PUTRAJAYA: A tour company, Renewage Group Sdn. Bhd., has been fined RM30,000 by the Sessions Court in Georgetown, Penang, for operating without a valid licence under the Tourism Industry Act 1992.
The company pleaded guilty to the offence under Section 5(2) of the Act and was convicted and sentenced under Section 5(3).
Should the company fail to pay the fine, it faces a default sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment.
The case was heard before Judge Irwan Suainbon.
The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutors Siti Ruvinna Mohd Rawi and Siti Zulaikha Mahadi.
In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) stressed that operating a tourism business without a licence is a serious criminal offence.
The Ministry affirmed its commitment to enforcing Act 482 against unlicensed operators.
“Unlicensed tourism activities can erode traveller confidence and expose consumers to various risks, including fraud, irregular travel arrangements, lack of legal protection, and unsafe experiences,” the Ministry said.
MOTAC emphasised its commitment to enhancing enforcement efforts to ensure only licensed tour operators are allowed to operate, in order to foster a safer, more competitive and accountable tourism industry.
The Ministry also expressed hope that this case would serve as a stern reminder to tourism operators to conduct their businesses responsibly and ethically.
“In line with the values of Malaysia MADANI, accountability, integrity and justice, MOTAC remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure that the tourism industry grows in a legal, sustainable and inclusive manner,” the statement concluded.
