KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) welcomes many initiatives outlined in the Pemerkasa Plus with hopes that tourism players, in particular travel agents, stay afloat during this time of crisis.
Foremost is the push for the vaccination program to hasten re-opening of borders and the subsequent tourism revival and all its related economic sub sectors.
“We have written to the Minister coordinating the Vaccination Program to fast track the roll out for workers in the tourism industry…
“This move is critical if we are to reinforce the nation’s reputation as one of the foremost tourism destinations in South East Asia.
“As can be seen by several other countries, the success of their vaccination programs have resulted in these countries being able to open their borders to international travel,” said MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang.
A survey on 3,000 MATTA member companies alone indicated ownership of more than 9,000 vehicles classified as ‘Bas Persiaran’.
“We are thankful that the government has taken the bold decision to intervene on behalf of bus owners as the previous moratoriums did not apply to leasing companies…
“Many of these buses were purchased from credit and leasing companies and the debt is impossible to service given these trying times with the potential of crippling the tourism ecosystem if not dealt with swiftly and decisively,
“To put it into context, a 40-seater tour bus can cost anywhere between RM490,000 to RM 580,000,” he added.
Tan said the extension of the moratorium and Wage Subsidy Program should be extended till 31 Dec 2021.
“This extension should also apply to the contribution of to the Human Resources Development Fund…
“The exemption of late payment and renewal of license to the Companies Commission and deferment of penalty for payment of outstanding tax payment to the Inland Revenue Board is another practical move that will help companies during this period.”
“We would like to appeal to the government to approve further assistance to travel agencies with a grant of RM 10,000 each to help them to cover fixed costs and overhead costs…
“Travel agencies in particular have been one of the hardest hit businesses many of which are trying desperately to stay afloat by turning to alternative businesses which does little to improve the situation for the company and its more than 47,000 direct employees.”
“Finally we applaud the announcement that all Ministers and Deputy Ministers are not taking their salary for 3 months and that this money be channeled towards the COVID-19 fight. This is indeed a positive contribution, a ‘walk-the-talk’ commitment by the Cabinet,” Tan concluded.
