HAVE you ever experienced the joy of travelling to a new destination? The joy of travelling to a new destination is unmatched.
We travel to learn and grow, to experience new things, to connect with other people and cultures, to escape the everyday humdrum of life, to find new adventures, and to find ourselves.
Of course, there are also business trips and journeys to meet up with family and friends.
Regardless of the reasons, we all want our journeys, especially those to another country or just out of town, to be smooth, pleasant, and memorable.
Overall, travelling expands my horizons and broadens my perspectives.
However, as you know, in this modern and complex world, traveling is only sometimes smooth sailing. Tourists often have several complaints when they arrive at airports.
Long lines at security, customs, and immigration counters, lack of space, inconvenient locations, and a shortage of amenities are common frustrations. Unfriendly staff also contributes to a negative experience.
Additional complaints include flight delays or cancellations, lost luggage, unclear signage, and expensive food and drinks, which airports can address through improved communication, clear signage, and more affordable options.
I have had my fair share of negative experiences at airports, one in KLIA and some abroad. These experiences can seriously dampen the mood of a day and can be incredibly upsetting if you are on holiday.
Travellers, especially tourists, often voice several complaints upon arriving at airports, and these concerns can significantly impact their overall experience.
The first significant issue is the long lines encountered upon landing at airports or border crossings due to security checks, customs checks, and processing immigration authorities.
Moreover, unfriendly or unhelpful airport staff can leave a negative impression on tourists, diminishing their overall enjoyment of the airport environment.
The experience can be made even worse by the presence of personnel demanding money to facilitate entry into a country, compounding these negative experiences.
Corruption remains a pressing issue globally, and Malaysia is no exception. The immigration sector in Malaysia has been plagued by alleged rampant corruption, leading to numerous challenges for both the government and the people.
Malaysia’s immigration system has, over the years, on several occasions, been marred by corruption, causing harm to the nation’s security, economy, and reputation.
Multiple instances of bribery, human trafficking, document forgery, and abuse of power have been reported in recent years.
In the latest incident in June 2023, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, had a dispute with immigration officers.
Tiong went to KLIA to assist a Chinese national allegedly held up because of discrepancies in her travel documents.
Subsequently, he alleged a “culture of corruption” within the immigration department, which denied any wrongdoing.
The incident has caused controversy, with some people criticising Tiong for his behaviour and others defending him. The matter is still under investigation.
Given the upcoming state elections in six Malayan states, the government will likely downplay the incident to avoid any negative impact.
Tiong is no stranger to controversies, and this incident will probably wash off him like water off a duck’s back.
Whatever the outcome, the allegations and real issues must be resolved. It is very harmful to the image of Malaysia and the tourism sector.
Although there is controversy surrounding how the tourism minister intervened at KLIA, it seems the issues he raised have the support of many people.
Corruption discourages tourists, stifles businesses, and sows fear and mistrust among travellers.
It is important to note that tourism income in Malaysia has been on a generally upward trend, with a sharp dip in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since recovered somewhat, but it is still below pre-pandemic levels.
Tourism is also a major source of employment in Malaysia, with over 3.5 million people working in the tourism sector.
The government needs to take decisive action to address the problems linked to the immigration system. The need to crack down on corruption and ensure that tourists are treated fairly must be prioritized.
Despite these challenges, Malaysia remains a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
Sarawak, especially, is a fantastic destination for travellers worldwide.
It offers diverse experiences, from beautiful beaches to bustling towns, idyllic villages, beautiful temples, delicious food, and exciting nightlife. Not to mention its friendly people.
Among all the swirling controversies in Malaya, it’s an excellent opportunity for Sarawak to promote itself as an ideal travel destination.
In the meantime, let’s hope the relevant authorities remove the travel blues with delightful memories.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
