Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » Malaysia Sees Shocking Acts as Thirteen Unlicensed Tourism Operations Shut Down in New Massive Nationwide Sweep! Saturday, July 19, 2025In the first two weeks of this month, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) conducted 22 enforcement operations across Malaysia. These operations, which were part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with tourism laws, resulted in 13 notices being issued for various offences. The inspections, which were carried out at multiple key locations, targeted a range of tourism-related services, from transportation to accommodation providers and tour guides.Motac’s statement highlighted that the operations were comprehensive, involving the inspection of 180 vehicles, 30 tourism companies, four accommodation premises, and 33 tour guides. These inspections were designed to identify and address any potential violations within the tourism sector. The ministry particularly focused on entities suspected of operating without the necessary licences, a concern that has been exacerbated by public tip-offs in areas like Perak, where unlicensed tourism businesses have been a growing issue.Advertisement Stricter Legal Consequences for ViolatorsThe government’s crackdown on unlicensed tourism operations comes with serious legal consequences. Under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482), individuals or companies found guilty of operating without a valid licence face hefty penalties. Offenders can be fined up to RM500,000, imprisoned for up to 10 years, or face both penalties simultaneously. This marks a significant escalation in enforcement efforts, signaling that the authorities are serious about upholding the integrity of the tourism industry.Motac’s enforcement activities are part of a larger strategy to ensure that all tourism services—whether they relate to transportation, accommodation, or tour organization—operate within the bounds of Malaysian law. The ministry reminded both individuals and companies offering these services, whether in physical or online formats, that they must obtain the appropriate licences from the nearest Motac office to avoid potential legal repercussions.Strengthening Partnerships with Other Enforcement BodiesMotac is also working closely with several other enforcement agencies to enhance the overall compliance with tourism laws. These partnerships include collaborations with the Road Transport Department, the Royal Malaysia Police, the National Anti-Drug Agency, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. Through this coordinated effort, Motac aims to ensure that tourism operations are not only compliant with local regulations but also align with broader public safety and national security concerns.These agencies are playing a crucial role in monitoring …
