KUALA LUMPUR: Tour vehicles must hold a valid Tour Operating
Business and Travel Agency Business (Tobtab) licence, one of four key criteria
for obtaining a tourism vehicle licence.
Deputy Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said tourism vehicles must also be
equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) and comply with a maximum
vehicle age limit of 15 years.
He said tourism operators must undergo training under the
Industrial Code of Practice for Safety.
"These
requirements are designed to ensure that operators comply with legal standards
while prioritising passenger safety," he said in a statement after
chairing the Cabinet Committee on Tourism and Culture meeting at the Parliament
complex today.
Zahid said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, in
collaboration with the Transport Ministry, has discussed the operation of tour
buses, including procedures for handling road accidents involving foreign
nationals.
"The discussions also addressed the coordination of communication plans
and the establishment of standard operating procedures to ensure such
situations are handled efficiently and effectively.
"The Transport Ministry,
through the Land Public Transport Agency, will regulate the licensing of
tourism vehicles based on the four main criteria mentioned above."
Meanwhile, Zahid said a new set
of guidelines for regulating short-term rental accommodation (STRA) in Malaysia
will be presented to the cabinet.
"The guidelines aim to
provide a comprehensive framework for managing STRA activities, ensuring
compliance with current legislation, simplifying the licensing process and
addressing community concerns such as noise, parking shortages, improper waste
disposal and misuse of shared facilities."
He said STRA, which offers an
affordable accommodation alternative, is expected to be a key driver in the
growth of the tourism sector, with the projected arrival of 35.6 million
tourists by 2026. "The operation of STRA will
require property owners to register and obtain an operating licence from the
local authorities.
"Additionally, a digital
platform specifically for managing STRA has been proposed to enhance Malaysia's
competitiveness in the tourism sector." He said the initiative is aimed
at ensuring community well-being, public safety, and sustainable economic
growth.
In another development, Zahid
said the recreational vehicle (RV) park planning guidelines have been developed
to strengthen the tourism sector through strategic planning and integrated
regulation.
"The guidelines outline a
comprehensive framework for planning, including site requirements, operational
management, and approval processes for developing RV parks. "Pilot project locations are proposed in Rompin, Pahang;
and Sepang, Selangor."
Zahid said the
initiative leverages technology through the Malaysia Campsite and Recreational
Vehicle Park platform, which enhances transparency, ensures compliance with
standards, and facilitates the management of recreational vehicle parks. "This
project supports the sustainable tourism agenda and boosts the local
economy."
He said close
collaboration between ministries and agencies is crucial for creating a
conducive ecosystem for the rapid and competitive growth of the tourism
industry.
Such
cooperation, he said, would allow for the immediate resolution of issues and
help avoid confusion regarding jurisdiction, regulations, and enforcement,
especially in ensuring the success of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
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