A TOURISM group has dismissed talk that the authorities are monitoring the attires of international tourists.

Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) president Uzaidi Udanis said he has yet to hear of such a regulation.

Recently, a video on social media allegedly showed international travellers being pulled aside upon arrival over their attire.

Uzaidi said there was no concrete evidence that the authorities were checking the attire of inbound travellers. 

“I have asked my members and they also have not heard about any incidents.

“We hope that people would not spread these kinds of rumours as it will affect tourism and stop tourists coming into the country,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He said if such cases existed, it should be reported to the authorities. 

Uzaidi said he was recently at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to take a flight and witnessed all tourists being dressed casually. 

“I didn’t see anyone inappropriately dressed. We heard on social media there was an incident, but we don’t know who these people are and who is affected.

“Whether it’s true or not we don’t know. Don’t spark these kinds of unfounded rumours on social media as we are competing with other regional countries to bring tourists into Malaysia.

“We want to encourage more people to come here so we can help the economy. We hope people won’t speculate and post stuff (like this) on social media to get hits.”

Uzaidi also said he had not heard of any personnel being placed at entry points to monitor tourist attire. 

“Who are the key authorities to implement these kinds of restrictions? I don’t believe there are any authorities monitoring tourists’ dressing.

“So far, we have not heard of cases reported on this matter.

“As far as we know, there is no dress code to enter the country. I don’t believe there is any specific law on this (attire). If there was, we would have advised our counterparts in other countries.”

He added that maybe the east coast states imposed their own restrictions on tourists.

“Maybe in Kelantan and Terengganu they have their own standard operating procedures.”

He also dismissed talk that China had issued a strong travel advisory for Malaysia.

“Actually, the number of Chinese tourists is increasing, and we expect an influx in September and October.

“China is very strict. If there were any issues, we would have heard from our counterparts there. So far, everything is in order.”

Mita has about 3,500 members nationwide. – July 15, 2023.