By AKMAR ANNUAR 

The Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac) Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing chaired a dialogue session with over 200 representatives from various ministries, departments, government agencies, and tourism industry stakeholders in Putrajaya on Dec 6. 

The event, titled “Motac Tourism Dialogue 2023: Collaborative Tourism Industry Platform,” received overwhelming participation, with attendees actively engaging in a question-and-answer session and expressing their opinions.  

In addition to capturing crucial inputs and viewpoints from the representatives, the minister also addressed all raised questions promptly. 

Among the discussed issues and challenges were related to the Tourism Sector Matching Grant (GSSP), the strengthening of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, the regulation of short-term rental accommodations (STRA), reduction of hotel utility costs, and the empowerment of the Tourism Industry Act (AIP) 1992, particularly involving enforcement and licensing issues. 

Tiong emphasised that the ministry is always open to receiving suggestions and feedback from industry stakeholders.  

Simultaneously, he expressed hope for continued collaboration to strengthen the tourism sector, especially in realising the success of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 

Also present at the dialogue were Motac deputy minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan; secretary-general Datuk Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman; deputy secretary-general (Culture) Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff; deputy secretary-general (Management) Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot and the senior management team of Motac.