Johor mulls lower tax for foreign tourists

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor is conducting a feasibility study on lowering entertainment tax rates for foreign tourists at theme parks following the spread of Covid-19.

State tourism and women, family and community development committee chairman Liow Cai Tung said on Sunday every decision and approach on the matter would be considered after the stimulus package to the reduce economic impact of the virus outbreak is announced on Feb 27.

“I have received feedback from them (theme park industry players) on the entertainment tax that will be imposed on foreign tourists.

“I have also raised this issue at the state executive council meeting and we will examine the decline in the number of tourists, after which we will make a decision,” she told a press conference after the closing ceremony of the Tourism Recovery Action Committee Town Hall.

In her speech at the event, the exco member said industry players needed to change their strategies, strive and focus on the domestic tourism sector and devise creative and special packages to attract local tourists.

Liow said the state government had taken several steps to attract tourists.

“The state government has launched a publicity roadshow with Tourism Johor for Visit Johor Year with the 2020 Johor Malaysian Games secretariat in Perak and several states to promote Johor next month.

“Tourism Johor has also taken a joint approach with bloggers and local social media influencers to promote (more) interesting places in the state. These are among the efforts taken to attract tourists.” – Bernama

A huge poster by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission in Padang Kota Lama, Penang calls on the rakyat to work with the government and private sector to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.