KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong called on Malaysia's recurring pattern of missed opportunities, citing instances where neighbouring countries have successfully hosted shows, leaving Malaysia trailing behind.
He emphasised that competing with neighbouring countries remained a significant challenge for Malaysia, mainly because of an abundance of unfriendly regulations, unnecessary religious limitations and unwelcoming political viewpoints.
"There's too many red tape and unclear policies, which can be inconsistent; changing from time to time.
"The private entertainment industry has to endure many such challenges before we can restore our status as a friendly host to such events."
Leong stated that a complete overhaul of policies and procedures was imperative to reverse this trend.
"How are we in Johor Baru are not even enjoying any spillover? The reason was our image of clearance at the borders had 'killed' us.
"We have yet to fully grasp the reality that we are losing billions of ringgits in economic revenue and essential tourist dollars in such situations. In short, we lose more than we gain," he said.
Leong urges the government to establish clear guidelines and standard operating procedures to attract future international events such as the Taylor Swift Eras Concert to Malaysia as he believed hosting such concerts was a highly effective method of boosting tourism.
Leong emphasised that the government must actively engage with the private sector to boost tourism in Malaysia.
"We are already down the ladder in comparison with other Asean nations. The government must act now."