Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) conducted 35 nationwide integrated enforcement operations from July 14 to Aug 3 to ensure compliance with the Tourism Industry Act (Act 482) and the Tourism Vehicles Licensing Act 1999 (Act 594). In a statement today, it said that the operations were carried out in collaboration with the Road Transport Department, the Royal Malaysia Police, the National Registration Department and the Penang Port Commission.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, checks were conducted on 220 tourist vehicles, 200 tourism companies, four accommodation premises and 67 tour guides. 'As a result of the inspections, 24 notices were issued for various offences, including five notices for operating tourism businesses without a valid licence and seven notices for using unlicensed vehicles to transport tourists,' read the statement.

The ministry emphasised that strict action will be taken against any parties found violating the law, including prosecution, fines, licence suspension and revocation. It reminded tourism companies to cooperate only with licensed tourism entities and use fully licensed vehicles to ensure the safety of tourists.

'Companies operating tourism activities without a licence must obtain a valid licence immediately to avoid enforcement actions,' read the statement. MOTAC stated that it remains committed to implementing comprehensive law enforcement through cross-agency collaboration in line with the principles of good governance, justice, and confidence under the Malaysia MADANI framework, while supporting the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 mission.