Stern Action Against Guides Selling Tour Packages - Tiong

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, has warned that tour guides caught selling holiday packages will face stern action, including licence revocation, as the practice leads to problems like unregulated pricing.

"If you are interested and feel qualified to sell tour packages, obtain a licence to become a tourism agent. However, you must ensure that the packages you provide are genuinely high-quality," he said during an engagement session with Sabah's tourism industry players today.

Tiong urged all tour guides to provide quality service by interacting with guests and knowledgeably explaining the history of any site or building they visit, in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026. 

He also advised travel agencies and tour guides not to limit foreign tourists to specific destinations or shopping areas, emphasising that visitors should have the freedom to choose where they wish to go.

"This is important to ensure our tourism, arts, and culture sectors remain free from unhealthy practices that could damage the country's international image," he said.

He further reminded all tourism operators to comply with safety and operational guidelines, maintain professional standards, treat guests respectfully and foster positive collaboration. 

"Malaysia is internationally recognised as a friendly destination that welcomes all visitors. We take pride in our natural beauty and cultural diversity, and we welcome tourists from around the world," he added.

Regarding the engagement session, Tiong noted that numerous suggestions and issues had been raised by Sabah's tourism industry players.

-- BERNAMA