THE Malaysian Association for Arts, Live Events, Concerts and Festivals (ALIFE), together with representatives from Malaysia’s entertainment, tourism, theme parks, attractions, cinema, cultural, fashion and creative economy sectors, is calling for the abolition of entertainment tax.
In view of escalating living costs, worsened by the Middle East conflict, the group wants the government to review the framework governing the implementation of the tax.
The entertainment tax was enacted in 1953, during a very different economic and social landscape, ALIFE said in a statement.
At the time, entertainment was largely regarded as a luxury.
Today, entertainment, tourism, theme parks, cultural and creative experiences are important contributors to economic growth, employment, tourism receipts, community wellbeing and national identity.
The coalition believes the issue is no longer only about businesses.
It is also about Malaysians facing an actual need to relax and de-stress through such activities, which are considered a healthy form of activity if supervised well.
The entertainment tax is borne directly or indirectly by consumers.
Families visiting theme parks, moviegoers at cinemas, visitors to attractions, concert attendees, and participants in cultural, recreational and creative activities all face the impact through higher ticket prices. - July 2, 2026.
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