KUALA LUMPUR – Tourists’ complaints should be taken seriously and not dismissed or denied if the country’s tourism industry could potentially be affected because of them, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
In a Facebook post today, the Bintulu MP insisted on his stand of bringing up complaints by tourists in Langkawi about authorities resorting to “moral policing” by not allowing them to wear shorts and drink alcohol on the island, with the goal of improving any weaknesses on the part of authorities before the situation worsens.
Responding to Kedah Mentrei Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s dismissive reaction to his claims, Tiong said that he would not resort to arguing with the state leader on the matter.
“If this issue persists, it will resort to more contention until the said issue remains unresolved and becomes detrimental to the people at large.
“It is unfortunate that complaints (brought up by myself) from tourists who, as guests, provide revenue to the country are not looked upon seriously, in addition to denying it outright and being accused with a hint of cynicism,” he said.
He also suggested that an investigation into the complaints be held, regardless of how big or small the case is, because every complaint by a tourist, local or foreign, should be thoroughly investigated.
“It is unfortunate when important matters such as this are turned into political fodder for racial issues.
“As I brought it up at the Dewan Rakyat, it was with the intention of a resolution from all MPs, irrespective of race.”
As a minister, Tiong stressed that he would do his best to improve the quality of tourism services in the industry, regardless of the parties that are ruling in each state.
“For me, every state nationwide should converge and set aside political differences for the sake of the rakyat and, in this context, for the growth of the tourism economy in the country.
“I will continue to take every complaint raised by tourists. More so when Langkawi is seen as a world-class tourism destination,” he said.
Training his guns on PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s views on what non-Muslims should wear in PAS-ruled Kelantan, he said other politicians are also following suit in issuing similar statements.
“The instance in Kelantan in which a woman was issued a compound for wearing indecent attire at her own place of business.
“Doesn’t this prove the existence of “little Napoleons” in the field, especially in the enforcement division?
“Doesn’t this reflect extremist practices anddeny the rights of multiracial Malaysia as enshrined in the federal constitution?
“Would it not affect Malaysia’s image among international tourists and prevent the country from becoming their preferred destination?”
Tiong earlier said in the Dewan Rakyat that there were tourists who complained to the ministry about the alleged abuse of power by certain government officials in Langkawi who harassed tourists about following a dress code and drinking alcohol.
In response, Sanusi told Berita Harian that there was no prohibition on non-Muslim tourists wearing shorts and consuming alcohol in Langkawi.
He said that he did not understand Tiong’s concerns and suggested that he visit the island himself instead of listening to others. – September 28, 2023