EXHIBITION organisers and suppliers are worried the recent incident involving a foreign visitor and Immigration at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) could impact the industry.

The Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (Maceos) president Francis Teo said the incident, though isolated, could affect the country’s image. 

“We are concerned that this would affect business visitors’ impression of our country, ultimately putting the events industry at risk of losing quality business visitors,” he said in a statement today.

He added that the industry was badly affected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“With international trade reopening, we see a rise of international participation in trade events organised in the country. 

“Most of these trade exhibitions have a sizable pavilion from China. News spreading about Malaysia mistreating foreign visitors could seriously jeopardise our recovery efforts,” he said.

He added that recent statistics from the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) showed that Malaysia has secured 88 future business events that are expected to attract 104,834 delegates and contribute an estimated RM1.47 billion from 2023-2030.

“This month alone, a number of key international trade events will go live, with at least 10,000 international exhibitors, visitors and delegates expected to enter Malaysia.”

He also said MyCEB had coordinated with the Immigration Department to provide a fast lane for visitors participating in business events in Malaysia. 

“It’s a good move, but more has to be done. This arrangement does not cover all business travellers as the name list must be submitted one month before the event.

“We hope the incident at the airport will not tarnish our image or deter business events visitors from visiting Malaysia. In fact, we are eager and look forward to hosting more international business events, ultimately leading to our nation’s economic recovery,” Teo said.

Immigration officers at KLIA entry points came under scrutiny recently following a claim by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing that certain corrupt officials had prevented tourists with valid documents from entering Malaysia at the airport and demanded money in exchange for their release.

Following Tiong’s allegation, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission started an investigation. – July 6, 2023.