Budget 2023 – Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH)

BUDGET 2023 – MALAYSIAN ASSOCIATION OF HOTELS (MAH)

Firstly, MAH appreciates that during the tabling of the budget, the government acknowledges that the tourism industry is one of the most affected economic sectors during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2020, the tourism industry employs over 3.46 million people. Whilst we have seen an uptick in tourist arrivals, as of July 2022, Malaysia recorded only 3.2 million tourist arrivals with tourism receipts of RM9.4 billion for the year 2022; a far cry from prepandemic numbers of 26 million tourist arrivals with tourism receipts of over RM86.1 billion for the year 2019.

For the year 2023, the government targets to attract 15 million tourists with tourism receipts of RM47.6 billion.

On this note, MAH strongly believes that the allocation of RM200 million in the budget to aid the recovery of the tourism industry is insufficient as it is less than 0.5% of the targeted tourism receipts of RM47.6 billion for 2023.

MAH also believes that more can be done to support the recovery of the hotel sector and hope the government would consider the following proposals:-

To extend the personal tax relief for domestic travel for 2023.
To provide discount in assessment rate and quit rent for 2023.
To re-introduce wage subsidy program for 2023.
To provide discount for utilities such as electricity and water.
To regulate the home-sharing industry such as Airbnb so as to provide a level playing field for all industry players.

Finally, at MAH, we laud the effort of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for its active engagement with all stakeholders to ensure the recovery and success of the tourism industry in Malaysia.

Christina Toh

President

Malaysian Association of Hotels.

-END-

About the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH)

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) is the umbrella body for hotels in Malaysia formed in 1974 and initially established by a group of concerned and dedicated hoteliers to bring about a more dynamic hospitality industry aimed at building a workforce of highly skilled, innovative and disciplined individuals. Its long-term goal was to enhance the efficiency of the hospitality industry, thus, bringing about a more dynamic Malaysian hospitality industry. MAH, as the official national network for the hotel industry, represents more than 900 hotels throughout Malaysia supplying a total of 155,287 rooms which is about 65% of the total number of hotel rooms available as guest accommodation in this country. With 13 chapters across the nation, MAH acts as a voice of the industry, working as one body to promote, protect, represent and advance the interests of its members.

About MAHTEC

MAHTEC Sdn Bhd commenced its fiscal year in 1998 to profile MAH as a human resource development provider and to upgrade the skills and knowledge of staff-in-service in the industry. MAHTEC is the training arm of the Association specializing in developing quality human resources in the hospitality industry. Highly specialized in the areas of Hospitality Skills Training and Managerial Development Training, all programs are facilitated by experienced and qualified Trainers through workshops and practical session.