Investigation on tour agency already ongoing, says ministry

PETALING JAYA: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is probing the tour and travel agency for allegedly duping consumers by inducing them to buy fake packages at a cheap price.

Deputy Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (pic) in an interview with The Star said that the ministry was compiling evidence.

“Full investigation is taking place since the notice of revocation of licence was served on July 6 in accordance to the Tourism Industry Act 1992,” he said.

On LinkedIn, the company involved – Dulcet Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd – indicated that it was established in December 2013.

The company said it provides tour packages within and outside the country and other related services such as hotel reservation, transportation, van and bus rental, cruise ship services, travel visa, insurance and airport check-in.

The company also noted that it is a registered company under the ministry and has obtained licences for inbound tour, outbound tour and ticketing from Tourism Malaysia.

Attempts by The Star to reach the company via the office number provided were unsuccessful.

Muhammad Bakhtiar advised victims to file claims with the Tribunal For Consumer Claims under the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to retrieve their monies.

He added that victims could also file a civil lawsuit against the company.

“A civil lawsuit against the company is possibly the best way forward.

“This is one of the ways to secure back all the payment made to the company,” he said.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Tay Kok Liang said Dulcet Travel & Tours had not renewed its MATTA membership.

“Consumers can make a complaint to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry as they are responsible for licensing and regulations of travel agencies, hotels and tourist guides.

“All members are required to abide by a strict code of ethics. Violation of this code can result in disciplinary action being taken,” he said.

Tay added that disciplinary action that could be taken by the ministry against the company include suspension or termination of licence of the said company.

“We hope the ministry will carry out a fair investigation,” he said.