PENANG, which welcomed more than 6 million visitors in 2015, said proceeds from the new tourism tax should be returned to the respective states.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Tourism Ministry should give the states such an assurance so that they could benefit from the tax.

“Say if Sarawak contributes RM20 million, then the state should get back the amount. That we will support,” he said at a press conference today.

Lim said Penang also hoped the new tax, which is to be enforced from July 1, could be deferred.

He said hoteliers were shocked over the quantum. Five-star accommodation will be levied RM20 per room per night; four-star (RM10); three to two stars (RM5); and non-rated accommodation (RM2.50).

“If there is some assurance how the collected tax will be distributed and spent, it will be good.”

Lim was asked to comment on the new tourism tax that is now the source of dispute between Sarawak and minister, Nazri Abdul Aziz. 

In Penang, visitors staying at hotels also pay a levy of RM3 per night at five- and four-star accommodation, and RM2 per night at hotels with three stars and below.

The state would not scrap the levy introduced in June 2014, Lim said, because of the federal government’s new tax.

“We have an efficient structure for the levy, and we consult the hoteliers in the state on how the money is spent.

“The hoteliers here know where the money is going. We also collect only a small amount.” – June 12, 2017.