What is the MOTAC licence?
MOTAC, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, licenses travel agencies and tour operators in Malaysia under the Tourism Industry Act 1992[1]. What matters is the licence type and the licensed company name.
MOTAC issues three main licence types: Inbound Tour Operating Business, Outbound Tour Operating Business and Travel Agency Business[2]. We do not go beyond those three here.
Where do you meet it on the trip?
You meet it before the trip, at the moment you pay. MOTAC has said any travel agency, transport, accommodation or tour guide operator must be licensed before operating, including online, with fines and blacklisting for violators[3]. That includes social media sellers.
One practical tip
Consumers are advised to verify an agency on the MOTAC website before paying, and to report suspicious operators through MOTAC channels[4]. Do it in this order: ask for the licence name and number, search the company name on motac.gov.my, match it to the company on your invoice, and only then pay a deposit.
Our sources for this page are secondary, so confirm every detail on motac.gov.my. The licence says an agency is registered. It does not say the quote is good, so still read the inclusions.
Related terms
See deposit and balance for how payments are split, travel insurance coverage for protection once you travel, and the guide on how to check an agency’s MOTAC licence.