AFTER suffering RM100 billion in losses since the start of the pandemic, operators of theme parks is petitioning Putrajaya to be allowed to open in phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan.

Malaysian Association of Theme Parks & Family Attractions (Mafta) president Richard C.K. Koh urged the government to allow theme parks, spa and wellness, cinema and family entertainment centres with malls resorts and hotels to do business in phase 2.

He said continued closure will affect the livelihoods of the 3.6 million workers in the industry.

“In the National Recovery Plan, we see the tourism industry only being allowed to operate in October 2021 at the earliest — a timeline that will further break the tourism industry.”

Koh said that tourism was the third biggest contributor to Malaysia’s GDP, after manufacturing and commodities.

“The tourism industry in total is estimated to contribute about 13.1-14.2% of the GDP of our nation.

“Since the start of the pandemic, the Malaysian tourism industry has already lost RM100 billion,” he said in a statement.

Koh said the association on Monday sent a letter pleading its cause to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Koh said the food and beverage and retail sectors were the main employers hiring 34.7% and 32.5%, respectively, of the workers in the tourism industry

“Both sub-sectors cumulatively contribute 67.2% to total tourism employment.”

Koh said the various sectors strongly urged the government to draw up a tourism recovery plan for the immediate and medium-term and urged authorities to work together with the private sector.

“Let us use the best practices that have been adopted in various other countries like Thailand and Europe.

“The alternate consequences are taken a very heavy toll on our economic structure considering tourism is the third largest GDP contributor.”

He said adequate compensation must be forthcoming if the government insists on keeping all the sectors shut.

This could be in the form of financial aid, accelerated wage subsidies, statutory leave, utility discounts and tax obligations.

Koh said they are also seeking a vaccination programme for all tourism-related sectors under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry. – July 21, 2021.