By Zani Salleh

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Travellers should make sure they are sufficiently insured before travelling abroad.

They must also make sure they deal with agents registered with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta).

Matta vice-president John Tan said buying an insurance policy was a necessary precaution in case of unexpected mishaps.

He said anyone could fall sick or even hospitalised while travelling overseas.

"There are various travel insurance protection schemes in the market including Matta Global Traveller Insurance to choose from," he said during a press conference yesterday to announce the setting-up of a complaints bureau.

Tan chairs the bureau.

On another related matter, he said customers who encountered problems with travel agents should first complain to Matta before contacting non-governmental organisations or political parties.

He added that the Matta Complaints Bureau can be contacted at 03-9287 6881 or e-mail admin@matta.org.my.