MATTA calls for abolition of tourism tax

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) calls for the abolishment of Tourism Tax (TTx), which came into effect on 1 September 2017 charging a flat rate of RM10 per room night on foreigners staying in hotels or registered private accommodation.

Its president, Datuk Tan Kok Liang said tourists are welcomed to have an enjoyable holiday experience and spend freely on accommodation, food and beverage, tourist attraction and tour excursion, but collecting tax from tourists would be counterproductive.

He said the TTx which was initially planned for roll out on 1 August 2017 included Malaysians initially but was later excluded after a public uproar, as it was decided without proper engagement with tourism industry players.

Source: http://www.theborneopost.com/2018/05/22/matta-calls-for-abolition-of-tourism-tax/