THE Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) has cast doubt on claims that 1,000 bookings for hotels in Langkawi were made yesterday following the announcement of the recovery movement control order (RMCO).

MAH Kedah and Perlis chairman Eugene Dass said the 1,000 bookings did not take place.

“Not only are the public and tourism agencies stunned, but hoteliers too. The said news caused much anxiety and concerns among hoteliers and their employees, as to how such flawed information can spread through reputable news agencies,” he said in a statement.

MAH said the claim made by the Langkawi Tourism Association (LTA) is doubtful as it is a little-known association that claims to represent tourism players in the popular holiday destination.

“While the LTA claims to represent tourism stakeholders of the popular island, little is known of its membership and source of data reported.

“A quick search on the internet reveals a defunct webpage offering investment and stock exchange, banking and business consulting services among others. Similarly, its Facebook page is also inactive,” MAH said in its statement that included a screenshot of the website.

MAH was responding to a news report quoting LTA chief executive officer Zainudin Kadir who said 1,000 hotel rooms were booked on the island between 4pm and 4.45pm yesterday following the announcement on the RMCO.

MAH said various press, tourism agencies and industry stakeholders had reached out to the association following the report.

MAH acting president Halim Merican said facts are important to help economic recovery, which is the responsibility of the entire community and not just industry alone.

MAH has 13,000 member hotels across the country. – June 8, 2020.