MATTA alarmed with sensationalism to promote “self-interest”

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Datuk Tan Kok Liang

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is alarmed by a recent spate of sensational news designed to catch attention by those seeking cheap publicity.

MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang says “The latest was by an actor who claimed he and a co-star were almost kidnapped by pirates while filming in Sabah’s east coast Semporna district.”

“The fake news was immediately condemned by Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) Commander Hazani Ghazali as baseless. In fact, throughout the filming, the film crew were under the watch of a trained PASKAL (Naval Special Warfare Forces) team, and there had been no kidnapping attempts or actual kidnappings for the whole of 2017 and 2018.”

“Making false claim on attempted kidnapping in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE) would attract negative perception from the public and could deter tourists from visiting Sabah, and those already there could cut short their stay to appease their concerned families back home.”

“The authorities should act swiftly and decisively on false claim causing anxiety among the community with regards to security and public order. Fake news and bad publicity tend to stick and may eventually be accepted as facts. More so by international media. Therefore, they must be swiftly nipped in the bud and not be allowed to fester.”

“It is utmost important for all Malaysians and the media to take cognisance of the damage bad news can bring to the country and our tourism industry. More so when they are fake and unnecessary to publicise”, concluded Tan.