GEORGE TOWN – The confusing application for approval letters to operate during the lockdown has extended to the office of Penang tourism and creative economy exco Yeoh Soon Hin.
He said his office is currently handling overwhelming enquiries from hoteliers, who expressed their frustrations due to the lack of clarity in the federal government’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the two-week first phase of the national lockdown.
“Although this lockdown is unarguably required to curb the soaring cases in Malaysia, the livelihood of our industry players must also be taken into account. This means giving clear, precise and understandable instructions.
“However, we were notified by our friends from the hotel industry that their enquiries and concerns to the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry are to no avail as they have yet to receive any formal letters or replies.
“A properly outlined SOP with good clarity will aid the public in comprehending it, which will contribute to improved public compliance to SOPs as they do not have to act in the dark.”
Yeoh also said that the one-stop centre by Miti, only introduced late yesterday evening, must deliver its primary duty and role as the coordinating authority for the industries’ approval status.
Meanwhile, the waiver for hotels in Penang has been extended to December 31 as the country started its lockdown today.
Yeoh said the waiver is to alleviate the financial burden of hoteliers during the lockdown.
This is a third hotel fee waiver, an extension from its original institution from July 1 to December 31, 2020, before the second extension to June 30, 2021.
The hotel room fee rate imposed is RM3 per room per night for four and five-star hotels, and RM2 per room per night for three stars and below including hostels, budget motels and dormitories.
Last week, Yeoh announced a one-off electricity bill subsidy for the tourism industry. RM1 million was allocated for hoteliers, travel agencies, tourist attractions and theme parks in the state
Five-star hotels will receive a subsidy of RM5,000; four-star hotels (RM4,000); three-star hotels (RM3,000); two-star hotels (RM2,000); one-star hotels (RM1,000) whereas hotels with orchid ratings 1, 2 and 3 will receive RM800.
Meanwhile, budget hotels and hotels that have yet to receive their ratings will receive RM500; theme parks (RM5,000); tourist attractions (RM1,000) and travel agencies (RM1,000). – The Vibes, June 1, 2021
