KUALA LUMPUR: It is difficult for the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to regulate online international travel agencies, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Tourism Minister said several international online travel agencies are foreign-owned companies that are based overseas.
As such, she said even though their business activity is covered by the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482), their nature of business that only operates online without opening an office or physical premises in Malaysia made it difficult for the ministry to take legal or enforcement action against them.
Despite this, Nancy said the ministry was more inclined to take a supportive approach that can stimulate the tourism industry to thrive and grow.
“The ministry has conducted several engagement sessions with a few international online travel agencies that offer packages or travel services in this country to comply with Act…