WHEN someone has a bad experience after eating at a restaurant and decides to talk about it, do we stop eating out? Generally, we don't, and we will look for another place.

Similarly, after reading reports of unhealthy activities in a small hotel in Port Klang, should we assume that all small or budget hotels are unsafe and filthy?

In Malaysia, we have rules and laws to follow when running a business. Hotels, big or small, are required to meet specific criteria set by the Tourism Ministry and the local authorities.

Hotels are also required to be registered in one of the three hotel associations recognised by the ministry.

We would like to stress that if you have doubts in selecting hotels in this country, you could always look out for the certificates or rating classifications (star or orchid), which hotels normally display at their lobbies or reception areas.
Since we are currently facing an increase in fuel prices and other expenses as a result of it, we hope Malaysians will not stop travelling and will consider increasing travel to local destinations, as advised by the ministry.

In doing so, they should consider staying at budget hotels that operate legally and meet the standards of lodging and hotel requirements set by the ministry and local authorities.

We cannot stop reading or hearing about unhealthy business practices, but we can prevent ourselves from making mistakes and patronising such outlets or hotels.

As a hotel operator and president of the Malaysia Budget Hotel Association, I am disappointed to read reports of the uncivilised and unhealthy acts of some businessmen.

I hope that the local authority concerned will take appropriate action.

Please feel free to visit www.ehotelsmalaysia.com for a list of registered members and for suggestions on budget packages.