KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is going into battle on behalf of the country’s transport operators, accusing rival operators from over the border in Thailand of taking their business.
But many Thai private vehicles and tour buses have been picking up large number of passengers in Malaysia when they are only allowed to bring in tourists from Thailand.– MATTA president, Datuk Tan Kok Liang
MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said foreign vehicles were entering Malaysia and taking passengers away from local transport operators licensed to provide taxi, van and bus services.
“Malaysia is strategically located in the centre of Southeast Asia and shares land borders with Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. Motor vehicles are allowed to cross borders with conditions” said Datuk Tan.
“But many Thai private vehicles and tour buses have been picking up large number of passengers in Malaysia when they are only allowed to bring in tourists from Thailand.
“If Malaysian private vehicles or tour buses were to pick up local passengers in Thailand, we would urge Thai authorities to throw the book at them.
“Likewise, we are calling on [Malaysia’s] Road Transport Department to be stringent in enforcement, otherwise Malaysian transport operators will continue to suffer at the hands of unlicensed operators,” the MATTA president added.