CABINET minister Nazri Aziz today chided a Sarawak minister for suggesting that Putrajaya defer the implementation of the new tourism tax.

Nazri said Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is Sarawak’s Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, did not understand the crux of the matter when the latter argued that such a tax should be a state matter.

“Abdul Karim is just a new minister, he shouldn’t show off. If he doesn’t understand anything, he should meet me. I’m also a Barisan Nasional minister,” said Nazri who is Culture and Tourism Minister.

The Sarawak minister had suggested that the tourism tax which is to be implemented on July 1, be postponed in Sabah and Sarawak.

“Most of the five-star hotels are in peninsular Malaysia, while 75 % of the different grades of hotels are in West Malaysia. Only 25 % are in East Malaysia.

“The revenue from the tourism tax will be shared with Sabah and Sarawak. They also stand to benefit.”

Malaysia will impose a tourism tax of RM2.50 to RM20 per room daily for hotel accommodation, starting July 1.

The new tax will be regulated by the Finance Ministry and the Customs Department.  – June 11, 2017.