SARAWAK is still pushing for a deferment of the tourism tax, scheduled to go into effect on July 1.

Sarawak Tourism Minister Abdul Karim Hamzah, in a post cabinet meeting press conference today said time was not in favour of a July 1 implementation.

“We’re now in the last week of June. Raya is just round the corner.

“With the new decision to exempt Malaysians from the tax when staying in three-star hotels and below, hoteliers need to be briefed.

“They have also yet to be fully briefed on the collection mechanics.”

Karim said it was Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg who suggested that Malaysians be exempted from paying the tax when staying in three-star hotels and below, during a meeting with Prime Minister Najib Razak last week.

“Asking for a deferment does not mean we are against it, even though we are not happy with how the bill was tabled,” Karim said.

“What we’re saying is that it is extremely difficult.”

The last time Karim asked for a deferment, it ended in a highly publicised row with Tourism Minister Nazri Aziz.

Karim said he had not spoken to Nazri since Nazri called him a  gangster and a political greenhorn who had better keep his mouth shut.

Come July 1, tourists will have to pay tourism tax of between RM2.50 and RM20 per room per night for accommodation above three stars. – June 22, 2017.