KUALA LUMPUR, 23 March 2021: A new fiscal stimulus package and easier travel rules gained the thumbs up from The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) in a message posted on Twitter.
MATTA said it welcomes the announcement by Prime Minister, saying it as always advocated an analytical risk-based approach based on scientific data towards managing people’s movement as opposed to blanket travel restrictions.
“MATTA has been in constant engagement with the government since the start of the pandemic, and we are happy that the announcement is in line with MATTA’s proposal. This shows the strong relationship between the government and the private sector, which is key to tourism recovery. We hope these initiatives would help more than 5000 travel agents get through this tough time.”
The government has approved MYR3K grants and tax relief for travellers buying tour packages from licensed travel agents. The entire relief package has a value of MYR20 billion.
“Other tourism reliefs we believe is a recognition by the government that we will take some time to recover, and we welcome the easing of cash flows. However, we will continue to engage with the government on a regular basis to review these initiatives to assist the travel and tour industry further.” MATTA’s president, Datuk Tan Kok Liang.
