New tax won’t affect tourism – minister
TUNGKU: The Sales and Service Tax (SST) will not affect the country's tourism industry.
Tourism, Art and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said the implementation of the tax was not a big problem for the tourism industry.
Mohamaddin said the tourism industry had its own tax implemented a long time ago.
“The implementation of SST will not have effects on our tourism industry and I believe that SST is much better than the previously implemented tax, Good and Services Tax (GST).
“The SST will not be burdensome, especially to the people. I would like to give an easy example. If people go to the restaurant and ordered ten cups of coffee, they will be charged ten times for GST but only once for SST,” he said.
Mohamaddin, who is also Silam member of parliament, said this when met during the Tungku district level National Day celebration, yesterday.
The celebration also attended by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Assafal P Alian who is also Tungku Assemblyman.
In the meantime, Mohamaddin told reporters that his ministry was carrying out various efforts to attract more foreign tourists to the country.
He said they would also intensify the production of handicrafts, especially those involving smallscale entrepreneurs in the rural areas.
He said the efforts, including marketing local handicraft abroad, could help entrepreneurs to generate income.
“We (ministry) will go to the rural areas and meet local entrepreneurs to find the best way that could be done by the ministry to help them,” he added.
Speaking about the status of Pulau Bum Bum, Mohamaddin said they would have discussions soon with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and the state government for the status of this area.
Earlier, in his opening speech, Mohamaddin urged the people to appreciate the meaning of independence that was fought for by previous leaders.
Mohamaddin also urged the people to always remember the service and sacrifice of the security forces who always strived to defend national security and sovereignty.