MATTA Conducts Online Survey To Assist Members To Tide Over Introduction Of Tourism Tax (TTx)

Kuala Lumpur, 5 September 2017: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has sent out an online survey form to its 3,200 members. Up to 96%, or over 3,000, are licensed for inbound tour operating business.

As many will be affected in various degrees by the implementation of TTx from September, the survey is intended to gather the actual impact on the inbound tours sector, and the form of assistance needed to overcome teething problems.

Earlier, MATTA had notified all members via email on 24 August 2017 that tour operators who have committed contractual hotels rates in advance without TTx may apply for exemption. Their applications are to be submitted to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, which will then be forwarded to Ministry of Finance for evaluation and approval on a case by case basis.

However, MATTA is concerned with members who have to pay out large sums upfront while waiting for exemption or receiving refunds for the TTx paid. It is also not 100% certain that the Ministry of Finance will approve applications for exemption at this point in time.

MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang said “Many of our members have contracts with local hotels and overseas tour operators for hotel rooms until 31 March 2018 without TTx. We wish to find out if any of these hotels or overseas tour operators is willing to absorb the TTx, and if there are MATTA members not applying for exemption or claiming refunds.”

“After the survey feedbacks are collated, the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Tourism and Culture will be provided with an industry-wide report on the impact so that remedial actions could be taken swiftly to alleviate the plight of affected tour operators.”

“We are of the view that the intention of the TTx is meant to benefit all stakeholders eventually, and those initially affected by its introduction should be given speedy assistance by the government”, concluded Tan.

 

DATUK TAN KOK LIANG
President MATTA
Term 2017 – 2019