By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Oct 18: The federal government has agreed to extend its financial assistance under the ‘Pakej Perlindungan Rakyat dan Pemulihan Ekonomi (Pemulih)’ initiative to Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) companies licensed with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
MOTAC minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said the financial assistance consist of RM3,000 to eligible MM2H companies in the country.
“This is one of the initiatives implemented by MOTAC aiming to alleviating the burden borne by industry players affected by Covid-19.
“It is also the government’s ongoing commitment and assurance to restore the tourism sector in order to assist industry players in weathering the long, difficult and challenging period,” Nancy told reporters at the financial assistance presentation, tonight.
During the event, other industry players such as tour guides, travel agents and homestay operators also received assistance between RM500 and RM3,000.
She added that there are seven financial incentives that have been consistently implemented by MOTAC since the outbreak of the pandemic namely; Pakej Rangsangan Ekonomi (PRE) 2020; Pakej Perlindungan Ekonomi & Rakyat Malaysia 2021 (PERMAI); Pakej Belanjawan 2021; Program Strategik Memperkasa Rakyat & Ekonomi (PEMERKASA) 2021; Program Strategik Memperkasa Rakyat & Ekonomi Tambahan (PEMERKASA+) 2021;Pakej Perlindungan Rakyat & Pemulihan Ekonomi (PEMULIH) 2021 and Geran Khas Prihatin 2021.
In total, the federal government has allocated RM61 million for the above which will be carried out in stages, where some have been disbursed and some are still in the process of payment.
Meanwhile, with the opening of inter state travel, Nancy believed this can help to revive the tourism, arts and culture sectors, which in turn will rebuild the country’s economic growth.
She assured that MOTAC will continue to ensure that more aggressive and strategic promotional campaigns are implemented to revitalise the Malaysia’s tourism sector.
“On the other hand, while it is good news that people can now travel inter-state and tourism activities are allowed, please bear in mind that our lives today are not the same as before because of Covid-19 that is still in our environment.
“Everyone who wishes to engage in tourism activities are advised to undergo the Covid-19 detection test before embarking on a journey. If you have symptoms such as fever, flu or cough, please postpone the trip. Your responsible action will indirectly help the government to break the chain as well as control the spread of the Covid-19 in the community,” Nancy said. — DayakDaily.
