The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has
called for more equitable arrangements regarding cross-border tour bus
operations between Malaysia and Thailand.
Currently, Malaysian tour buses are restricted to operating within a
100-kilometre radius from the Thailand border, while tour buses from
Thailand enjoy unrestricted access throughout Malaysia.
Nigel Wong, president of MATTA, expressed concern over this disparity
and called on the Malaysian government to engage in discussions with
their Thailand counterparts to rectify the imbalance.
“The current arrangement places Malaysian tour operators at a
significant disadvantage,” he said. “While Thailand tourist buses can
traverse the entirety of Malaysia without restrictions, our Malaysian
buses face a 100-kilometre limit in Thailand. This is neither fair nor
conducive to fostering a mutually beneficial tourism relationship
between our two countries.”
MATTA has stressed the importance of reciprocal agreements that allow
for seamless travel and operations for tour buses from both countries,
stating that such arrangements will enhance tourism collaboration and
economic benefits for Malaysia and Thailand.
“We urge the Malaysian Government to take immediate action in
negotiating with the Thailand Government to allow Malaysian tour buses
the same freedom of movement within Thailand as Thailand buses currently
enjoy in Malaysia. This will ensure a level playing field and support
the growth and development of the tourism sectors in both nations,” Wong
said.