Latest news with #MalaysianTouristGuidesCouncil
New Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Singaporeans rush for VEP ahead of July 1, Johor trade unfazed
JOHOR BARU: With full Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) enforcement taking effect on July 1, Singaporean motorists are making a last-minute dash to register at centres in Johor. A check by the New Straits Times at the VEP centre in Danga Bay yesterday found Singaporeans flocking to submit last-minute applications. One staff member said there had been many walk-ins asking whether the RFID tags could be issued immediately. Some frustrated motorists, uncertain about the registration process or still waiting for their tags to arrive by post, voiced concern over the sudden rush. The VEP scheme was first proposed in 2017 but its implementation was postponed twice — in 2019 and again in 2020. Drivers of non-Malaysian-registered vehicles found without a valid VEP from next month risk a fine of RM300. The RFID tag enables Malaysian authorities to identify foreign-registered vehicles on the roads and track any outstanding traffic fines, which must be settled before the vehicles are allowed to leave the country. Meanwhile, businesses in the main commercial belts of Johor's capital expressed confidence that the VEP enforcement would not deter their regular Singaporean customers. Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong said he did not expect the tourism industry to be affected. "Motorists were given ample notice and access to VEP installation centres," he said. Traders in Johor echoed Leong's remarks, adding that the new ruling would not discourage Singaporeans who consider Malaysia a haven for food and shopping. They also pointed out that the strong Singapore dollar continues to give Singaporeans greater spending power in Malaysia, making it an attractive destination for a day trip across the Causeway that divides the two countries. "Singaporeans will still come — RM300 is just a mild sting. For them, S$90 (RM300) is nothing," said Jamil, who manages a seafood eatery. A convenience store owner, known only as Tan, said her Singaporean customers were fully aware of the fines. "One of them told me, 'I'll just pay the compound on the way out (of Johor) if I have to,'" she said.
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johor must get its tourism sector in order before 2026
JOHOR BARU: With under six months to Visit Johor 2026, Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong warned the state must reform its tourism sector or risk wasting a major opportunity. Leong welcomed the Johor government's Majestic Johor campaign but said slogans must be matched by real reforms. "Johor has the potential to become the most vibrant and sustainable state in Malaysia," Leong said. "But let's be clear, we cannot do this alone. Private and public sectors must work together to create experiences, not just sell products." Leong urged Johor to move away from outdated models and tackle problems hurting legal tourism, especially illegal operators. "Licensed tourist guides are begging for action. Illegal Airbnb operations and multipurpose vehicles ferrying tourists without proper papers are running unchecked," he said. "These rogue entities are robbing the industry while the government looks away." He questioned how licensed guides can survive when undercut by unregulated operators and proposed making it mandatory for all foreign tourist groups in Johor to use licensed guides. "Tourism's success isn't measured in brochures printed, but in jobs created. If we want to raise standards, we must first treat legal tourism partners with dignity," he said, warning that morale within the industry is wearing dangerously thin. On the broader strategy, Leong said that post-pandemic traveller behaviour has shifted dramatically, with most tourists now planning and booking trips entirely online. "Visitors are not stepping into travel agencies anymore. Flights, rooms, tours are all booked online…everything's digital. "If we want Visit Johor 2026 to succeed, our strategies must be relevant to the times," he added. Despite the challenges, Leong remained optimistic. He said Johor's proximity to Singapore is an advantage. "With the right policies and better enforcement, Johor could be transformed into a garden city known for its space, hospitality and rich cultural experiences. Meanwhile, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, unveiled an ambitious tourism overhaul under the newly corporatised Majestic Johor Tourism (MJT) Sdn Bhd. Johor aims to draw 12 million visitors in conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026. The strategy, announced during the recent state assembly, signalled a shift from reactive to proactive tourism management, blending upgraded infrastructure with world-class digital marketing and global partnerships. "Johor is blessed with stunning beaches, lush rainforests and rich cultural heritage, but we must be honest in acknowledging that our tourism offerings have not yet reached their full potential," Onn Hafiz said. "We have listened to feedback, especially on social media, and are using it as a catalyst to elevate our standards." Onn Hafiz said MJT will lead the charge with a corporate structure, tapping tourism professionals to steer Johor's branding, promotional campaigns and international event collaborations. This, he said, would bring professionalism, agility, and global sensibility to Johor's tourism engine. "We are not simply launching another campaign," he said. "We are laying the foundation for tourism to become a sustainable economic driver that will improve the lives of Johoreans and puts the state on the global map." Criticism, he added, had played a constructive role. "Rather than take offence, we take ownership. The feedback has galvanised our efforts to rethink, rebuild and relaunch," he said.
