MATTA Backs Strict Action Against Illegal Tourism Operators

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has welcomed firm enforcement action taken by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) following recent joint operations in Sabah to curb illegal tourism activities.

MATTA president Nigel Wong said the association expressed strong support for the operations conducted in collaboration with the police, Inland Revenue Board and the Eastern Sabah Security Command, describing the move as timely and necessary.

“MATTA strongly supports the imposition of maximum penalties against offenders under the Tourism Industry Act 1992.

"Strict enforcement, including substantial fines and imprisonment are critical to send a clear and unequivocal message that non-compliance will not be tolerated,” he said in a statement today.

Wong also said the association fully commended MOTAC and its partner agencies for taking firm and coordinated enforcement action as this could address the long-standing issue of illegal operators in the industry.

“Enforcement must go hand-in-hand with impactful penalties. Imposing maximum penalties including prison sentence where appropriate will send a strong deterrent signal and demonstrate that Malaysia is serious about upholding the rule of law in tourism,” he said.

Wong added that these legal requirements apply to all parties, especially individuals offering tourism-related services without proper licensing, whether through online platforms, social media or physical channels. 

He said the issue of unlicensed operators is not merely a regulatory concern but a longstanding systemic problem that continues to undermine the tourism industry. 

It also fuels unfair competition, results in tax leakages, compromises safety and service standards and erodes traveller confidence in Malaysia as a safe and professionally managed destination.

“Illegal operators distort the market and create an uneven playing field. Licensed businesses that comply with regulations invest in quality and pay taxes and should not be disadvantaged by those who operate outside the system,” Wong said.

From a broader perspective, he said addressing illegal operations is also essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector as a sustainable industry must be built on strong governance, regulatory compliance and a level playing field for all legitimate industry players.

Wong said MATTA will continue to encourage its members to exercise due diligence when engaging with third parties, ensuring collaborations are only conducted with properly licensed operators to safeguard compliance and uphold industry credibility.

-- BERNAMA