KUALA LUMPUR, September 5 - The Ministry Of Tourism, Arts And Culture (MOTAC) will not compromise with any travel agent found involved in illegal activities.

MOTAC takes seriously the arrest of the Chinese and Malaysian citizens for illegally entering the Tugayo Hunasan, Sitangkai, and Tawi-Tawi waters in the Philippines last Sunday.

According to the initial reports, the Philippines authorities apprehended eight Chinese and three Malaysian citizens for illegally entering the Philippine waters.

“MOTAC has started their investigation on travel agents suspected of managing or facilitating the trip for these individuals.

“If the investigation finds any offense committed under the Tourism Industry Act 1992, MOTAC will take appropriate actions including suspending, revoking the license, compounding or prosecuting the travel agent involved," according to the statement today.

Thus MOTAC is reminding travel agents nationwide to ensure that all travel packages and travel arrangements comply with the Tourism Industry Act 1992, its subsidiary regulations, and other written laws.

This is because adherence to the law is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the tourism industry as well as ensuring the safety and legality of tourism activities under the management of each travel agent.