GEORGE TOWN – Tourism organisations and businesses are rallying to support Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing in his call for the authorities to investigate claims of misconduct among frontliners at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
This comes on the heels of the recent incident at the international arrival hall, where a tourist from China was supposedly detained without explanation before she was released by immigration officers.
Industry practitioners shared their statements with The Vibes to express their full support for the tourism, arts, and culture minister.
“Our organisation would like to accord our full support to the minister, who was willing to go down to the ground to address suspicions of irregularities at KLIA,” said Datuk Noor Zaleha Baharuddin, president of the Malaysia International Tourism Development Association.
Tiong was reported to have trespassed into the airport’s restricted area, where he had gone to address the matter. He has denied this.
“Such a claim is outlandish because Tiong is a minister who oversees all matters related to tourism here. He has a right to address claims of improper conduct by frontliners,” said Noor Zaleha.
She said that her association, which has been involved in tourism for the past 40 years, believes that the time has come for the Immigration Department to improve its services to ensure that the image of the country and its frontliners are preserved.
Tiong later claimed that some immigration officers demanded bribes of up to RM3,000 from detained tourists for them to be released and sent back to their home countries.
The department, in a statement, said that it has begun investigations into the incident.
Tiong defended his action to go there, which resulted in a viral report that there was an ensuing commotion at the arrival hall.
He said that he was accompanied by investigators from his ministry’s integrity unit when he went in.
He also called on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct a large-scale raid at the international arrival gate.
The anti-graft agency then announced yesterday that it would investigate allegations that immigration officers at the airport had solicited bribes from foreigners.
Minister’s action gives industry confidence
The Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) said that it supports Tiong’s initiatives to resolve issues that hinder the nation’s tourism recovery.
“Well done, we fully support Tiong’s efforts to go to the ground to listen to complaints and observe the issues faced by foreign tourists at the country’s main entry point,” it said.
“As a tourism minister, he is responsible for the industry.”
Tiong’s action will inject confidence into the sector, MyBHA said, adding that it called “on the relevant parties to investigate and take appropriate action against any individual with intentions to tarnish Tiong’s reputation.
The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) expressed concern as well.
As an organisation dedicated to providing the best hospitality experience Malaysia has to offer, MAH said it firmly believes that every visitor should receive a warm welcome and be given fair treatment from the first to the last mile of their visit.
The tourism industry plays a vital role in contributing to the nation’s economy, creating many employment opportunities and attracting businesses into the country, it said.
Tourists driven away to other destinations
“Unfortunate incidents that mar the experience of tourists, particularly at our country’s entry points, are unacceptable and warrant strong condemnation,” MAH said.
It said that it is crucial to ensure that proper protocols are in place and that frontline tourism personnel adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.
“By addressing and rectifying any shortcomings, we can enhance the overall travel experience for all visitors,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Malaysia Tourism Agency Association praised Tiong for taking such proactive action and gave its full support for his move to give serious focus to the issue.
Its president, Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun, expressed concern that visitors would be dissuaded from coming to Malaysia.
He stressed that the Malaysian tourism industry has many competitors, as neighbouring countries are offering facilities for tourists that entice them to travel to these places. – The Vibes, July 2, 2023
