So, it is not anytime soon before a practical type of sustainable tourism can be found that brings harmony to the tourism industry in Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. Instead of a complete overhaul which could take forever, it would be better to introduce incremental steps and make steady progress.
As for sustainable tourism, the government’s roles at all levels are pivotal, as it has the authority to control, issue directives, or enact laws to ensure sustainability, not just environmentally but also economically. To do this, effective communication channels must be in place to address existing and impending problems.Otherwise, the situation can come to a head as in Sabah now, as per the report “STB study to address concerns of monopoly by foreign-owned tourism firms” .
It was challenging just to get trainees to pass the exams either in English, Malay, Mandarin, Japanese or a language they were already proficient in. At most, they would hire and pay a minimal fee for a “sitting guide” who does nothing but sit on the bus. It was to comply with the regulation that there must be a licensed tourist guide on board.
The first should be allowed and exemplified by a large pewter factory on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur with its products and brand remaining immaculate since 1885.