KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 13, 2025 – The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to tourist safety, defending its directive requiring tourism companies to submit incident reports within 24 hours of an accident or face potential license revocation. The policy, described as “extreme” by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), is a critical step to ensure accountability and prevent loss of life, said Tourism Minister Dato’ Seri Tiong King Sing.
In a strongly worded statement, Tiong emphasized that tourist safety is a matter of life and death, leaving no room for compromise. The directive follows a series of accidents in the tourism sector that have raised serious public concern and prompted international travel advisories against certain Malaysian destinations. “MOTAC will not bow to pressure from any party. Our priority is restoring confidence in Malaysia’s tourism industry,” Tiong said.
The minister criticized MATTA’s defensive response, particularly comments from its president, Nigel Wong, who called the 24-hour reporting rule excessive. Tiong argued that timely reporting is not an admission of guilt but a vital tool for authorities to pinpoint accident causes through detailed data, including driver backgrounds, vehicle maintenance records, and tour itineraries.
Recent incidents, such as tour bus crashes and boat accidents, have exposed glaring safety lapses, including operators with criminal drug records and passengers not provided with life jackets, as seen in a recurring issue at Pulau Perhentian. Tiong also noted that foreign ministers have raised concerns about Malaysia’s safety standards during his overseas visits, warning that failure to address these issues could harm the industry’s global reputation.
“How can our tourism industry thrive if safety is questioned?” Tiong asked, urging MATTA and industry players to reflect on their role in improving safety standards. He pointed out that since taking office, he has seen little proactive effort from MATTA to address safety concerns, questioning whether the association prioritizes profit over accountability.
The minister called for stricter vetting of employees and robust safety measures, dismissing “labor shortages” as an excuse for negligence. He also warned that widespread international travel advisories could devastate Malaysia’s tourism sector if the industry fails to act.
Despite the tension, Tiong extended an olive branch, expressing MOTAC’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen Malaysia’s tourism landscape. “We welcome constructive dialogue to build a progressive and responsible tourism industry,” he said, emphasizing the need for cooperation to prevent further tragedies.
As Malaysia works to maintain its appeal as a top travel destination, the debate over the 24-hour reporting rule underscores the urgent need for reform to ensure safety and restore global confidence.