Kuala lumpur: The tour guide profession has been integrated into the national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem, as announced by Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man. Tour guides are now required to undergo courses and pass competency assessments conducted by tourism training institutions (ILPs) recognized by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) before obtaining a license.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chiew emphasized that as a condition for license renewal, tour guides must participate in Continuing Tourism-Related Education courses, along with upskilling and reskilling programs. These initiatives aim to enhance their knowledge and skills, including foreign language proficiency, thereby increasing the value of services offered. He addressed these points in response to a question from Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar) about whether the ministry plans to elevate and recognize the Tourist Guide Course as part of the national TVET ecosystem, during an oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat.
Chiew further mentioned that MOTAC has collaborated with the Skills Development Department (JPK) to recognize the tourist guide course through the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Levels 2 and 3. The certification includes the Basic Urban Tourist Guide and Regional Specific Tourist Guide (RSTG) courses for Sabah and Sarawak at SKM Level 3, as well as the Local Nature Skilled Tourist Guide course at SKM Level 2.
He noted that this recognition situates the tour guide profession within the country's TVET ecosystem, enhancing certification and marketability while bolstering the professionalism of tour guides nationwide.
In response to a supplementary question about public awareness and enforcement against unregistered tour guides, Chiew reported that 47 tourism training institutions are registered under MOTAC across the country. He stated that the ministry consistently works with enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), to conduct integrated enforcement operations.
Chiew reiterated that MOTAC will continue to enforce the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482), particularly provisions related to tour guide licensing. Strict actions will be taken against those violating the law, especially unregistered tour guides, as such activities can erode tourist confidence and damage the image of the country's tourism industry.