TOURISM TRANSFORMATION: ADDRESSING LEGAL GAPS IN MALAYSIA’S TOURISM INDUSTRY ACT 1992

Abstract

The tourism industry is an important economic sector in Malaysia, contributing to economic development, job creation, and cultural promotion. The Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482) plays a significant role in regulating and promoting the development of the tourism industry in Malaysia. However, since its enactment, there have been several weaknesses in this law that require attention and improvement. This study aims to analyse the legal interpretations within the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482), identify existing weaknesses, and propose practical solutions within the context of Malaysia. This study adopts a qualitative research design. The data for the study involves sources such as legal documents, industry reports, and existing tourism regulations in Malaysia. The analysis results show several key weaknesses in the act, including bureaucracy in the licensing process, non-comprehensive definitions, and disproportionate penalties. To address these weaknesses, this study proposes several solutions, such as improving the licensing process, updating legal definitions, and introducing better review and appeal mechanisms. This study emphasizes the importance of learning from best practices in developed countries to enhance the effectiveness and fairness in the implementation of tourism laws. With the proposed improvements, it is hoped that Malaysia’s tourism industry can continue to grow sustainably and competitively.