TOUR GUIDE PROFESSION PART OF NATIONAL TVET ECOSYSTEM - CHIEW

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- The tour guide profession has been mainstreamed through its recognition as part of the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem, said Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man.

He said tour guides are required to undergo courses and pass competency assessments conducted by tourism training institutions (ILPs) recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) before being issued with a licence.

“As a condition for licence renewal, tour guides are required to undertake Continuing Tourism-Related Education course, as well as upskilling and reskilling programmes, to enhance their knowledge and skills, including foreign language proficiency, thereby adding value to the services offered,” he said.

He said this in his reply to a question from Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar) on whether the ministry intends to elevate and recognise the Tourist Guide Course as part of the national TVET ecosystem, including in terms of certification, funding, marketability and long-term career pathways, in line with other skills programmes, during the oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Chiew added that MOTAC has also collaborated with the Skills Development Department (JPK) to recognise the tourist guide course through the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Levels 2 and 3.

He said the certification covers the Basic Urban Tourist Guide and Regional Specific Tourist Guide (RSTG) Sabah and Sarawak courses, both offered at Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 3, as well as the Local Nature Skilled Tourist Guide course at SKM Level 2.

“This recognition places the tour guide profession within the country’s TVET ecosystem, particularly in terms of certification and marketability, while also strengthening the professionalism of tour guides nationwide,” he said.

Responding to a supplementary question on the level of public awareness and enforcement against unregistered tour guides, Chiew said that to date, 47 tourism training institutions are registered under MOTAC nationwide.

He said the ministry consistently cooperates with enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), in carrying out integrated enforcement operations.

“MOTAC will continue to enforce the law under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482), particularly provisions related to the licensing of tour guides,” he said.

According to him, strict action will be taken against parties who violate the law, especially unregistered tour guides, as such activities can undermine tourist confidence and tarnish the image of the country’s tourism industry.

-- BERNAMA