The Pemulih package does not address the specific needs of hotels despite being recognised as one of the most impacted sectors, said the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH).
MAH president Datuk N. Subramaniam said hotels should have also been included in the one-off financial assistance aid that was extended to licensed tour operators.
"Although the government recognises the impact on tourism industry, the one-off financial assistance of RM3,000 is only offered to travel and tour operators. Hotels are not included even though (they are) sustaining heavy losses and cash flow burden," he said.
Subramanian added that the extension of 10% discount on electricity bills is not enough.
"Extension of the electricity discount is needed but the fixed quantum of 10% is hardly sufficient, and of insignificant amount, considering average occupancy is at most 20% for the coming months due to extended travel restrictions," he said.
The Tourism Tax and Service Tax exemption for hotels up to December, according to Subramaniam, is needed to encourage spending but is not a direct fiscal support.
MAH, however, welcomed the wage subsidy scheme on those earning over RM4,000 a month.
"The industry also welcomes the 'blanket' loan moratorium that could provide much needed relief to not only tourism and hotel businesses but more importantly, the people of the industry," Subramanian said.
He shared that the moratorium should be interest-free to ensure borrowers do not fall into deeper debts.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government will consider appropriate allocations to rehabilitate and revitalise tourism activities during Phase Four of National Recovery Plan (NRP).
Subramaniam said the industry will provide the government with the necessary information to kick-start tourism activities.
"The industry will continue to provide on-the-ground data and updates to the government to ensure timely decision and strategies are implemented when the country progresses into the Phase Four of the NRP, to rebuild and restart tourism," he said.
MAH president Datuk N. Subramaniam said hotels should have also been included in the one-off financial assistance aid that was extended to licensed tour operators.
"Although the government recognises the impact on tourism industry, the one-off financial assistance of RM3,000 is only offered to travel and tour operators. Hotels are not included even though (they are) sustaining heavy losses and cash flow burden," he said.
Subramanian added that the extension of 10% discount on electricity bills is not enough.
"Extension of the electricity discount is needed but the fixed quantum of 10% is hardly sufficient, and of insignificant amount, considering average occupancy is at most 20% for the coming months due to extended travel restrictions," he said.
The Tourism Tax and Service Tax exemption for hotels up to December, according to Subramaniam, is needed to encourage spending but is not a direct fiscal support.
MAH, however, welcomed the wage subsidy scheme on those earning over RM4,000 a month.
"The industry also welcomes the 'blanket' loan moratorium that could provide much needed relief to not only tourism and hotel businesses but more importantly, the people of the industry," Subramanian said.
He shared that the moratorium should be interest-free to ensure borrowers do not fall into deeper debts.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government will consider appropriate allocations to rehabilitate and revitalise tourism activities during Phase Four of National Recovery Plan (NRP).
Subramaniam said the industry will provide the government with the necessary information to kick-start tourism activities.
"The industry will continue to provide on-the-ground data and updates to the government to ensure timely decision and strategies are implemented when the country progresses into the Phase Four of the NRP, to rebuild and restart tourism," he said.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
