KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 — Tourism in Malaysia took a hit with the two air disasters last year, resulting in Malaysia dropping a spot from the 11th most visited country in 2013 to 12th.
This year saw earthquakes rock Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, and Malaysian cabbies rated as the worst in the world. Enter new Tourism Malaysia chairman Wee Choo Keong, a veteran politician who has taken on the task of returning Malaysia to being a tourism powerhouse.
Malay Mail (MM): What is the single greatest hurdle holding Malaysia back for tourism?
Wee Choo Keong (WCK): Mindset. There is a sense that tourists are easy money, and sadly they get exploited. This must change. Tourists are customers. Stop thinking of one-off business. Take Thailand for example. There is a sense of welcome and warmth. They know the value of tourists. We have been taking tourists for granted, assuming they will return no matter how we treat them. Today’s tourists rely on social media for reviews. Our Visit Malaysia campaign will be for nothing if there is no change in mindset.
MM: How does your background as a lawyer help with your new appointment?
WCK: I am a lawyer by profession and a former MP as well. This made me cautious and meticulous. It gave me an insight into how I can apply my legal knowledge to improve tourism. As a start, I will push for a new minimum wage for tour guides, failing which licence holders will have their licences revoked. Tour agencies must take their work seriously and tour guides must realise their role as ambassadors. It should not be viewed as a dead-end job, but as a valuable profession and service to the country.
MM: What are the key areas in terms of service and how will you improve it?
WCK: Service is important. In the short term, I will focus on tour guides and taxi drivers. Our cabbies were rated as the worst in the world. It’s not fair but admittedly there are problems. We will discuss possible solutions with the Land Public Transport Commission. It’s not just about ratings, there must be actual improvement. We will find ways to weed out the bad apples. Better training is on the cards for our guides.
MM: Please elaborate on your Dekat Je concept.
WCK: As the name implies, Malaysia’s attractions are easily accessible. The problem is many are not well known and may seem hard to reach. Dekat Je offers information on travel options. The brochure lists 101 packages that cater to any budget as well as how to get to places of interest. Yes, shopping and accommodation are important, but people come to experience the many facets of Malaysia. We have the world’s oldest rainforest and fauna that are unique to Malaysia. We also have historical sites and diverse cultures.
MM: How can the media help with the tourism industry?
WCK: Good relations with the media are vital in changing our mindset and the perception international tourists have of our country. With the problems our country has faced, brand Malaysia has taken a hit. I’m all for press freedom, but we have to put sensationalism aside in the interest of tourism, and more importantly the country’s. Splashing stories of murders and kidnappings is not conducive for tourism. Such things happen in many countries but it has to be managed carefully. Every time something unpleasant makes it to the front page, tourist get drawn away.
