KUALA LUMPUR: Ten tourism and retailers associations have backed Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing's move to speak out on the problems facing tourists at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The 10 are the Asean Retail-Chains and Franchise Federation ARFF); the Bukit Bintang-KLCC Tourism Association (BBKLCC); Batu Road Retailers Association (BARRA); Bumiputera Retailers Association (BRO); Industries Unite (IU); Malaysian Association of Theme Parks & Family Attractions (MATFA); Malaysian Retailers Association (MRA); Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) and the Masjid India Business Association (MIDA).
They said Teong's stern action in going down to the ground to obtain information directly on the problems and witness first-hand the goings-on should be lauded.
"He has seen the actual situation on the conditions and practices of the various government agencies there, including how foreign tourists are treated when arriving in Malaysia.
"We fully support the minister, who is trying to address the problems swiftly and realistically summarise the necessary changes in order to uphold the country's tourism industry," they said in a statement.
Tiong recently courted controversy when he was alleged to have entered the KLIA arrival hall, purportedly to 'rescue' a female Chinese tourist detained by the Immigration Department.
Following criticism of the minister having overstepped his boundaries, Tiong hit back, arguing that a 'culture of corruption' was prevalent among some immigration officers at the country's main gateway.
Meanwhile, the associations claimed there were numerous obstacles burdening the tourism industry, particularly on the arrival of foreign tourists to Malaysia.
The problems, they said, included long queues during immigration checks, which could affect the tourism industry at a time when Malaysia is keen to welcome more visitors to the country.
They said there are various simple methods which could be adopted to change the negative perception of Malaysia and make the country a tourist-friendly destination.
"The suggestion by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing regarding the Visa-On-Arrival system is apt given that it is a ready-made technology available for use.
"Visa-free visits can also be facilitated by existing electronic features.
"Airports are the first impression a tourist has when arriving in a country. However, long queues and a less-than-friendly welcome can affect the tourism industry, particularly via reports on social media platforms such as TikTok or Facebook," they said.