Public urged to buy travel packages at MATTA fair

The public, especially those wanting to go to Makkah to perform the haj or umrah should buy their tour packages through the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair to avoid being cheated.

MATTA Fair honorary secretary Nigel Wong said many people do not realise that cheap tours, including those sold online such as through Facebook were invalid as they were conducted by individuals or companies which were not registered.

"The public are attracted by the prices offered and buy the packages offered without first checking if the company is registered or not with the ministry.

"They should buy the tour packages at the MATTA Fair because the agencies participating here are registered with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and their licences are still valid," he said in a press conference here Tuesday.

He added that members of the public in the northern region especially Penang can buy their tour packages for local and overseas destinations at the Penang MATTA Fair which will be held at the Straits Quay Convention Centre from Oct 13 to 15.

Wong said 108 travel companies and agencies would be participating in the fair, offering packages at reasonable prices, including those with experience in conducting haj and umrah tours.

He said MATTA was targetting sales of RM18 million at the Penang MATTA Fair, which is expected to attract more than 18,000 visitors.

- BERNAMA