Tourism Bodies Fear Airline Alcohol Ban Will Hurt Malaysia S Image

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Matta president Nigel Wong says Malaysia's appeal as a tourist destination lies in values such as tolerance, acceptance, and inclusiveness.
An MP from PAS has called for an end to alcoholic drinks being served on Malaysia Airlines flights. (Malaysia Airlines Facebook pic)PETALING JAYA: Tourism groups say that banning alcohol on Malaysia Airlines flights could harm Malaysia’s reputation as a tolerant and inclusive destination
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Nigel Wong said such a move risks ruining Malaysia’s image among international tourists.
“Malaysia is known as a moderate tourism country. We emphasise values like tolerance, acceptance, and inclusiveness. That’s what makes Malaysia so appealing as a tourism destination,” he told FMT.
Wong said many international airlines serve alcohol based on routes and customer expectations.
Malaysian Tourism Federation president Sri Ganesh Michiel urged the public to consider the airline’s perspective before drawing conclusions.
“Before making any statements, people should understand why the airline chooses to serve alcohol in the first place,” he said.
He also called on all parties to support the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, saying its success would be beneficial to all. “When Visit Malaysia succeeds, everybody benefits,” he said.
The comments by the tourism groups came in response to a Perikatan Nasional MP’s call for a stop to alcoholic beverages being served on Malaysia Airlines flights.
Hansnizan Harun, the MP for Hulu Selangor, said the practice went against Islamic principles and put Muslim flight attendants in a difficult position, with even passengers made uncomfortable. - FMT

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