KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing is not backing down despite criticism from his Sabah counterpart Datuk Christina Liew over the decision to stop all licensed agents handling the Malaysia My Second Home programme.
“This is not a simple matter, it relates to national safety and reputation. If basic tasks are not handled well, how can we attract foreign visitors to boost the tourism industry,” Tiong asked. “The Tourism Ministry will no longer recognise existing agents, all expired permits must be reapplied, and undergo strict background checks.He had also told Cabinet that the authority to do so would be delegated to Sabah and Sarawak, adding that he expected to meet Hajiji and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, as well as other related parties that had worked hard in drafting MM2H programme policies.
Aside from Liew, Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had also lashed out at Tiong for the decision, adding that the move has adversely affected the programme’s progress.