Nguyen Van Son, Chairman of the Hoi An People’s Committee, stated that authorities have requested the police to investigate a social media account that spread the misinformation. 

The account, which has over 500,000 followers, shared a video on November 22 showing tourist boats on the Hoai River and cyclo drivers in Hoi An’s ancient town. The video claimed that operators paid exorbitant sums for permits to work during specific hours.

The video quickly gained traction, attracting thousands of interactions, shares, and comments. Although the post did not specify who allegedly received these payments, social media users speculated that the sums were unofficial “under-the-table” fees

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Nguyen Van Son refuted the allegations as baseless fabrications. "We’ve requested the city police, Quang Nam Department of Information and Communications, and HCMC’s Department of Information and Communications to collaborate in identifying and questioning the account holder," he said.

Son explained that 100 cyclos have been licensed in Hoi An for the past 20 years. The city oversees only the vehicles, not the drivers. Licenses were initially granted for free to impoverished individuals, and subsequent ownership transfers occur independently of municipal involvement.

Similarly, over the past five years, Hoi An has issued permits for 300 rowing boats on the Hoai River, exclusively to disadvantaged residents. These permits were also free, and ownership can be transferred without government interference when operators are no longer able to work due to age or illness.

"Our management of these vehicles ensures the preservation of the ancient town’s order and compliance with Quang Nam Province’s heritage protection regulations," Son said. He lamented that the baseless rumors have harmed Hoi An’s reputation.

Ha Nam