GIT Academy Principal Dr Kenny Khan (简敬谊) spoke out in defence of Malaysia’s licensed tourist guides in a 2023 Nanyang Siang Pau report, after the Peninsular Malaysia Tour Bus Association called on the government to scrap the requirement for tour buses carrying local tourists to be accompanied by a licensed guide.
Speaking in his capacity as President of the Malaysia Folklore Culture Association, Dr Khan warned that removing guides from tour buses would strip drivers and tour leaders of important oversight, with consequences that could extend well beyond convenience. He pointed out that without a guide, tourists unfamiliar with local regulations and customs — from dress codes at certain sites to smoking restrictions in specific areas — could unknowingly run into legal or culturally sensitive trouble. He also flagged safety risks for activities like boat trips or jet-skiing, where a guide’s supervision and safety reminders play a meaningful role in protecting visitors.
Dr Khan emphasised that Malaysia’s licensed guides undergo rigorous, professional training and must pass examinations covering everything from attractions, food and geography to law, climate and local customs — describing guides as effectively serving as the country’s “little ambassadors” when interacting with visitors. He noted their day-to-day responsibilities are far from simple, spanning smooth itinerary management, tourist safety, guest needs, and even keeping an eye on driver conditions. He added that Malaysia was home to more than 17,000 registered tourist guides at the time, underscoring the scale of the profession potentially affected by the proposal.
The report also touched on a related enforcement sweep in Malacca, where 5 of 20 inspected tour buses were fined RM5,000 each for operating without guide services — action Dr Khan described as a welcome step toward protecting long-term tourism quality and visitor service standards.
Dr Khan’s willingness to speak up publicly for the tourist guide profession reflects GIT Academy’s broader commitment to the people it trains — not just preparing students for their licence, but standing behind the value and professionalism of the industry they join.
Read the full report (in Chinese) at e南洋 (Nanyang Siang Pau).
GIT Academy is opening a new intake for its MOTAC & JPK-certified Tourist Guide Course, with flexible financing including PTPK loans and 0% instalments.
GIT Academy now conducts the MOTAC Mesra Malaysia Course, letting students complete this licensing prerequisite alongside their Tourist Guide Course.
GIT Academy students get hands-on guiding practice at real Klang Valley tourism sites before sitting their MOTAC practical examination.
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