Illegal tours: Go after buyers also, says Satta
Published on: Mon, Jun 30, 2025
By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: Liaw proposed that Motac make a public declaration that travellers found joining illegal tours could face a RM10,000 fine and a seven-day detention to assist investigations. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah's tourism industry players urged the authorities to take action not only against illegal tour operators but also their clients. Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Satta) Chairman Dato' Seri Winston Liaw said targeting both the sellers and buyers would be a more effective deterrent. 'I think the issue keeps recurring despite media coverage and the increase in penalties to RM500,000 in fines and 10 years' imprisonment. Illegal operators are still active,' he said. One of the reasons, he added, is the lack of enforcement manpower within the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac). Liaw proposed that Motac make a public declaration that travellers found joining illegal tours could face a RM10,000 fine and a seven-day detention to assist investigations. 'This move will strongly discourage illegal tour activities, as the 'no buyers, no hunting' principle would apply automatically,' he said. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article.
Support Independant Journalism
Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper
Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News
Exclusive News Invites to special events
Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards
1-Year Most Popular
(Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Woman claims trial to sharing obscene images of husband's other wife
MELAKA: An investment agent pleaded not guilty to three charges, including distributing and possessing obscene images of her husband's other wife in March. Herni Sofini Omar, 53, entered the plea before magistrate Utman Abd Ghani after the charges were read and explained to her by the court interpreter. On the first charge, she is accused of insulting the modesty of a 45-year-old complainant by distributing obscene images via a letter. Herni is charged under Section 509 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment, a fine, or both, upon conviction. For the second charge, she is accused of criminal intimidation against the same complainant via an anonymous letter at the same time, date and location. The charge was framed under Section 507 of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of up to two years in addition to any punishment under Section 506 of the same Code. Both offences were allegedly committed at Jalan Meranti 3, Taman Sayang Selasih, on March 27 about 2pm. For the third charge, on June 6 about 3am, she was found in possession of obscene images belonging to the same complainant on her mobile phone at the Criminal Investigation Department office of the Melaka Tengah police headquarters. She was charged under Section 292 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of three years' jail, a fine, or both, upon conviction. Deputy public prosecutor Hanis Aliah Ahmad Kamarulnajuib proposed bail of RM24,000 for all charges with one surety. However, defence lawyer Baharudin Baharim appealed for a reduction, citing that his client is self-employed and supports four children, three of whom are still in school. He said the accused, who has been abandoned by her husband since the incident, poses no flight risk and has fully cooperated with police during the investigation. "My client was recently diagnosed with cancer and has undergone surgery. We request total bail to be set at RM4,000," he said. The court then granted Herni bail of RM5,000 with one surety and fixed Aug 6 for case mention and document submission.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Married couple arrested for prostitution and porn distribution in Shah Alam
SHAH ALAM: A married couple was arrested at a hotel here for allegedly operating a prostitution ring and distributing pornographic videos through social media. The Kuala Lumpur police contingent's D7 division apprehended the 34-year-old pair following an investigation into their illicit activities. Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa stated that the husband managed the business, creating and selling explicit content featuring his wife and clients. The wife reportedly served as the primary performer in the videos while engaging in prostitution. 'They earned up to RM6,400 a week by selling videos priced between RM50 and RM150. 'Prostitution services were arranged via Telegram, with fees ranging from RM450 to RM800 per session,' Rusdi said. The couple was remanded for three days as authorities investigate violations under Sections 372(1), 372B, and 372A of the Penal Code, along with Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Kedah civil servant, accomplice remanded over RM300,000 contract abuse
ALOR STAR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained two men, including a state civil servant, for alleged abuse of power involving a maintenance and cleaning contract worth about RM300,000. The suspects, both in their 30s, were remanded for five days until July 6 following an application before magistrate Siti Nor Hasliza Md Ali earlier today. According to a source, the suspects were picked up between 11am and 2pm yesterday after presenting themselves at the Kedah MACC office to assist with investigations. "Preliminary investigations indicate that the civil servant had abused his position between 2020 and 2021, by conspiring with a company to secure financial benefits for both suspects through the awarded contract," the source said. Kedah MACC director Datuk Nazli Rasyid Sulong confirmed the arrests when contacted. He said the case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years' imprisonment and a fine of not less than five times the value of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
