KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Malaysia today launched the "My Tourist Assist" (MTA) mobile application to ensure safe travel for tourists in the country.
Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab said the application that could be downloaded on Google Play Store and Apple App Store was developed by the digital technology company, Jana Tiga Holdings Sdn Bhd.
"This app allows tourists to get assistance from the authorities in case of an emergency situation whereby an emergency or SOS button will connect the user directly to the authorities.
"What's more vital is that this application functions even when the user does not have Internet access and if an emergency signal is sent, the location of the users can be tracked through the technology being developed.
At the function, Jana Tiga Holdings Sdn Bhd also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) to disseminate news for the convenience of foreign tourists visiting the country through the application.
The application, tourists could access the news and information being channelled through the Bernama portal.
"If tourists want to keep abreast of the latest news outside and within the country, they can use the application and news provided by Bernama.
The application has various other functions, including essential services such as hospital, pharmacies, police, automated teller machines (ATM) and embassy locations.