PETALING JAYA: With the nation on the verge of allowing interstate travel – which has been banned since Jan 13 – efforts are being made by all parties to ensure that it will be a success, as it is expected to benefit consumers and companies alike. Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang (pic) said restrictions on domestic travel for the last 20 months had adversely affected the industry and businesses. Interstate travel would not only help the tourism industry recover but would have a multiplier effect that benefit small and medium enterprises across the country, he said, unlike the current travel bubble that benefited only Langkawi. Textile and garment business owner Jai Kishin is among the many in the business community eager to see the economy perk up after having suffered major losses during the festivities due to the prolonged interstate travel ban. “Enacting an Act to regulate all types of online travel agencies will ensure a fair level of playing field.
