Stricter control on illegal tourism services

PETALING JAYA: The Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) has called on the authorities for stricter control and enforcement on illegal car rental services for tourists.
Its president Hamzah Rahmat (pix) said many legitimate travel businesses that are licensed by the Tourism and Culture Ministry have been badly affected due to the illegal services.
He said that licensed travel agents and operators must comply with the rules and regulations set by the ministry and Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) whereas the illegal operators are not accountable to anyone.
"Illegal car rental operators and unlicensed travel agents operate nationwide. Customers that engage the services of these illegal operators run a very high risk of being cheated and defrauded," he said in a statement.
"The authorities, including the Ministry, SPAD, police and even local government must take immediate action to eliminate all illegal and unlicensed companies," he added.
Hamzah made the call following the recent incident in Langkawi on Oct 24 where a group of men, believed to be illegal car rental operators, tried to attack officers from SPAD during a road block check.
Hamzah said the incident was serious and that the authorities must take immediate action on those involved.
"If this cannot be done, the government should open up the industry and do away with the need for licenses or permits and let the market do business in an open manner," he said.
"The issue of unlicensed travel companies and illegal vehicles in the tourism industry is a very old problem that has remained unsolved," he said, adding that the conditions are getting worse.