STB upset over report of tourist guide in Kapit cheating Canadian

KUCHING: Sarawak Tourism Board ( STB) has expressed its disappointment over a report of a tourist being cheated of RM260 after the tourist guide failed to show him a traditional longhouse in Kapit, which was supposed to be a part of the tour.

Acting STB chief executive officer Mary Wan said such irresponsible act had tarnished the reputation and profession of licensed tourist guides in Sarawak.

“Such act would only degrade the image of our overall service delivery. In our marketing endeavours, we promise excellent quality of services and products.

“This is where tourists expect excellent delivery from the industry players,” she said when contacted yesterday.

Philip Green from Canada claimed that he was recently charged RM260 for a half- day tour, which he thought would include a visit to a traditional longhouse in Kapit.

The tourist was quoted as having said: “I don’t know his name. He introduced himself and told me that he was able to fulfil my wish of visiting an old longhouse.

“When we reached the longhouse, it was empty – I was later told that they (residents) had moved to a new longhouse. Nothing left at the longhouse – nothing!”

In this regard, Mary also urged all industry players to equip themselves with the proper skills, knowledge and commitment in delivering their best services.

“For tourist guides, there are courses available but most importantly, they must be licensed in order to become tourist guides.

“For further information, they can contact our Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports or the federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,” she said, adding that all information concerning tourist guides is under the purview of these two ministries.

It is reported that a civil servant, who was on Gawai leave, invited Green to his longhouse at Ulu Sungai Melipis after learning about his predicament.

It turned out that during his stay there, the Canadian had the chance to visit several longhouses and experience the celebration with his host.