Individual Convicted for Unlicensed Travel Agent Activities

Singapore, 26 September 2023 – The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) would like to inform the public that Rasman Bin Saridin (Rasman) has been convicted in the State Courts today for carrying on the business of a travel agent without a valid travel agent licence in contravention of Section 6(1) of the Travel Agents Act. He was also convicted of offences under the Penal Code.

Rasman faced a total of 22 charges and was convicted and sentenced on 5 charges. He will serve a sentence of 11 months and 2 weeks imprisonment for contravening the Travel Agents Act and for offences under the Penal Code and Bankruptcy Act. The remaining 17 charges were taken into consideration for the purpose of sentencing.

STB received feedback from a consumer in November 2019 that an Umrah travel package which he paid for had not been fulfilled. Investigations revealed that Rasman conducted unlicensed travel agent activities in 2019, during which he sold religious Umrah travel packages affecting 56 individuals and collected payments amounting to more than $79,000. STB also established that Rasman failed to fulfil the Umrah trips which he collected payments for.

STB takes a serious view of those who engage in unlicensed travel agent activities and will not hesitate to take action to protect consumers' interests and uphold the reputation of Singapore's tourism sector.

Under Section 6(2) of the Travel Agents Act, any person found guilty of carrying on the business of a travel agent without a valid travel agent licence faces a maximum fine of $25,000 and/or up to two years imprisonment.

The public is advised to exercise due diligence when making travel arrangements, such as only purchasing their travel packages from licensed travel agents and purchasing travel insurance to protect themselves against unforeseen circumstances. For the latest list of licensed travel agents in Singapore, please visit STB’s TRUST website (https://trust.stb.gov.sg).

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About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.