TOURISM operators do not believe the allocations and initiatives for the tourism sector in Budget 2021 will be able to rehabilitate the sector, which has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Entrepreneurs in Penang and Kedah told The Malaysian Insight the initiative presented by the finance minister last Friday brought little relief for those in the industry.

They are disappointed with Putrajaya for ignoring the tourism industry, which is the second largest contributor to the country’s gross domestic product.

Langkawi Tourism Industry Organisation president Ahmad Phisol Ishak said the initiatives announced by the government is not a good step to restore the tourism-driven economy on the island.

“The government has announced it will provide training programmes for laid-off staff of affected airlines, but they do not need further training.

“Our problem now is how to generate income, and how to move forward,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Phisol, who has been involved in tourism for more than 30 years on the island, said the government should encourage tourism activities on the island as Langkawi is a green zone.

“Because the island is a green zone, the government can help us by encouraging tourism among green zones.

“This move can help our island, which is more than 90% dependent on tourism,” he said.

Phisol also questioned why some government initiatives for tourism were repetitive.

“For example, providing 500 job opportunities to the community and the Orang Asli community, we have been doing this for a long time. It is the locals’ job to become tourist guides.

“In terms of maintaining and restoring tourist spots, this has already been done but no one monitors. When there is a complaint, only then it will be fixed,” he added.

Malaysian Association of Hotels’ Kedah/Perlis chapter chairman Eugene Dass told The Malaysian Insight the government is sidelining the hotel industry.

“Hotels will be affected because there is no help. This budget is very sad.

“Tourism is the second largest contributor to the country’s economy, why not take care of us? Why leave us alone?” he asked.

Eugene also revealed some hotels have already shuttered due to their inability to operate during the Covid-19 period.

“We have minimised our operations as much as we can. In fact, about five hotels in Kuah, Langkawi will be closed.

“Our members are disappointed. What else can we say because there is no guarantee Putrajaya will give the industry allocations?

“Prior to Budget 2021, the association had proposed to the Finance Ministry on how to restore tourism and help the government generate revenue, but it seems to have fallen on deaf ears.”

Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz last Friday tabled several initiatives to revive the economy under Budget 2021.

The government has allotted RM1.14 million for the sector next year, compared with RM1.1 million this year.

Among the government’s initiatives for the sector is to provide training programmes for 8,000 airline workers, with an allocation of RM50 million.

About 500 job opportunities will be provided to the Orang Asli community and locals to encourage eco-tourism activities.

RM50 million will be provided for maintenance costs and overhaul of tourism facilities while RM20 million is for the promotion of cultural villages.

The government will also assist Sabah with a special grant of RM1,000 for taxi drivers, e-hailing drivers, car rental services and tourist guides in the state.

Commenting on the aid for Sabah, Eugene and Phisol asked why there was special assistance for the state but not for others.

Penang Tourism Attraction Association president Ch’ng Huck Theng said the budget, instead of helping the industry, could trigger its collapse.

He called for a re-evaluation of the salary subsidy assistance to help entrepreneurs retain their employees.

“The government must increase its salary subsidy to help workers and businesses survive in this time of crisis.

“The moratorium programme for the tourism industry should also be extended until mid-2021 for Malaysians so they have more money to travel to other states,” he said.

He added that Malaysia needs to be brave and have a strategic plan to open its international borders for several countries to come in.

Penang Bird Park operator Dr Gino Ooi said the industry does not get support from the government either morally or financially.

“Zoos are different from other attractions. We have to operate everyday to feed the animals and take care of their health.

“During the Covid-19 period, operating costs are higher because we have to get food supplies from grocery stores. The price is more expensive compared with other suppliers.

“From the budget, I do not see any efforts to help zoos like ours,” he said.

Ooi said he is not seeking financial assistance, but an easing of permit issuance to preserve local birds.

“We face problems because we only have the same species of birds, as the government does not give permits to catch birds in our country’s forests, for exhibition and preservation purposes.

“If we have new and unique birds, we can indirectly attract visitors,” he added. – November 9, 2020.