KUALA LUMPUR – The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) issued 15 inspection notices after inspecting three tourist attractions, nine business premises and three individuals in a two-day enforcement operation targeting unlicensed tourism activities in Kuala Lumpur.
The operation, conducted on Aug 12 and 13, followed intelligence gathered by MOTAC enforcement officers as well as complaints and information received from members of the public, industry players and tourism associations.
MOTAC said nine of the notices were issued under subsection 5(2) of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482) for operating tourism businesses without a valid licence.
The operation also targeted individuals suspected of operating as unlicensed tourist guides, with enforcement action taken under subsection 21(1) of the Act. The intelligence operation was carried out in collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur Tourist Guide Association (KLTGA).
Other offences detected included the use of private or unlicensed vehicles for tourist transportation, failure to comply with licence conditions and conducting business with unlicensed parties.
MOTAC said vehicles identified as private or unlicensed for tourist transportation would be dealt with in cooperation with the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and Road Transport Department (JPJ). Further investigations will be conducted before legal action is taken against individuals, entities, owners and other parties involved.
The ministry warned unlicensed operators against providing tourism services, including tour guiding, transportation, accommodation and organising tourism activities through online platforms, social media, physical premises or other channels.
Under Act 482, offenders may be compounded up to RM250,000, while those convicted may face a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
MOTAC urged members of the public and tourism industry players to report suspected violations of tourism laws and regulations through its Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA). -MalayaDailyToday
