By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 8: The state government is providing one-off special grants of RM1,500 for 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 which are severely affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19).
He stated that the pandemic has caused travel agencies in Sarawak to lose most of their revenue due to cancellation of trips by tourists for the next six months.
He said that tour guides and licensed national parks tourist guides in Sarawak were also affected by the Covid-19 situation and who may have lost their income or work.
“To reduce their financial burden, the state government will provide one-off grants 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 said during the press conference to announce the Bantuan Sarawakku Sayang 3.0 Financial Aid package 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.
He disclosed the financial aid will benefit 199 river taxi operators in Sarawak in which their businesses were affected by Covid-19.
He explained the financial aid to assist river taxi operator will involve an expenditure of RM99,500 from the state government.—DayakDaily
