By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 13: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) hopes that the Ministry of Finance will consider reintroducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for tourists.
According to a news report by TVS, Motac Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said this is because the tax is more transparent and efficient.
“(This) indirectly can reduce the burden on consumers (tourists),” he said during his ministerial winding-up session at Parliament today.
Tion also called for the impending implementation of the High-Value Goods Tax to be clearly enforced, especially involving the Tourist Refund Scheme.
Regarding efforts to promote the country, he disclosed that although Motac is focusing on China, other potential markets will not be neglected.
“After Hari Raya Aidilfitri, we will promote in the Middle East.
“(Efforts to promote Malaysia) will be carried out in Ashgabat with the assistance of Turkmenistan Airlines,” he said.
Responding to a query by Datuk Mas Ermieyati Shamsudin (Perikatan Nasional-Masjid Tanah) regarding efforts to promote tourism in Russia, known for having tourists willing to spend lavishly, Tiong said several aspects need to be refined.
“Russia is currently in conflict, (there might be issues if) our (Tourism Malaysia) people go there to promote our country,” he said.
Meanwhile, he also hoped that all Members of Parliament (MPs) would always ensure that their respective tourist areas are always in good, safe, and quality condition.
“All MPs are also advised to cooperate with local authorities (PBT) and local tourism industry players to enhance infrastructure development in their respective areas.
“Motac also collaborates closely with all state governments to ensure that public facilities at major locations throughout Malaysia are in the best condition to facilitate tourists coming to this country,” he added. — DayakDaily
