KUALA LUMPUR: Questions over a possible a tip-off has been raised by Tourism, Arts, and Culture minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing following a botched joint operation by the Semporna Municipal Council and the police, aimed at tackling illegal travel agencies operated by foreigners.
"I must express my disappointment over recent joint actions... which are purportedly aimed at cracking down on foreigners illegally operating travel agencies. However, these operations ended in a 'misfire,' he said in a statement on social media site Facebook.
He revealed that the Nov 6 operation failed as the suspects had already fled before enforcement teams arrived.
"Whether it is shortcomings due to unforeseen circumstances or deeper issues like illegal dealings, bribery, or tip-offs, the perception of some members of the public on the lack of concrete results could point to other irregularities," he remarked.
"There are complaints that there may have been collusion with certain quarters who had prior knowledge of the raid," he added.
Despite the failure, Tiong thanked the authorities for their efforts but urged them to reflect.
"We do not wish for so-called enforcement efforts to be all show and no substance," he said.