Latest news with #Matta
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Politics
- 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
Malaysian Reserve
12-07-2025
- Malaysian Reserve
24-hour accident reporting rule not realistic, says Matta
by AZALEA AZUAR THE Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) has raised concerns over the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry's (Motac) proposal in requiring agencies to file an accident report within 24 hours. Failure to do so will result in their licences being forfeited. The ministry's decision to come up with this proposal was followed by a spate of recent tragic incidents involving tour buses. Matta president Nigel Wong acknowledged the importance of timely accountability and safety, but said it is not realistic. 'During our recent town hall sessions, members expressed that more time is needed for us to provide the information that is required by Motac and we would be happy to comply. 'We urge the authorities not to take punitive action immediately. Instead, investigations should be allowed and due process must be followed,' he said during a press conference today. Additionally, Matta sought clarification from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) regarding its policy on suspending drivers involved in road accidents. The association also wants to know whether the suspension applies only to fatal accidents or if it also includes minor incidents. Wong warned that if a travel company's licence is revoked due to a single incident — before it is even clear who is at fault — it could have serious consequences. If such actions continue without proper checks, it could spread industry-wide and not only harm businesses but also Malaysia's tourism reputation. 'We also would like to call again for the ministries involved, not just Motac, but also the Transport Ministry (MOT) and other agencies to engage in more structured dialogue with the industry in order to find the pain points for the industry itself and to come to a solution which will both protect the interests of the industry, as well as tourists,' added Wong. Moreover, Matta has started developing its own initiatives in response to the recent incidents which include a safety driving course and other training programmes which will be launched soon. It is also introducing a data collection programme to gather information on incidents reported by its members. To address these concerns, Matta held a series of town hall sessions to engage directly with its members in Johor and Kuala Lumpur (KL), which will continue in Sabah, Penang and Terengganu. On July 8, Motac announced that travel agencies with a Travel Operating Business and Travel (Tobtab) licence are required to file an accident report within 24 hours of the incident. On July 7, JPJ decided to immediately suspend the vocational licence of commercial vehicle drivers involved in road accidents while police investigations are underway. JPJ DG Aedy Fadly Ramli reportedly said that if a driver is found guilty or issued a notice for violating any part of the Road Transport Act 1987, their vocational licence will be revoked under Section 56(4)(b) of the same Act. MOTAC recently urged for the return of its regulatory authority over tourism transport. This followed a tragic bus accident in Gerik, Perak, which claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students. Meanwhile, two men were killed while 16 others were killed in a collision on July 3, which involved a tour bus and two lorries at 80.7km of the Southbound North-South Expressway (PLUS) near Ayer Hitam, Johor.
Free Malaysia Today
11-07-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Matta slams rule for crash report within 24 hours, says industry not consulted
A tour bus was involved in the June 9 crash near Gerik, Perak, that killed 15 UPSI students. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) has criticised the tourism, arts and culture ministry for requiring tour companies to submit a report within 24 hours of any accident, or risk having their business licence cancelled. Matta president Nigel Wong said the mandate, effective from July 1, was an 'extreme' measure introduced without consulting industry players. 'Government agencies should first carry out investigations before pronouncing judgment. As far as the ministry is concerned, we understand it needs the information to improve on the situation (of road accidents involving tour vehicles). 'However, 24 hours is not a reasonable timeframe, and suspending licences should the report not be lodged within this timeframe is also not acceptable,' he said. Nigel Wong. Wong said stripping tourism companies of their licences would not only affect their staff and their families but also the company's clients, which would not reflect kindly on Malaysia as a travel destination. '(In terms of road accidents) it may not be the owners of the businesses (who are at fault). It could be the drivers themselves, or the condition of the vehicle. It could even be external influences. 'The tourism community is saying, look, don't just penalise a tour company for the sake of making a statement,' he said. The ministry had made it mandatory for companies holding Tour Operating Business and Travel Agency Business (Tobtab) licences to report any accidents within 24 hours of the incident from July 1. It said failure to comply with this new rule would see their licences revoked without notice, adding that this is to ensure the safety and integrity of the nation's tourism sector. This followed several fatal road crashes involving tour buses, including one on June 9 that saw 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students losing their lives. Multiple agencies but no coordination Wong said various ministries and agencies were stepping in to impose regulations on the industry now, including the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry, and the road transport department (JPJ). However, he said, there seemed to be no coordination among them. Matta vice-president (land transportation) K Subramaniam called for greater transparency and clarity on proposed regulations for the sector, saying regulatory ambiguity only leads to more confusion within tour companies that manage transport. Wong reiterated that industry players would be happy to work with the relevant ministries to formulate a balanced solution to issues, but the government must start implementing regulations with stakeholders in mind.
Daily Express
24-06-2025
- Daily Express
Matta Fair Sabah 2025 Buyers' Contest winners
Published on: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 24, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Organisers and sponsor representatives with the prize winners. Kota Kinabalu: Eighteen winners were announced during the Matta Fair Sabah 2025 Buyers' Contest prize ceremony on Monday, following the May 9–11 travel expo at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). The grand prize, a pair of roundtrip tickets to Paris sponsored by Malaysia Airlines, was awarded to Terrence Thien Khiun Hem. Other top winners included Thien Yeck Tan Lan with tickets to Beijing and Chia Shi Quan who won a rainforest lodge stay for four, sponsored by Tropical Gateway Tours. Additional prizes included international flights to Incheon, Da Nang, Trivandrum and Chiang Mai, as well as eco-lodge stays and domestic tickets from Firefly and MASWings. The event was attended by Matta officials and sponsor representatives, with organisers thanking all partners and confirming the winners list will be posted online. According to the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta), the event captured the spirit of travel through the joy and excitement shared in the room. Advertisement It was described as more than just a prize ceremony, but a celebration of journeys and meaningful memories. The full list of winners and sponsors will be published on Matta Sabah's official social media platforms. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Trisha's special birthday for Vijay fuels speculations; Here's the story behind the viral picture
Thalapathy Vijay celebrated his 51st birthday yesterday. Celebrities from the film industry, political leaders, and fans all wished him well. On the occasion, a special video of the film 'Jana Nayagan' and several posters created by fans stirred up social media. But a situation arose that Vijay did not expect – his detractors revived an issue that had been talked about for many years. A long-standing rumor Rumors have been swirling around the Vijay-Trisha couple for a long time. Sometimes, photos of them together have surfaced, leaving fans in utter confusion. Since Vijay-Sangeetha were not seen together at public functions, many people used this as a basis for rumors. Even last year, a photo posted by Trisha on Vijay's birthday caused a stir. Trisha's birthday wish for Vijay seeks attention This time too is no exception. A few hours before his birthday ended, Trisha posted a picture with Vijay. In it, Vijay can be seen celebrating with a puppy and Trisha standing by him. The photo posted by Trisha fueled the relationship rumors as netizens claimed Vijay celebrated his birthday with the actress. But the real story behind the picture is that it's an unseen picture shared by Trisha, and it was clicked during the 'GOAT' success meet in October 2024. Trisha appeared for a special performance in the song 'Matta' in 'GOAT' featuring Vijay in the lead role, and the duo rocked together yet again through the dance number. After learning the story behind the unseen picture of Vijay and Trisha, many people put an end to this rumour. However, fans are still insisting that Vijay should release a photo with his family.
