IPOH, June 23 — Eighteen holidaymakers looking forward to a trip to Zhangjiajie, China, were stunned when they had to fork out RM60,205 of their own money after the tour agency failed to pay for their tour. 

To top it all, their vacation was marred by disruptions. 

The group had to fork out the additional amount during their eight-day stay there in March.

Upon their return, they lodged police reports when attempts to contact the Ipoh-based travel agent proved futile.

The group’s spokesman, H.O. Chan, said they each had paid RM1,898 for the trip which initially offered a direct flight from KLIA.

"We suspected something amiss when two days before our departure, the agency informed us  the departure date had been rescheduled from March 18 to March 21,” he said.

The group left Ipoh on March 20 and was met the next day by a tour guide at KLIA, where they caught their flight for Zhangjiajie via Singapore.

"The guide told us the ticket was not for a direct flight and we needed to transit in Singapore,” Chan told a press conference called by Bercham assemblyman Cheong Chee Khin yesterday.

When the group arrived at Zhangjiajie in Hunan province, all went well during the first three days.

"But as the tour entered the fourth day, the Chinese guide said the Ipoh agency did not pay for our tour in China and demanded that we pay up,” he said.

"Another member of the group and I had to use our credit cards to pay the Chinese guide.” 

The amount totalled RM60,205.

"When we returned from China, we met with the agency owner who promised to reimburse the expenses incurred,” Chan said.

"However, a postdated cheque issued by the agency bounced.” 

They have not been able to contact the owner since.

The group lodged reports at the Sungai Senam police station.

"It was my third time dealing with the agency,” Chan said.

"The first two tours went without a hitch, which was why we signed up with them again. 

"I did not anticipate this trip would turn into a nightmare.”

Cheong said he had received 100 complaints against the agency since April.

"Beside this group of Bercham residents, I have received complaints from resident in Jelapang, Pusing and Kampar,” he said.

"In addition to seeking reimbursement of their money, they want to warn others against falling prey to the agency.” 

Attempts to contact the owner of Syarikat Orange Harmony Tour Sdn Bhd were unsuccessful.