — Firm action will be taken against the misuse of licences, including dive permits, tour guide credentials and travel agency approvals if found guilty, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said. In a post on his Facebook yesterday, Tiong said this was in response to a video showing a clash between a diving instructor and a foreign tourist in Semporna, Sabah, which has gone viral and sparked public concern. Initial findings suggest that the incident began during a dive trip when an air tank was improperly placed on the boat deck and accidentally dropped, injuring the instructor's foot. A dispute ensued, which later escalated into a physical confrontation. 'The case is now under formal investigation and the instructor has been arrested. Relevant enforcement agencies will work closely to uncover the full story and ensure the process is legal, fair, and transparent,' 'While investigations continue, MOTAC will monitor the case and address any non-compliance in tourism activities,' he said. Tiong urged tourism operators to strictly adhere to safety and operational guidelines to prevent similar incidents, while also stressing the importance of tourists cooperating with guides and instructors to ensure their safety and that of others. He also reminded operators to uphold professionalism and treat guests with respect, ensuring that there is no violence, insults or intimidation involved, except in clear cases of self-defence and to respond calmly and strive to resolve issues peacefully when faced with rude behaviour. 'As Malaysia is known globally as a friendly and welcoming destination, we take pride in our natural beauty and cultural diversity, and we welcome travellers from around the world,' he said. He added that with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, all parties must play their part in protecting the country's image, ensuring that every visitor better understands and respects Malaysia's laws, culture and norms. 'I call on all tourism players to work together to create a safe, respectful, and professional environment, so that both visitors and hosts can fully enjoy the best of Malaysia,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Malay Mail
Tiong warns of firm action over misuse of dive, tour, travel licences after Semporna clash
KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 — Firm action will be taken against the misuse of licences, including dive permits, tour guide credentials and travel agency approvals if found guilty, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said. In a post on his Facebook yesterday, Tiong said this was in response to a video showing a clash between a diving instructor and a foreign tourist in Semporna, Sabah, which has gone viral and sparked public concern. Initial findings suggest that the incident began during a dive trip when an air tank was improperly placed on the boat deck and accidentally dropped, injuring the instructor's foot. A dispute ensued, which later escalated into a physical confrontation. 'The case is now under formal investigation and the instructor has been arrested. Relevant enforcement agencies will work closely to uncover the full story and ensure the process is legal, fair, and transparent,' 'While investigations continue, MOTAC will monitor the case and address any non-compliance in tourism activities,' he said. Tiong urged tourism operators to strictly adhere to safety and operational guidelines to prevent similar incidents, while also stressing the importance of tourists cooperating with guides and instructors to ensure their safety and that of others. He also reminded operators to uphold professionalism and treat guests with respect, ensuring that there is no violence, insults or intimidation involved, except in clear cases of self-defence and to respond calmly and strive to resolve issues peacefully when faced with rude behaviour. 'As Malaysia is known globally as a friendly and welcoming destination, we take pride in our natural beauty and cultural diversity, and we welcome travellers from around the world,' he said. He added that with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, all parties must play their part in protecting the country's image, ensuring that every visitor better understands and respects Malaysia's laws, culture and norms. 'I call on all tourism players to work together to create a safe, respectful, and professional environment, so that both visitors and hosts can fully enjoy the best of Malaysia,' he said. — Bernama
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Misuse of tourism licences to face strict action warns Tiong
KUALA LUMPUR: Firm action will be taken against the misuse of tourism licences, including dive permits, tour guide credentials, and travel agency approvals if found guilty, warned Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. The warning follows a viral video showing a clash between a diving instructor and a foreign tourist in Semporna, Sabah. Initial findings indicate the incident began when an improperly placed air tank fell, injuring the instructor's foot, leading to a dispute that escalated into a physical confrontation. 'The case is now under formal investigation and the instructor has been arrested. Relevant enforcement agencies will work closely to uncover the full story and ensure the process is legal, fair, and transparent,' Tiong said in a Facebook post, yesterday. He added that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) will monitor the case and address any non-compliance in tourism activities. Tiong urged tourism operators to strictly follow safety and operational guidelines to prevent similar incidents. He also stressed the importance of tourists cooperating with guides and instructors to ensure safety. 'Operators must uphold professionalism and treat guests with respect, avoiding violence, insults, or intimidation unless in clear self-defence. Respond calmly and resolve issues peacefully when faced with rude behaviour,' he said. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, Tiong called on all tourism players to protect the country's image by ensuring visitors understand and respect Malaysia's laws, culture, and norms. 'Malaysia is known globally as a friendly and welcoming destination. Let's work together to create a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all,' he added. - Bernama
