MOTAC's Efforts To Assist The Tourism Sector Affected By The COVID-19 Pandemic Feedback on The Press Statement By Malaysian Association of Theme Park & Family Attractions (MATFA) on Malaysian Tourism Industry

1. revitalizing domestic tourism by offering more creative and attractive travel packages through digital platforms, offer incentives and promotions in the form of rebate vouchers, e-vouchers, cashback through e-wallets and discounts, at the same time promoting the uniqueness of rural tourist destinations or hidden gems as tourists now prefer safer destinations, fewer people and fresh air;
   
   
2. restoring public confidence to travel again by adapting to the new normal such as emphasizing on hygiene, cleanliness and health safety and compliance to standard operating procedures or SOPs;
   
   
3. embracing the technology of secure, seamless and contactless travel, such as cashless payment, online booking, contactless transaction, and contactless check-in;
   
   
4. reskilling and upskilling to improve the capacity and credibility of the profession by adapting to the new normal especially digital literacy training;
   
   
5. easing regulations to ensure the survivability of the industry for example simplifying regulations, waiving of license fees for TOBTAB and TG;
   
   
6. promoting sustainable tourism development by re-strategizing efforts to conserve and preserve the environment such as considering carrying capacity on islands or fragile destinations;
   
   
7. strengthening public-private partnerships, especially in re-creating tourism, arts and culture products to be more appealing and innovative as well as in keeping the number of COVID-19 infections low by complying to the SOPs; and
   
   
8. kick-starting international travel by developing segmented and sustainable products focused on nature, rural areas and culture such as eco-tourism, small group or individual sports, history, bird-watching tourism, and traditional routes. For a start, the focus will be on vaccinated travelers, personalized and small group tours and packages. Thus, the Ministry is in discussion at the NSC level which involves the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several other ministries, and agencies to explore opportunities to create a creative travel bubble with SOPs that consider aspects of health, immigration, data tracking, and continuous monitoring by relevant agencies.

1. Tier 1: allow intra-district travel and tourism activities within the district
2. Tier 2: allow inter-district travel and tourism
3. Tier 3: allow inter-state travel and tourism
4. Tier 4: allow international travel/ inbound tourists (opening up of borders)

1. relaxation of compound matters under Act 482 such as compound payment discount of 40% to all tour operators and licensed tour guides compounded by MOTAC before 30 December 2021;
   
   
2. license fee exemption for tour operators and tourist guides licensed under Act 482; and
   
   
3. relaxation of license requirements for tour operators such as rental of business premises by co-share office space until 31 December 2021, application for renewal of license without audited financial report from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021, permission to carry on other business in the premises of the tour operator company from 18 March 2020 to 31 December 2021, and issuance of tour operator company license without inspection of premises during the period of 18 March 2020 to 31 December 2021.

1. extension of 10% electricity bill discount from October to December 2021 to hotel operators, theme park operators, convention centers, shopping malls and tour operators;
   
   
2. one-off special assistance of RM3,000 under PEMERKASA for 5,335 tour agencies registered under MOTAC. As of July 2021, a total of 2,899 tour agencies have received the assistance with a total payment of RM8,697,000;
   
   
3. as of July 2021, under PERMAI, the one-off financial assistance of RM500 has been given to 5,877 tour guides (Peninsular Malaysia & Sarawak) amounting to RM2,938,500, whereas under the Budget Package 2021, one-off financial assistance of RM1,000 has been given to 1,063 tour guides (Sabah) amounting to RM1,063,000;
   
   
4. one-off special assistance of RM600 under PEMERKASA for homestay operators under the Malaysian Homestay Experience Program (MOTAC). As of July 2021, a total of 2,861 operators have received assistance involving a total payment allocation of RM1,716,600.00.
   
   
5. deferment of monthly income tax instalments payment for companies;
   
   
6. tourism tax and service tax exemption for hotel operators until 31 December 2021;
   
   
7. Wage Subsidy Scheme where government will support up to 500 workers per employer with assistance of RM600 per worker for 4 months; and