MOTAC Warns Unlicensed Operators To Cease Tourism-Related Services

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) has issued a stern warning to unlicensed operators to cease providing tourism services, including transport, accommodation and organising activities, through online, social media of physical means.

The ministry also reminded licensed operators to not deal with illegal parties or to use unlicensed vehicles in the provision of tourism products following a recent joint enforcement operation by the police, the Inland Revenue Board and the Eastern Sabah Security Command in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Semporna.

"The operation (uncovered) offences including operating without legal licence, failure to comply with licence conditions, dealing with unlicensed parties, being proxies to foreign entities suspected and failed to declare or making false income tax declarations,” the ministry said in a statement today.

A total of 13 premises and 11 individuals were checked and the ministry issued seven inspection notices under the Tourism Industry Act 1992, including two for operating without licence and two for dealing with unlicensed entities.

Further investigation will be conducted before legal action is taken, the ministry said, adding that those involved could be imposed with a maximum fine of RM500,000 or ten years’ jail or both if convicted.

-- BERNAMA