THE STATE government is considering imposing a new tax on tourists visiting Selangor as a long-term solution to strengthen the growth and sustainability of the state's tourism industry.
Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Ng Suee Lim said this would generate additional revenue for the tourism sector.
"However, this is still under discussion among the state executive committee members to iron out the details," he told reporters when met at the Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor during the Selangor State Assembly in Shah Alam on Monday (Nov 18).
Ng said the tax would likely be imposed on accommodation operators such as hotels to garner additional revenue.
"This revenue would bolster various campaigns done by Tourism Selangor to promote state tourism and upgrade existing facilities for visitors to enjoy.
"Similar taxes were implemented in other states like Perak and Pahang, and the tax imposed here will not be burdensome to tourists—maybe a few ringgit, depending on their accommodation.
"It will be a win-win situation where the state can intensify tourism promotion and continue to upgrade existing facilities in the state," he said, adding that the plan is still being discussed.
Meanwhile, Ng said imposing taxes on homestay operators would be difficult.
"Therefore, we encourage the homestay operators to apply for a permit with Tourism Malaysia as many are operating without a permit," he said.
