“Although Korean tourists may understand basic English, most prefer to communicate in their native language. Therefore, the government is supporting requests from tour operators to hire tour coordinators or interpreters from Korea to meet this need. “This hiring is also subject to the government’s requirement of a three-to-one ratio of local to foreign workers,” said Liew in her winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
Regarding the monopoly of tourism companies owned by foreigners, especially Koreans, she said in addition to the limit on local and foreign equity holdings, all tourism companies seeking registration must comply with the Tourism Act and the Companies Commission of Malaysia Act. Permits for white or green tourist buses or excursion buses could only be granted to tourism companies registered with Motac, she said.
On the status of the Sabah Malaysia My Second Home programme , she said the Cabinet had reviewed and approved the criteria for application last week, and applications to participate in the programme are expected by the end of next month. On the suggestion to provide incentives for high fare rates, she said the State Government does not have any plan to intervene in airline companies regarding fare rates for any destination, especially for flights to Sabah.
Regarding the master plan for the development of tourism facilities in Sabah Parks areas, she said all nine park stations including six marine parks and three terrestrial parks, have their respective management and development plans.