PETALING JAYA: A two-tier payment system for foreign and local tourists should be implemented to promote a more inclusive and sustainable environment for locals travelling domestically, says Datuk T. Murugiah.
The MIC vice-president said that it was not fair for local tourists to be charged the same as foreign tourists.
“It is not fair for local citizens to be charged the same rates as foreign tourists, especially in sectors such as hotel accommodation, food and beverage, tourist attractions and domestic flight tickets.
“The government should take a more people-friendly approach by ensuring a clear price difference between locals and foreigners, a practice that has long been implemented in several other countries.
“Statistics also show that many domestic tourist destinations are currently experiencing a decline in local visitor numbers, causing the country’s tourism industry to face slow growth and reduced revenue,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He added that domestic travel costs are now higher than in neighbouring countries, such as Thailand and Indonesia.
He also said that those countries offer more affordable travel packages for their citizens.
“It is also important to recognise that comparing local tourists with foreign visitors from countries such as the United States, Europe or Singapore is not fair, as their currencies are much stronger than the Malaysian ringgit. An affordable price for a tourist from the United States may seem reasonable, but it could be very expensive for ordinary Malaysians.
“A fair and balanced pricing policy will ensure that local tourists are not burdened, while still keeping Malaysia attractive and competitive for international visitors,” he said.
