After operating as an unlicensed travel agent, Rasman Bin Saridin has
been sentenced to 11 months and 2 weeks in prison for multiple charges,
in violation of the Travel Agents Act. This conviction comes after the
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) received a complaint in November 2019
regarding an unfulfilled Umrah travel package.
Rasman faced a total of 22 charges and was convicted and sentenced on
5 of them, with the remaining 17 charges considered in the sentencing.
STB's investigation revealed that Rasman had conducted unlicensed travel
agent activities in 2019, affecting 56 individuals who had paid over
S$79,000 (US$58,000) for Umrah travel packages that were never
fulfilled.
STB takes a firm stance against unlicensed travel agent activities to
safeguard consumer interests and maintain the reputation of Singapore's
tourism sector. Individuals found guilty of operating as unlicensed
travel agents can face a maximum fine of S$25,000 and/or up to two years
in prison.
STB advises the public to exercise caution when making travel
arrangements, ensuring they purchase travel packages only from licensed
travel agents and consider obtaining travel insurance to protect
themselves from unforeseen circumstances.