Pahang launches tourism zones to strengthen consumer protection

Pahang's Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has introduced the Compliant Tourism Hotspot Zone (ZTPP) to safeguard consumers and promote adherence to rules at prominent tourist sites. This initiative was unveiled today at Menara Kuantan 188, one of the tallest buildings in Malaysia. The project will be extended to the Cameron Highlands' tourist hotspots and subsequently rolled out across other regions of the state.

Pahang Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman, Sim Chon Siang, elaborated on the three major aspects of the ZTPP: consumer protection, empowering traders, and ensuring compliance. The primary goal is to avert a recurrence of a straw incident in Cameron Highlands, where consumers complained that strawberries labeled as 1kg for RM25 were only weighing 700g.

This move aims to prevent visitors from being exploited through price manipulation or additional charges when visiting popular tourist spots. Businesses operating within the tourism zone are obliged to strictly comply with the law, including displaying price labels and utilizing certified weighing scales. Sim assured that visitors to these tourism zones will experience a secure shopping environment, free from the fear of being cheated.

He emphasized that a transparent and favorable trading atmosphere will bolster tourists' confidence. Menara Kuantan 188 was selected as one of the state's premier tourist destinations for the initiative due to the transparent pricing of food, beverages, tickets, and souvenirs. During events at the tower, participating traders will also adhere to the ZTPP.

Enforcers from the ministry will carry out spontaneous inspections, and consumers dissatisfied with their experience can file an official complaint.