Tourism Ministry Revokes Licence of Layang-Layang Island Resort Sdn Bhd
Layang-Layang Island Resort Sdn Bhd in the Spotlight
The tourism, arts and culture ministry has taken a decisive step to protect the welfare and interests of the people by revoking the operating licence of Layang-Layang Island Resort Sdn Bhd. The licence was cancelled on January 6, 2025, in line with Section 8 of the Tourism Industry Act 1992.
Reason for Revocation Remains Confidential
The ministry did not disclose the specific reason for revoking the licence, but it is clear that the move is aimed at upholding the law and protecting the public from any harm. As Roslan Abdul Rahman, the ministry’s secretary-general, stated, "The tourism, arts and culture ministry views seriously any breaking of the law by tourism enterprises. This is to protect the welfare and interests of the people."
Previous Claims of Deposits Not Refunded
It is not the first time Layang-Layang Island Resort Sdn Bhd has been in the spotlight. There were previously claims that the company had failed to return deposits to more than 100 tourists who booked scuba diving packages with the resort since 2020. The resort was said to have been closed since 2022 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns.
Tourism Agencies Suffer Financial Losses
In November, Daily Express reported that three tourism agencies in Sabah, namely Dreamy Island Holidays, Kudat Scuba Resorts, and The Kekung, were facing significant financial losses due to the closure of the resort. The agencies had collectively paid over RM272,000 for bookings made between 2020 and 2022, before the pandemic struck. However, the resort refused to issue any refunds, citing its "no-refund policy".
Unresolved Issues
The tourism agents contacted the tourism, arts and culture ministry and filed police reports, but the situation reportedly remained unresolved. The closure of the resort has left many tourists and tourism agencies in a difficult situation, and the revocation of the licence is a step in the right direction to address the concerns and protect the public interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was the licence of Layang-Layang Island Resort Sdn Bhd revoked?
A: The ministry did not disclose the specific reason for revoking the licence, but it is aimed at protecting the welfare and interests of the people.
Q: What is the current status of the resort?
A: The resort is currently closed, and its future operations are uncertain.
Q: What is the next step for the affected tourism agencies and tourists?
A: The agencies and tourists may need to seek alternative options or file complaints with the relevant authorities to resolve their issues.