TAXABLE GOODS THRESHOLD RAISED TO RM1,000
Move will encourage tourist arrivals, boost people’s socio-economic status, says PM
PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday declared that the threshold for taxable goods for tourists from the mainland shopping in Langkawi has been raised from RM500 to RM1,000.
Dr Mahathir, who is Langkawi member of parliament, said the move was to encourage more tourist arrivals to the island, thus uplifting the socio-economic status of the residents there.
“I have yet to receive the approval of my colleagues in the government on how much purchase in Langkawi can tourists from the mainland make and bring back home.
“However, I still want to declare here that mainland tourists shopping in Langkawi will only need to pay taxes if they spend above RM1,000,” he said when officiating the Langkawi parliamentary constituency’s service centre here yesterday.
However, he said the limit did not include items such as liquor and cigarettes.
Dr Mahathir, who reiterated his assurance that the island would retain its duty-free status, said Langkawi, despite being wellknown as a tourist destination, still needed more investments from outside.
“We still need a lot of investors to implement projects and build factories, so that the people in Langkawi can have more job opportunities and better wages. But the people must work hard.
“I am confident the people of Langkawi are hardworking, and that they will get good salaries from their employers,” he said.
Hence, he urged the residents in the parliamentary constituency to be hospitable to tourists to Langkawi and boost the island’s image.
Earlier, Dr Mahathir visited the service centre in Langkawi City and mingled with more than 500 people at the event.