Industry professionals remain tight-lipped on Tourism Malaysia tender

According to one industry source, the shortlisting and presentations should have been made at least two months ago for the campaigns to be launched on 2 January.

Launched in August, up to 50 agencies are involved in the pitch that was divided into five territories, including domestic and specials events, Southeast Asia, North and East Asia, South and West Asia, and Europe, North America and OSEANA.

Tourism Malaysia has however  in recent months suffered a number of embarrassments.

Tourism minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen continues to be hounded by news that has brought the country shame at international level, to which she remains unapologetic. Recently, several local newspapers lashed out at the minister for the numerous mistakes that were made in the Tourism Malaysia brochure at the Shanghai Expo.

Meanwhile, the twice-suspended director general of tourism, Mirza Taiyab has been found guilty on criminal breach of trust involving RM 888,000 (US$287,000). Taiyab pleaded not guilty to the charge on 16 August. The hearing is due to take place on 26 May next year.

It is not the first time that Tourism Malaysia has come under disrepute. During 2008 review, Carat and a former boss of Malaysian media agency Pakar Media were at the centre of a series of legal disputes over the management of the business.

This time, local media are keeping a close eye on the awarding of the tender estimated to be worth somewhere between US$45 million and US$60 million.