RM100 domestic travel deals up for grabs at MATTA fair in August

TraVEL packages worth RM100 for 2D1N stays at domestic destinations will be available at the upcoming Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) fair.

Event organising chairman Kathryn Lee said travel enthusiasts would be able to pick from more than 30 exhibitors at the fair, which will be held from Aug 5 to 7 at the Austin International Convention Centre in Johor Baru.

“This is the chance for people to get attractive travel deals through legitimate travel companies.

“Many have been falling victim to social media scams by bogus travel agents.

“They do not have to worry as our exhibitors are required to produce a supporting letter from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to participate in the fair,” she said during a press conference.

For the first time, Lee added, there would be a collaboration with the Malaysia Budget Hotel Association, allowing for more affordable travel packages.

Lee, who is Johor MATTA deputy chairman, said aside from domestic destinations like Johor, Kedah (Langkawi), Sabah and Sarawak, there would be travel packages to Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Turkiye, Japan, South Korea and European countries.

There will also be attractive cruise packages departing from Port Dickson, Port Klang or Singapore.

“We hope to spur tourism through this event and will be waiving the RM3 entrance fee to encourage more visitors.

“It has been tough for industry players since the lockdowns were imposed and we would not have survived without the help of the federal and state governments.”

Lee said every RM300 spent on domestic packages and every RM500 spent on international packages at the fair would entitle the customers to a lucky draw.

Meanwhile, Johor MATTA chairman K. Subramaniam hoped that the government would solve the problem of traffic congestion on highways nationwide and at the borders between Malaysia and Singapore.

“We have received many complaints from the public and our members about the massive traffic jams during public holidays,” he said.

“There were times when it took travellers more than five hours to reach Kuala Lumpur from Johor Baru while some had their trip to Ipoh delayed by over three hours.

“We are worried that traffic issues and delays in immigration clearance, especially at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex, will affect people’s desire to travel.

“Tourists from Singapore may also be discouraged as they don’t want to waste too much time on the road,” he added.