KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MoTAC) has never stopped travel agencies from bringing foreign tourists to any mall or shopping area in the country.
On the contrary, Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said his ministry strongly encourages tourists to purchase, especially Malaysia-made products, including handicrafts.
Foreign tourists are free to shop in Malaysia.
Tiong said his statement about shopping activities for international visitors has recently elicited a range of responses.
MoTAC had issued a statement following claims by tourists from abroad that they are only taken to one or two tourist destinations before being whisked off to shopping centres.
The foreigners feel ‘cheated’ by promotional videos showing tourist attractions in Malaysia but instead are brought to shopping arcades, as shopping is not their main intention.
Tiong noted the majority of tourists would like to visit the intriguing, historic, and stunning tourist attractions featured in Malaysia’s advertising videos.
“As I mentioned, a circular regarding this matter will be issued soon to provide guidance to travel companies or agencies, for the good of all parties, including travel agencies as service providers, and tourists as consumers.
“Before the circular is issued, MoTAC and the agencies under it will hold discussions and dialogue sessions with industry players to ensure any policies introduced take into account the interests of all parties.
“This follows requests and complaints from foreign tourists who claim they are only taken to one or two tourist destinations, before being taken to shopping places in the country,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday (Feb15).
He stressed that tourists should have the flexibility to visit and shop wherever they like, unrestricted by the rules set forth by the travel companies in charge of managing them while they are in Malaysia.
This is crucial, he said, to make sure that unwholesome practices do not tarnish the country’s reputation abroad through the tourism, art, and cultural sectors.
Having said that, he urged agencies under MoTAC to continue to establish close relationships with all parties in the tourism industry and hold engagement sessions regularly so that effective and holistic solutions can be achieved.
Tiong said his ministry will accept opinions and criticisms to address any shortcomings in the sector.
“I certainly understand the importance of the economic sector through shopping activities, especially involving foreign tourists.
“Tourist spendings will contribute to the growth of the country’s economy.
“However, let them buy freely, without being bound by the stipulations or ‘mandatory conditions’ imposed during their stay in Malaysia,” he said.
