Consider giving M’sians RM5,000 tax break in Budget 2023, cruise operator tells govt

LANGKAWI – A cruise operator here has called on the Finance Ministry to consider providing up to a RM5,000 tax break for every taxable Malaysian in next year’s budget.

This can help to ease the burden during what economists predict would be a global recession next year, said Tropical Charters Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Issac Alexander.

He said that there is now concern of uneven growth patterns among all economies emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, with lingering effects on global supply chains, inflation, and a food and energy crises due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Speaking to The Vibes, Alexander, who is a major investor on the island resort, said that the tax incentive can spur domestic tourism and set higher consumption rates.

“We will need domestic tourists to come in droves to mitigate the shortfall in international tourists,” said Alexander.

He said that even if Malaysia escapes the recessionary effects, the rest of the world, especially those with large consumer markets such as Europe, the UK and the US, are already displaying signs of recession or stagflation.

Hence, there is a need to boost domestic tourism by enticing Malaysians to spend more within the country, he added.

Meanwhile, veteran travel trade operator Eric R. Sinnaya urged the federal government to devote more resources towards promoting eco-tourism, which is accompanied by conservation and preservation efforts.

“I think gone are the days of lavish spectacular sights of tourism. Now, people prefer smaller groups, more privacy and hosting tourists with a sense of quality where they spend more and stay longer,” said Sinnaya.

He also urged for the exploration of new eco-tourism attractions and more tax breaks for those who donate to conservation efforts by civil societies.

Ahmad Pishol Isahak, a former Kedah Malaysian Association of Tours and Travel Agents chapter chairman, said that more efforts need to be given towards food security. If the prices are stable, the focus by chefs can be on making the best dishes possible.

“Now, our chefs are reining in costs by discarding ingredients and reducing portions. To have a full stomach, nowadays we have to consume two plates instead of one,” he said.

Chefs should be inspired to just focus on making the best meal possible, he said.

“With this, Malaysia can regain its prestige as one of the best destinations for delicious food. The same applies to culture, arts, and heritage. If we maintain the costs, we can do wonders to promote tourism through our rich diversity in culture, arts and heritage.”

Pishol also hopes that more efforts can be made in terms of connectivity for tourists, and airlines should redraw their price formula if the air fares become too high. – The Vibes, October 7, 2022