The Malaysian Tourism Ministry said on Monday that it has began to enforce the Basic Travel Protection Plan, requiring all licensed travel agents to offer travel insurance to their customers.

 

Malaysian Tourism Minister Adnan Tengku Mansor said the move was to ensure that all travelers, including inbound foreigners and outbound locals, are protected and covered by insurance.

 

The measure, which took effect from July 1, advisably required travelers to take it up, but they also had the flexibility to refuse it, Adnan said.

 

Under the plan, travelers can expect a refund in such cases as that the participating travel and tour company is unable to render its services, due to abrupt business closure, Adnan said.

 

Local media reported that the plan was endorsed by the ministry to ensure travelers to get the basic coverage and protection against travel risks.

 

It is managed via a joint venture between Timeless Vocation SdnBhd and Pempena Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Tourism Ministry, with Tahan Insurance Malaysia Bhd as the underwriter.

 

Local or outbound travelers will need to pay 15 ringgit (US$4.3 premium for coverage while inbound travelers are required to pay US$15 for which coverage is for the whole period of travel.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 5, 2007)