New tourist bus safety regulations in Malaysia from Aug 1
These measures aim to improve road safety ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun JP, MATA president, stated that the updated rules, effective from August 1, will introduce stricter maintenance schedules, driver working hour limits, GPS tracking, and compulsory six-month safety checks.
'This initiative will boost public trust in tourism transport and ensure safer travel for both local and international visitors,' he said.
Recent data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) revealed over 2,300 accidents involving tourist buses between 2020 and 2024, with 27 fatalities and 230 injuries recorded in 2023 alone.
Mechanical failures, driver fatigue, and poor maintenance were identified as key causes.
MATA has pledged to collaborate with MOTAC, operators, and transport firms to conduct safety training and encourage telematics adoption.
The association also aims to promote responsible scheduling to reduce driver fatigue while providing feedback on regulation implementation challenges.
'The tourism sector is vital to Malaysia's economy, and transport safety is fundamental to the visitor experience,' Mohd Khalid added.
'These regulations will strengthen Malaysia's global reputation as a secure travel destination.' – Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hype Malaysia
19 hours ago
- Hype Malaysia
Selangor Forest Park Now Recognised As UNESCO World Heritage Site
Many of Malaysia's famous landmarks and even its local dishes have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites or listed under UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage. These prestigious accolades are not easily earned; each must meet strict criteria to receive such recognition. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) announced over the weekend that the FRIM Selangor Forest Park has now been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here's the story: In case you're unfamiliar with the term, a UNESCO World Heritage Site refers to any landmark or area inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO) World Heritage List. In short, these are places of cultural, historical or scientific significance. FRIM Selangor Forest Park is one such site, a unique example of large-scale tropical forest restoration, achieved through the replanting of trees in a former tin mining area. It's little surprise, then, that it has now been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The inscription was revealed in a statement by Motac during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held from 6th to 16th July at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris. According to The Star, the listing was approved by the 21 member states of the World Heritage Committee, following a nomination process that began in 2013. With this latest achievement, Malaysia now has six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Sarawak's Gua Niah and Sabah's Kinabalu National Geopark. 'The ministry is confident that this recognition will add significant value to FRIM Selangor Forest Park as a key tourism product in Selangor. This achievement is expected to boost international tourist arrivals and contribute to Malaysia's economy, particularly benefiting local communities,' Motac added. This is truly an incredible milestone for Malaysia. We look forward to seeing which other landmarks in our homeland will be recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the future. Sources: TheStar, UNESCO, MalayMail
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Minister defends policy requiring tour operators to submit accident reports in 24 hours after occurrence
Dato Sri Tiong King Sing SIBU (July 14): Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing firmly defends his ministry's policy requiring tour operators to submit a report within 24 hours of any accident. In stressing this, he points out that ensuring tourists' safety is always top priority and thus, his ministry will continue enforcing this measure strictly. 'Numerous tour-related accidents in the past have already raised serious public concern, even leading to foreign governments issuing travel advisories against certain destinations in Malaysia. 'Therefore, the ministry will not compromise under any form of pressure or complaint. 'We remain firmly committed to upholding the principle of safety-first, to restore confidence in Malaysia's tourism brand,' he said in a Facebook post, issued in response to the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta)'s labelling the ministry's policy as 'excessive'. In this regard, Tiong expressed hope that Matta president Nigel Wong and all association members would fully understand that ensuring the safety of tourists remained their most basic responsibility, and must never be sacrificed for the sake of convenience or profits. Moreover, the minister clarified that the accident report would facilitate tour companies in providing accurate information such as the driver's background and health status prior to the incident, the inspection records of the tour bus including its latest technical conditions, the travelling group details, as well as the itinerary and routes before and after the incident – all of which would help the authorities determine the cause of the accident. Nonetheless, Tiong was quite dismayed by the overly-defensive reaction from Matta and its members. 'Would they rather see more accidents happen in the country, with no accountability whatsoever, than to rectify these glaring safety loopholes? 'Why are they so quick to expand their 'comfort zone', lower the costs, and increase profit margins, while showing no interest in improving tourist safety? 'I urge all tourism players to reflect on this. How many tourism-related accidents have happened in Malaysia to date? 'How many lives have been lost during the two and a half years since I took office as minister? 'And what has Matta done to address this? Have they ever proposed safety improvements to their members?' Tiong pointed out that as the government could approve the operating licences allowing tour companies the opportunity to do business, it was incumbent upon the private sector to ensure that it would fulfil its obligations to safety and regulatory compliances. 'We believe this requirement of 24-hour reporting (after an accident has occurred) will encourage proper screening during the hiring process and more stringent implementation of safety measures.' Tiong also said it was unacceptable to use 'manpower shortage' as an excuse to compromise safety, noting that in past tour bus and also boat accidents, some drivers or operators were reported to have drug-related criminal records and yet, they were still hired. There were also recurring incidents, he added, such as the Pulau Perhentian boat accident, where passengers were not provided with life jackets. 'During my official overseas visits, foreign ministers frequently express concern over Malaysia's safety standards. How can our tourism industry thrive in the face of continued safety concerns?' In this aspect, Tiong hoped that the Matta president and its members would think carefully before making any public statements in the future. 'My ministry and myself are more than willing to work hand in hand with the industry players to grow Malaysian tourism. 'We sincerely hope for strong cooperation on this matter, and welcome more constructive dialogues and engagements to help build a more progressive and responsible tourism landscape for our nation,' he added. accident report lead Tiong King Sing tour operators tourism
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
New tourist bus safety regulations in Malaysia from Aug 1
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATA) has voiced strong support for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) in enforcing new regulations for tourist bus operations. These measures aim to improve road safety ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun JP, MATA president, stated that the updated rules, effective from August 1, will introduce stricter maintenance schedules, driver working hour limits, GPS tracking, and compulsory six-month safety checks. 'This initiative will boost public trust in tourism transport and ensure safer travel for both local and international visitors,' he said. Recent data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) revealed over 2,300 accidents involving tourist buses between 2020 and 2024, with 27 fatalities and 230 injuries recorded in 2023 alone. Mechanical failures, driver fatigue, and poor maintenance were identified as key causes. MATA has pledged to collaborate with MOTAC, operators, and transport firms to conduct safety training and encourage telematics adoption. The association also aims to promote responsible scheduling to reduce driver fatigue while providing feedback on regulation implementation challenges. 'The tourism sector is vital to Malaysia's economy, and transport safety is fundamental to the visitor experience,' Mohd Khalid added. 'These regulations will strengthen Malaysia's global reputation as a secure travel destination.' – Bernama
