This may come as worrying news to many Malaysians!
According to Free Malaysia Today, the new tourism tax will be implemented much earlier than previously announced.
Instead of having the tax implemented on the 1st of August, as was previously announced, it will actually come into effect on the 1st of July!
Source: The Straits Times
Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz said,
“No, it hasn’t been postponed (to Aug 1). We expect the tax to be implemented by July 1. Registration will also begin that same day.”
“So the premises that are under our registration database will have to collect the tax from July 1,” he told a press conference here today.
Source: News.com.au
The tax will be in the form of an extra charge on hotel and hostel accommodations for both foreign and local tourists travelling in Malaysia.
Tourists who stay in non-rated accommodations will be charged an extra RM2.50 per night.
For those who plan to stay in one-, two- or three-star hotels will be required to pay an extra RM5 per room per night.
The charge for people staying in four-star hotels is RM10 per room per night, while five-star hotel guests will be required to fork out an extra RM20 per room per night. All of these charges will be on top of a 6% GST!
According to a statement from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (which has now been taken down), it read,
“The returns will be used to develop the tourism industry, namely the enhancement of tourism infrastructure and facilities, as well as tourism promotional activities and campaigns for the country.”
The statement also claimed that the tax returns will help preserve and protect Malaysia’s environment, culture and heritage.
Well, we guess it’s time to take a quick staycation this month before the tax is implemented!
Also read: Malaysians Don’t Have to Pay Tourism Tax JUST Yet, Still Pending King’s Approval
