A tour operator has been fined RM8,000 by the Sessions Court in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, after pleading guilty to failing to engage a licensed tourist guide while conducting a domestic tourism activity.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) said Tong Bus & Tour Service Sdn Bhd admitted to the offence during proceedings on June 11 before Sessions Court Judge Zulkpli Abdullah.
The company was convicted under Regulation 6(1)(i)(iii) of the Tourism Industry (Tour Operating Business and Travel Agency Business) Regulations 1992 for operating a tour without the services of a licensed tourist guide.
Under Regulation 6(2), offenders may be fined up to RM50,000, jailed for up to five years, or both. The court imposed an RM8,000 fine, with a four-month jail term in default of payment. The company has since settled the fine.
MOTAC stressed that offences under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 and its related regulations are serious criminal offences and warned that firm action will continue to be taken against those who breach tourism laws.
