GEORGE TOWN – Penang today announced a six-month extension for the waiver of hotel fee and entertainment tax in the state, effective January 1.
Penang state exco for tourism and creative economy Yeoh Soon Hin in a statement said that the hotel fee waiver is applicable to all registered hotels in the state and entertainment industry owners.
He said the entertainment tax waiver will benefit performing art spaces, theme parks, tourist attractions, and cinemas, as well as businesses and industries in the state that are imposed with entertainment tax.
“Both waivers will be effective for the duration of six months until June 30,” he said.
He added that the waiver can serve as a catalyst in revitalising Penang’s tourism economy, which is gradually gaining traction since the interstate borders were lifted.
“The revival of our tourism sector is amongst the areas of concern to the state government. We hope these waivers will somewhat help to stimulate the tourism market and drive demands,” he added.
Last year, Penang approved a moratorium on assistance for hotels, tourist attractions, theme parks and travel agencies in the state.
Among the moratoriums given are for water bills, land tax, and business licence fees.
In the Penang 2022 Budget, the state government also provided an allocation of RM50 million specifically to the tourism sector in an effort to revive the industry, which was badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. – The Vibes, January 12, 2022
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