MOTAC revokes support letter and blacklists Srikandi Wawasan Enterprise for 3 years over serious breaches in a programme that left students stranded.
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has revoked its support letter and blacklisted Srikandi Wawasan Enterprise for three years.
The action follows serious breaches in the conditions of the Temasya Kesenian dan Kebudayaan Asia Tenggara programme.
The support letter had allowed programme sponsors to qualify for tax deductions under the Income Tax Act.
MOTAC’s decision came after a detailed investigation into an incident on October 24.
The investigation involved 61 Malaysian school students being stranded for three hours at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta.
It found the organiser changed the programme’s purpose from a cultural performance to a tourism visit without informing MOTAC.
“They also failed to provide accommodation, transport, meals and a clear itinerary,” MOTAC said.
This left participants stranded without proper assistance, forcing the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta to intervene.
The ministry said the company’s actions demonstrated serious negligence and violated safety operating procedures.
MOTAC further said the organiser issued misleading claims about MOTAC dancers being involved.
This created misconceptions among participants and sponsors, contravening principles of integrity.
“Media coverage in Malaysia and Indonesia indirectly associated MOTAC with the programme,” the ministry emphasised.
The organiser’s failure damaged MOTAC’s credibility as a professional government institution.
The revocation and blacklisting of the company and its owners was taken to uphold accountability.
As of December 9, no party is allowed to use or refer to the invalid support letter.
MOTAC will not be responsible for any consequences arising from the use of the document.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to monitor and take strict action against guideline violations.
Members of the public are encouraged to verify similar programmes with MOTAC to prevent recurrences.
Media reports noted the 61 students were stranded due to mismanagement by the travel agent.
