Malaysian hotels react to hotel sex video fallout
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (eTN) - As the Malaysian public and tourism industry take in the fallout from a sex video scandal that has caused the downfall and immediate resignation of a high political figure, Malaysian hotels has been put on guard over the possible liabilities such scandals may affect the country's tourism industry.
Dr. Chua Soi Lek, former Malaysian health minister, tendered his resignation from all government and party posts after admitting he was the person shown in two sex video recordings made after four cameras were installed in a hotel room he had occupied with a female friend.
The police have started investigations to determine the source of the recordings, said Ismail Omar, deputy inspector-general of police. "We are tracing the culprits behind the video recordings, including those responsible for installation of the spy cameras, duplication of discs and distribution of the recordings."
The sex video recordings, said to be almost two hours long, has put the country's hospitality industry in a bad light, just as the Visit Malaysia Year campaign is being extended due to its impressive results.
Advising the public not to be "unduly worried" over the unwanted publicity, Sarjit Singh, executive director of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), said, "We want to assure hotel guests their security and privacy are guaranteed."
All 400 MAH members will be reminded to be wary of irresponsible persons installing spy cameras in hotel rooms, said Sarjit.
Added Shahruddin Saaid, executive of Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners, the recording done in a Batu Pahat hotel room in Johor state was a "bizarre" case.
The incident may have also been one incident that has "fallen through the cracks" as local governments, authorities and building owners turn more and more towards installation of camera video recordings to tighten security measures.
"More and more cameras will be installed in building foyers, lobbies, lifts, car parks and around building premises, including hotels for security surveillance," added Sarjit. "If spy cameras are installed in hotel rooms, then they are obviously doing it against ethics and regulations."
Hotel managements, added Sarjit, should be on the lookout for individuals, including hotel staff, who might be in collusion with perpetrators by attempting to breach hotel guests' privacy. "The incident which occurred in a hotel room of a four-star hotel is an invasion of privacy."
|
|
Comments
The seriousness of this situation will impact heavily a negative mindset from the clients. Even without partners (legal or illegal), the privacy of the hotel guests is compromised.
It could have already happened in other areas. Pity, now i could not even sleep in my underwear for fear of being seen by the hotel's security personnel.
Victor Vibal
This is a very serious matter affecting the privacy of tourists. While we as travelers accept the fact that there are more security measures in hotels these days due to the prevailing global situation, there are certain areas that must remain private and sacred and this would include our hotel rooms.
How many guests have stayed in that room in that hotel who may have had intimate moments only to be spied upon? And worse yet, copies may have been made of those videos and made available commercially.
This poses a serious question not only for the Malaysian hotel industry but for the entire hotel industry. We were only lucky to find out about this hotel due to the circumstances involved but how do we know that other hotels around the world are not similarly equipped?
How do I know that my privacy is protected in a Malaysian hotel should I have an intimate moment with my wife? Mr. Sanjit's guarantee is a joke. What does his guarantee mean?
I want to know what specific steps the authority will take or has taken to assure that it will not happen again. Every one can say 'guarantee' with nothing to back it up.
My comments on what had happening to Health Minister has a connection on his duties and responsibilities. Also the house keeping, engineer, security personnel and the information technology department must investigate immediately as well the resign person of that properties . Also this was planned ahead of time. Maybe 1 to months.
Truth Shall be prevail..
Gene Maulin
My first visit to Kuala Lumpur and staying one of the hotels (considered a 4 stars property) within the Golden Triangle was a nightmare. My room was broken into while having breakfast at the lower level. As I was exiting the elevator
after reaching my floor, 2 guys rushed out of my room. I was 100% sure that
the door was closed behind me when I left for breakfast. I filed a report at the Police Station and my complaint with the hotel manager was totally ignored.
It was definitely an inside job ! No apology from their management and all they said to me was - they would investigate. On my way back to Los Angeles, my checked luggage was broken into as well. I was told its a common occurance at KLIA ! I have advised my clients not to transit in KL unless they absolutely have no chioce. The airlines turned a deaf ear when you filed a lost luggage report.
Post new comment