PUTRAJAYA is slow in disbursing aid to tourism players under its recent economic stimulus package, said the Malaysia Association Tour Agency (Mata).

Mata president Mohd Khalid Harun said the association has received many inquiries and complaints from members about the lack of information and disbursement of the government’s RM1 billion facility for the tourism sector under the Penjana package.

The rollout should have started earlier this month but was postponed to July 15. Today, industry players are still in the dark about the status of the rollout, Mata said.

“So far nothing (announcement) has been made by Bank Negara Malaysia, Finance Ministry or Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac).

“If the government is serious about saving the industry that contributed RM86.14 billion to the Malaysian economy in 2019, then now is the time.

“If the government continues to delay, the effect will be worse on the economy,” Mata said in a statement today.

It added that federal and state governments appeared to be more focused on tour guides, tour bus drivers, rickshaws, taxis and homestay operators by providing them with financial assistance.

“Other sectors in the tourism industry are also impacted such as travel agencies. If they are not assisted, many of their employees have to be laid off, likewise with hotels and others.”

Under the Penjana package, RM1 billion was allocated to the tourism sector but Mata said follow-up information on disbursement has been scant.

It said Motac should be playing a central role and act as a one-stop centre for tour agencies and other industry players in aid disbursement.

Mata said there has been no extra information to date and asked whether proposals it suggested to Bank Negara had been considered.

These are for tourism grants of between RM50,000 and RM100,000 based on company size, easy loans by simplifying loan procedures to those in the tourism sector, and extending loan moratorium to targeted sectors within the tourism industry.

Mata also said there is a lack of information on how the government’s plan to issue digital vouchers for domestic tourism will be implemented.

“Things like this should be expedited so the people can revitalise domestic tourism.”

Mata said neighbouring countries, such as Thailand, have taken swift action in boosting domestic tourism by giving discounts to citizens for hotel stays, domestic flights and food expenses.

“These were implemented a day after the Thai government made the announcement.” – July 19, 2020.