KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya has cancelled the operating licence of embattled company Emraz Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd, effective March 11.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry said the company has violated the permit provisions under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482).
“It is found that the company’s business practices are detrimental to public interests, the tourism industry and the country’s economy.”
The ministry said this was done in accordance with paragraphs 8(1)(b) and (d) on the revocation of licence.
According to the act:
(b) the licensed tourism enterprise has contravened any condition imposed under the licence, any provision of this Act or any other written law, regardless that there has been no prosecution for an offence in respect of such contravention; and
(d) the licensed tourism enterprise is carrying on its business in a manner which is prejudicial to the interest of the public, the tourism industry or to the national economy.
In February, two Emraz directors were charged in Seremban Magistrate’s Court with 51 counts of failing to comply with an award order issued by the Consumer Claims Tribunal to pay claims amounting to RM473,730 to 17 victims last year.
Datuk Zulkarnain Endut, 43, and his wife, Datin Mazuin Mustafa, 43, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
According to the 51 charges, Emraz Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd as the company and the two directors were alleged to have failed to comply with the award by the tribunal, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to pay the claims to the victims within the stipulated 14-day period from the date the award was issued.
The court set bail at RM17,000 for all charges and fixed April 25 for mention and submission of documents. – March 8, 2024