MATTA supports the call that tourist guide service should be optional instead of compulsory

By Anthony Tan

VIRGIN Communications

Email: anthonykhtan@yahoo.co.uk

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) inbound vice president Datuk Tan Kok Liang has expressed support for the call to allow tourists to have the option if they wish to engage the services of a tourist guide, while commenting on a Sabah local Daily Express Forum, published on May 15 which entitled “Tourist guides unnecessary today”.

DATUK TAN KOK LIANG

MATTA Vice President, Inbound 

(Term 2015- 2017)

Tan explained “We should not impose on tourists that they must be escorted by a tourist guide when they do not want their privacy to be intruded. It is also not fair to force them to pay. But under the Tourism Industry Act 1992, no licensed tourism enterprise shall employ, or obtain for a tourist or any other person the services of, a tourist guide who is not licensed under this Act or whose licence has been suspended or revoked. Also, no person shall act, or hold himself out, as a tourist guide unless he is licensed”

“The laws should be amended that only licensed tourist guides must be engaged if customers have paid for the service, and the onus is on tour operators to find the best available. Licensing of tourist guides should protect tourists but existing regulations are protecting tourist guides and tourists are victimised.”

“Before the information age, accessing knowledge is limited and costly, as it can only be transmitted in written or spoken words, in still or motion pictures. With computerisation and internet, vast amount of information is easily accessible to anyone interested. With social media and mobile apps downloaded in smart phones, it is available 24/7 at the fingertips.”

“Many people in the same group may not be communicating with each other face-to-face and would be uncomfortable listening to a tourist guide rambling on things they have no interest. Few people would try to remember as they know information can be found anytime using the smartphone, such as the most interesting places to visit, the best food in town, the swankiest entertainment outlets, and they are able to make bookings in advance and how to get there.”

‘The phone has replaced the need to have watches to tell time and cameras to take photos and videos. Ride-hailing apps have allowed easy access to transport and tourists are no longer at the mercy of local taxi drivers. Similarly, they should not be subjected to antiquated laws when it comes to tourist guides”, concluded Tan.

8th Latin American Festival in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 2016

8th Latin American Festival in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

By Anthony Tan

email: anthonykhtan@yahoo.co.uk

In collaboration with the Plaza Low Yat, the Latin Ladies Association of Malaysia with the support from Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), the Latin American Festival has positioned itself to be the catalyst to help strengthen the relationship between Malaysia and the Latin American region and her people.

The celebration of this colourful festival provides the vibrant cultures of Latin Americas and the Caribbean region, is organised by the Group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC) consisting of 10 Embassies in Malaysia.

Food and culture take centre stage at the 8th Latin American Festival to be held at BBpark on this 22 May 2016. The Festival will offer a glimpse of the Latin American diversity of tastes, colours, rhythms and joy.

At this one day only Festival, visitors will be able to experience the first-hand rich, diversified, and passionate culture of Latin America and the Caribbean with the Embassies of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela showcasing their culture by the communities staying in Malaysia with dedicated stalls selling their typical food and beverages and promote original handicrafts and providing tourism information. Other activities include live Latin music and dance performances

The Latin Ladies Association of Malaysia which is organised the colourful festival every year with a noble objective to raise funds to support charity programmes devoted to Malaysian children and other institutions in need. Visitors can contribute generously by supporting a charity fund raising programme with a lucky draw with attractive prizes such as flight ticket to Amsterdam donated by Air France-KLM, as well as tablets and smartphones; and many more for visitors to see, taste, and enjoy the biggest Latin American celebration in Malaysia.

This year, the Latin American Ladies Association with the commendable effort will gather the proceeds from the Festival and donate them to KIRTARSH; a non-profitable home established to shelter and care for special and underprivileged children from all racial and religious background.