The Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA®) would like to urge all parties, particularly enforcement and regulatory agencies including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ), to exercise caution and balance when issuing public statements relating to anticipated traffic congestion and travel conditions during the upcoming long holiday period from 27th May to 2nd June 2026.
While public safety, traffic management and preparedness are important, repeated statements highlighting massive congestion, overcrowding or travel difficulties may unintentionally create fear and hesitation among domestic tourists in choosing Penang and other tourism destinations as their preferred holiday locations.
The tourism and hospitality industry is still in the process of strengthening recovery and rebuilding confidence. During previous festive and holiday periods, similar statements
regarding extraordinary traffic conditions were issued, yet hotel occupancy rates in many areas remained around only 50%, far below expectations and industry projections.
Such perceptions not only affect hotels, but also impact the entire tourism ecosystem including restaurants, retail businesses, tourism attractions, transport operators, event organisers, local traders and tourism-related workers who depend on visitor arrivals for their livelihoods.
“MyBHA® believes that public communication should focus on preparedness, safe travel planning and positive tourism encouragement rather than creating unnecessary anxiety among travellers.” said Dr Ganesh Michiel, president of MyBHA in a press statement.
We would also like to encourage all tourists and visitors travelling during the holiday season to:
• Choose only legal and licensed accommodation providers for safety, quality assurance and consumer protection;
• Make hotel reservations early to avoid last-minute difficulties;
• Book directly with hotels for better convenience and flexibility especially in the event of
cancellations or changes to travel plans;
• Plan journeys properly and travel safely throughout the holiday period.
Malaysia remains a welcoming and safe tourism destination, and Penang continues to be one of the country’s most vibrant tourism hubs offering culture, heritage, food, beaches and hospitality experiences for both domestic and international visitors.