Penang Exco Slams DOSM Tourism Survey: Claims State's Performance Undervalued
GEORGE TOWN, July 3 – Penang’s tourism sector is facing a dispute over data accuracy. State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai, has publicly criticised the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s (DOSM) recent domestic tourism performance figures, alleging they significantly undervalue Penang's contribution and success.
Wong’s strong rebuke comes after the DOSM released data indicating a slowdown in domestic tourism growth. However, the Penang state government believes these figures don’t accurately reflect the ground reality, citing a surge in tourist arrivals and spending within the state. He described the survey as “flawed” and questioned the methodology used by DOSM.
“We have seen a remarkable recovery and growth in Penang’s tourism sector, consistently attracting both local and international visitors,” Wong stated. “Our hotels are experiencing high occupancy rates, our attractions are bustling, and our local businesses are thriving. The DOSM figures simply don't align with this positive trend.”
Discrepancies and Concerns: Wong explained that the state government’s own data, gathered through various sources including hotel bookings, attraction ticket sales, and surveys of local businesses, paints a far more optimistic picture. He believes the DOSM survey may not be capturing all aspects of tourism activity within Penang, potentially leading to an inaccurate assessment.
He further highlighted the importance of accurate data for effective policy-making and resource allocation. “Tourism is a vital pillar of Penang’s economy, and we need reliable data to guide our strategies and ensure sustainable growth,” he emphasized. “If the data is flawed, our decisions will be based on inaccurate information, hindering our ability to maximise the sector's potential.”
Call for Review and Collaboration: Wong has called on DOSM to review its methodology and data collection processes for domestic tourism surveys. He also expressed a willingness to collaborate with DOSM to improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of future surveys. “We are not opposed to data collection, but we believe it needs to be more robust and representative of the diverse tourism landscape in Penang,” he added.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of accurately measuring tourism performance in a dynamic and evolving industry. Penang’s stance underscores the importance of transparency and collaboration between government agencies and state authorities to ensure data integrity and informed decision-making. The state is keen to demonstrate its continued success and contribution to Malaysia's overall tourism sector, and accurate data is crucial to achieving this goal.
The debate is expected to continue as DOSM and the Penang state government work towards a resolution and a more accurate representation of the state's tourism performance.