03/09/2026

THURSDAY | SEPT 3, 2026

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‘Scrutinise tour packages before buying’

o Travellersshouldcheck fine print, verify details toensureauthenticity of deals: Expert

smaller towns and rural areas. “They should also ensure their passports have a sufficient validity period, apply for visas or e-visas early and keep copies of important travel documents on their phones as backups.” Mohd Hafiz said for Malaysian families, food availability, particularly halal options, should be checked before booking, especially when travelling beyond major tourist areas. “They should also arrange a travel SIM or roaming package in advance to avoid unexpected charges.” Meanwhile, he emphasised that destination research should come before purchasing a travel package, even for all-inclusive deals. He said travellers should check the weather, local transport, safety, cultural practices and laws, as poor weather or unfamiliar transport systems could quickly turn a good deal into a stressful holiday. “Travellers should also research rules on dress, tipping, customs, prohibited items and areas to avoid, as local laws can differ significantly from Malaysia.” He also urged travellers to check whether commonly used medicines were restricted at their destination. On travel insurance, Mohd Hafiz said overseas medical coverage, including hospitalisation, emergency evacuation and repatriation should be a priority. “Not everyone treats insurance as part of the trip cost. But the risk is

there. One overseas hospital admission or losing your baggage could cost more than the entire holiday.” He said travellers should also check coverage for cancellations, delays, missed connections and baggage loss, while those planning activities such as diving, skiing or high-altitude trekking should ensure these are covered. For Malaysians travelling overseas several times a year, Mohd Hafiz said an annual travel insurance policy could also be more economical than purchasing individual policies for every trip. As for the fair, his biggest advice is for travellers to walk in with a plan and a spending limit. He recommended deciding on a shortlist of destinations, travel dates and maximum budget before arriving at the fair. “My strategy is to use the first round to look, not to buy.” He said travellers should walk through the halls, collect brochures, photograph offers and compare packages before making a decision. He also advised against being pressured by “today only” promotions, saying travellers should take time to assess the tangible and intangible costs of the package before committing. “At the booth, travellers should ask specific questions about the airline, hotel, inclusions, exclusions and cancellation policy, while ensuring deposits and payment terms are clearly stated in writing.”

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING Malaysians heading to the Matta Fair from tomorrow should look beyond advertised package prices, as hidden costs could turn an apparently cheap holiday into a more expensive one, a tourism academic said. Universiti Teknologi Mara Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management professor Dr Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah said travellers should check what a package includes, excludes and its change and cancellation terms. “Don’t look at the headline price, but look at what is in it.” He said packages to the same destination could vary widely, with cheaper options often involving low-cost flights, hotels far from city centres and extra charges for transfers, meals and tipping. “Once you add the extras, the cheaper one could end up costing more.” He also urged travellers to consider actual holiday time, as a seven-day package could effectively become five days after accounting for flights and transit. JAYA:

Mohd Hafiz said travellers should walk through the halls, collect brochures, photograph offers and compare packages before making a decision. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

then discover it is an hour from everything and they are spending RM100 a day on taxis or drivers.” He added that travellers should consider their age and physical ability when planning itineraries, particularly those over 40, advising against overly packed schedules. “Trust me, you will be exhausted.” He also said travellers should carry sufficient local currency, as cards may not be accepted in

He called for travellers to verify that agencies hold a valid Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry licence, and to pay only to official company accounts and obtain receipts. Mohd Hafiz said another common mistake was overlooking the practicalities and costs of getting around at the destination. “People plan the flights and hotel carefully but forget the distances. They book a hotel that looks cheap,

Batu Laut Beach emerges as new Selangor attraction SEPANG: The Batu Laut Beach is emerging as a new attraction for local tourists, particularly those seeking recreational activities by the sea during weekends and holiday seasons. Selangor Housing and Sustainable Urban Development Standing Committee chairman Datuk Borhan Aman Shah said the beach has become popular among sailing and camping enthusiasts. “Pantai Batu Laut is becoming increasingly famous. “This year, we will organise the Selangor@Batu Laut Festival for the third time and it has received very encouraging response since it was introduced. “We have also developed numerous facilities for the convenience of visitors, such as spacious parking areas, eateries, toilet facilities and a seafront suitable for recreational activities.” Meanwhile, Borhan also expressed appreciation to the Bernama Motorcycle Club for choosing Kampung Batu Laut as its adopted village and organising the 69th Merdeka Tour Programme at Dataran Batu Laut on Aug 31. The event was held in collaboration with the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation. He said external agencies were

welcome to organise programmes in Batu Laut for the benefit of the surrounding community. The event also featured the Batu Laut Merdeka Fun Run, Rahmah Ehsan Sale and decorated motorcycle competition in conjunction with the 69th National Day celebrations. – Bernama