Abd Karim welcomes exemption of intrastate flights from SST

August 21, 2018

SIBU: People in Sarawak and Sabah are hoping the exemption of intrastate flights from Sales and Services Tax (SST) will result in the reduction of airfare cost within the two states.

For one, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is hopeful that it will be so, considering that flying is a vital mode of travel in these two vast states.

He was commenting on the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang’s statement in lauding the federal government’s announcement on exemption of SST next month for all intrastate flights in Sabah and Sarawak.

Tourism tax should be maintained, says Abd Karim

May 24, 2018

SIBU: The tourism tax introduced last September should be left as it is since it does not burden the Malaysian public, says Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“Tourists and foreigners are merely required to pay a minimal sum.

“Why must Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) now call for its abolition? It is just a small amount to pay by tourists and foreigners – RM10 per room per night which is a small amount if we take the exchange rate of US$, £ (Sterling Pound) or (Euro).

“Unless Matta can show us that tourist arrivals are very much affected by this restructured tourism tax, I believe we should just leave the tax as it is.”