KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 -- Did you know that if you bought a travel package last year for a trip this month, you as a tourist will not have to pay more? Yes, even when fuel prices are soaring high amid the month-old Middle East tensions.

The Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) said the Malaysian government needs to urgently help the local tourism industry now, as the tourism operators' financial burden continues to increase.

MTF president Sri Ganesh Michiel explained how Malaysia's travel industry works, where tour package prices are locked in advance:

"Tourists, having purchased these packages well before their travel dates, are protected under these agreements.

"As a result, travel agencies are unable to pass on additional costs, parti...