Kuala Lumpur, 11 October 2019 – The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is elated that Budget 2020 contains incentives for the tourism industry after it had made presentations to Minister of Finance YB Tuan Lim Guan Eng and top officials from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).
MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang says, “We are delighted with the accelerated capital allowance for the purchase of completely knocked down (CKD) tour vehicles for two years and 50 percent reduction of excise duty for locally assembled vehicles. This will allow operators a great window of opportunity to replace their aging vehicles at much reduced cost. Modernising their fleet will provide greater comfort to tourists during Visit Malaysia 2020 and enhance the image of the country.”
“The 1.1 billion ringgit allocated to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), of which RM90 million has been allocated for promotions, should empower MOTAC to step up enforcement and continuation of incentives, such as the matching grant under Galakan Melancong Malaysia (GAMELAN Malaysia 2019).”
“MATTA had long been advocating for a policy that is more welcoming for foreign tourists and it is heartening to note that a new mechanism on e-Visa will be introduced to facilitate their arrivals.”
“We are happy with the measures and incentives, including those for theme parks that were announced in Budget 2020. With this incentive of the exemption for statutory income for investment in theme parks, it should be a strong encouragement for the establishment of more theme parks, which will boost tourism in the various states”, concluded Tan.
DATUK TAN KOK LIANG
President MATTA
Term 2019 – 2021