Economic stimulus package may not spur tourism sector, say Sabah tour agents

KOTA KINABALU: The 2020 Economic Stimulus Package announced by interim Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad may not necessarily spur the tourism sector, say tour agents in Sabah.

Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Datuk Seri Winston Liaw (pic) said while they welcomed some of the proposals, more details were needed.

"The deferment of income tax, 15% electricity discount and the suspension of the Human Resources Development Fund contribution are good news for us," he said when contacted on Friday (Feb 28).

However, Liaw said issues such as personal income tax relief of up to RM1,000 on expenditure related to domestic tourism, as well as digital vouchers for domestic tourism of up to RM100 per person for domestic flights, rail and hotel accommodations for all Malaysians, needed more details.

"If the RM1,000 can be deducted immediately from tickets or other related purchases, then maybe it would spur interest among Malaysians to travel within the country.

"But if it can only be deducted via income tax, then not everyone can enjoy this," he said.

Local tour operator Mark Chong, 35, of Worldwide Diamond Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd, said customers might not be interested to splurge on a domestic holiday as they lacked spending power.

He said many were concerned about the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak although Malaysia was not seriously affected as compared to other countries.

Chong said due to the standstill in tourism and many related industries, many have lost their jobs or are on unpaid leaves.

Samsu Alam, a local tour guide said he was unsure whether the stimulus package would help to increase business as the people were afraid of the virus.

"Many of the tourist spots such as the city mosque have also been closed off to visitors. I think it should remain open for locals," he said.

He said to spur unexplored or lesser known domestic destinations, basic facilities and infrastructure needed to be upgraded and maintained.

Samsu cited Tenom and Beaufort as examples, where taking a train ride to these destinations could generate income.

But he said it lacked interest among locals due to the less-than-desirable condition of the trains.

Although tour operator Ahmad Osman Lokman, 28, felt unsure about the stimulus package in spurring domestic tourism, he said local guides could still use the opportunity to promote local tourism.

He said tour agents could introduce holidaymakers to affordable accommodations along the Kinarut beach.

"Head north to areas like Pitas, Kudat and Kota Marudu, and you can find Supirak Island, Marubang Village and Kelambu Beach.

"Visitors can also go honey collecting in Gombizau Honey Bee Farm, learn about gongs at the Sumangkap Gong-making village and visit the Rungus Longhouse in Kota Marudu," Ahmad said.

Further into the interiors, he said they could visit Murut Cultural Centre, check out an engraved rock in Kampung Bakuku, Ulu Tomani, Rundum Highland, have delicious satay in Sipitang along the way to Beaufort and cave exploration in Batu Punggul, Nabawan.

In Semporna, among the attractions are Twin Hill Park and Bukit Tengkorak (Skeleton Hill).