By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, Aug 27 — The state government mulls over the suggestion to give tax relief or deferment on tax payments to hotel and homestay operators who are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in Selangor.
State executive councillor for tourism Hee Loy Sian said among the assistance which could be considered include reduction of assessment tax, quit rent and business permit fees.
“Currently the state government is meeting with local councils to get the exact number of hotels and associations which would benefit from these tax reductions.
“We have to study the impact to each local council as the reduced assessment tax and quit rent could severely impact the local council’s revenues.
“The complete report regarding the suggestion will be presented during the State Executive Council Meeting (MMKN),” he said when answering a question from Bukit Melawati state assemblyman Juwairiya Zulkifli on the tourism industry recovery during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, today.
He said the state administration also had allocated funds amounting to RM5.51 million last year and RM2.55 million (this year) through its Selangor Prihatin economic stimulus packages to revive the tourism industry.
“Under these two packages, six initiatives have been carried out including the one-off cash aid to the tourism players as well as the distribution of tourism vouchers.
“Apart from that, we have proactively promoted the industry by launching the ‘Nak Bercuti? Pusing Selangor Dulu!’ campaign to boost the domestic tourism economy especially to the hotel sector and related industry,” he said.
