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30 November 2018
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PETALING JAYA: The country’s largest representative body for the travel industry has warned that the strict enforcement of operating hours for entertainment outlets in Kuala Lumpur could have serious repercussions on tourism and businesses in the city.
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) said last year, Kuala Lumpur attracted 12.29 million international tourists, ahead of cities such as Rome, Tokyo, Istanbul, Seoul, Miami, Barcelona and Shanghai.
Nonetheless, Matta president Tan Kok Liang told FMT, the night scene for tourists in Kuala Lumpur left “much to be desired”.
He cautioned that curtailing the operating hours of entertainment outlets would dampen visitors’ experience. This, in turn, could lead to tourists deciding not to return to the city, which would affect tourism receipts as well as the economy.
Tan was responding to recent remarks by Federal Territories Minister Khalid Samad, who said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) would review the operating hours of several outlets that had been given special permission to open until 5am to cater to tourists. Khalid said the outlets had reportedly abused that privilege by allowing locals in as well.
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weehingthong 