Hidden gem: The Pinnacles of Kampar, a pinnacle rock formation, draws local and foreign tourists alike. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
IPOH: With the clock ticking on the school holidays and a RM1,000 personal income tax relief for domestic tourism up for grabs, families are making the most of their final getaway before the new school term begins next week.
For policeman Muhamad Salahuddin Ismail, 42, from Kedah, the incentive helped seal the decision to bring his two children, aged six and 12, to Ipoh for a three-day, two-night break.
The family plans to explore the city on foot, taking in Ipoh’s well- preserved colonial buildings and the stories behind them. Museum-hopping is also on the itinerary.
“The tax relief is definitely a great move. Being able to claim back some of what we spend helps offset our travel costs,” he said.
More importantly, he added, the trip gives his children a chance to learn about the history and beauty of other states.
“I wanted to bring them here before school starts next week so we can spend quality time together before everyone gets busy again,” said Muhamad Salahuddin.
The special RM1,000 tax relief was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2026 last October to encourage domestic travel in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.
The new school session begins on Jan 11 for Group A states and Jan 12 for Group B states.
Civil servant Marzuki Mohd Hussein, 40, from Kuala Kangsar, also took advantage of the holidays by travelling with his four children, aged between six and 14, to Bertam in Kepala Batas, Penang.
“For a family of six, holiday costs can add up quickly. This tax relief really helps,” he said, adding that his total spending came to between RM2,000 and RM3,000, including a visit to a theme park.
Being able to claim part of those expenses, he said, would encourage more Malaysians to explore destinations closer to home while giving a boost to the domestic tourism sector.
He also hoped greater awareness of the relief would reach families travelling during the holidays and just before the school term resumes.
Administrator Wendy Chai, in her 30s, echoed similar sentiments after visiting the Lost World of Tambun with her family earlier this year.
“The entry fee wasn’t cheap. Tickets for two adults and two children cost about RM400, but we really enjoyed ourselves,” she said.
Chai is already planning ahead, with visits to Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur and Sunway Lagoon in Subang Jaya lined up for the next school holidays to fully utilise the tax relief.
“I hope this incentive continues even after the Visit Malaysia campaign. I am sure it will benefit the tourism industry and the economy,” she said.
