The Tourism Tax Bill 2017, which comes into force on July 1, is necessary as it will help expand Malaysia's revenue base, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
He said the introduction was timely as the industry had been experiencing budget cuts due to falling revenue.
"I personally believe it is a good tax and will not burden the people," he told reporters after launching the World Bank report, "Malaysia Economic Monitor", here today.
The government recently announced that proceeds from the tax would be used to promote Malaysia overseas and refurbish tourism facilities.
The bill, passed during the last parliamentary, would see the imposition of tax rates of between RM2.50 and RM20 for overnight stays at registered hotels and inns.
"This had been decided in the cabinet, as pointed by the Minister of Tourism and Culture Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.
"The thing is, what was passed in the parliament was not articulated clearly to the state government, and Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is in charge of Sarawak tourism, wanted to know more about it and give his opinion, and I don't think there is an issue with that," he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, was reported as saying that Sabah would be discussing the implementation of the tax during the state cabinet meeting next week.
On another note, Abdul Rahman said, the government had begun working on several initiatives to produce data and statistics to meet the policy requirements of the Eleventh Malaysia Plan.
"We are reviewing the country''s statistical system, together with the World Bank Group Global Knowledge and Research Hub," he said, adding that the Malaysian data collection was moving rapidly, and the country was now able to capitalise on the available data.
"We need a legal framework, and the Department of Statistics has been tasked to identify the challenges so that we could share the data among the government agencies and the private sector," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Jun 13 2017
He said the introduction was timely as the industry had been experiencing budget cuts due to falling revenue.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.