By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 8: The state government is providing a one-off special grant of RM1,500 to tour guides and licensed national parks tourist guides.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the tourism industry is one of the industries severely affected by Covid-19.
The pandemic has caused travel agencies in Sarawak to lose most of their revenue due to the cancellation of trips by tourists for the next six months.
“Tour guides and licensed national parks tourist guides in Sarawak were affected by the Covid-19 situation. There might be some who could have lost their income or work.
“To reduce their financial burden, the state government will provide a one-off grant amounting to RM1,500 to 145 tour guides and 113 licensed national parks tourist guides registered in Sarawak.
“This special grant will involve an expenditure of RM387,000 from the state government,” he told a press conference to announce the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance 3.0 package at Wisma Bapa Malaysia, here, today.
Abang Johari, who is also Finance and Economic Planning Minister, said registered river taxi operators will also enjoy one-off cash assistance of RM500.
The financial aid will benefit 199 river taxi operators in Sarawak and involved an expenditure of RM99,500 from the state government. — DayakDaily
