Significance of Safety and Security Issues on Tourism Industry in Malaysia

Abstract

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) organization, its annual research in 2015 shows that tourism industry in Malaysia has direct contribution to the gross domestic products (GDP), employment, exports and investments. On top of that, Malaysia is rich with diverse natural attractions which contribute to Malaysia tourism industry. Nevertheless, risk such as crime, health and safety issues affect the tourism industry Malaysia, such as SARS virus outbreaks in 2003 and kidnapping cases in coastal areas of eastern Sabah in 2015. Using a survey and index approach, the study was took place in Malaysia and it is found out that the Global Peace Index for Malaysia was dropped to 29th in 2013 compared in 20th place in 2012 and the main causes of changes in tourism sector in Malaysia was safety and security. Some case studies will be used in the research to study in depth from specific events such as the case on attack on Thailand, China and other countries in order to generalize the issue in safety and security of the tourism industry. This research will be enriched in more detailed methods in enhancing a better safety and security for the tourism industry in Malaysia.