SABAH tourism players have lauded the Federal Government’s announcement of the economic stimulus package to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak but hope the relief period can be extended beyond six months.
Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN) president Teo Chee Kim said STAN hoped the government would consider additional allocation in the latter half of the year to help the tourism stakeholders to recover and reclaim the international market.
On Thursday (Feb 26), interim Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced several measures to ease the cash flow of tourism players for a six-month period from April to September.
“We (STAN) are glad that relief is provided to both companies as well as individuals involved in the tourism sectors, which includes deferment of monthly income tax instalment payments, a 15% discount on electricity bills, exemption of Human Resource Development Fund levies for the corporate sector, and a one-time payment of RM600 to taxi drivers, tourist bus drivers and tour guides.
“Other than the relief measures above, it must be lauded that the government has also put in measures such as personal income tax relief and digital vouchers to stimulate the domestic travel scene to counter the sharp downturn in international arrivals,” Teo told Bernama when contacted here today.
He said STAN thanked the government for coming up with the stimulus package in view of the deteriorating economic condition.
Meanwhile, Sabah Tourist Guides Association (STGA) president SF Chin said the announcement of the stimulus package was timely, as it would provide a much needed boost to the economy, especially the tourism industry.
“We (STGA) would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the government for recognising our services and contribution towards the tourism industry by giving a one-off relief allowance of RM600 each to tourist guides, taxi drivers and tourist bus drivers,” she said.
The 2020 Economic Stimulus Package worth RM20 bil is aimed at effectively mitigating the economic risks associated with the Covid-19 outbreak. – Feb 29, 2020, Bernama
