KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya should not wait until 2026 to rejuvenate the local tourism sector, says Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
Instead, Hamzah said Putrajaya should capitalise on the recovery trend in tourism sectors across the world and capitalise from the weak ringgit to breathe new life into the country's industry.
"Therefore, Perikatan Nasional proposes for expenditures pertaining to Visit Malaysia Year (2026) to be expedited to promote and strengthen existing infrastructure and facilities," he said when debating Budget 2024 in Parliament on Monday (Oct 16).
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"Immediate steps to propel the tourism sector will indirectly strengthen the value of the ringgit which is trending at more than RM4.70 (against the US dollar)," he added.
At the same time, Hamzah said that aside from increasing tourist arrivals, Putrajaya should focus on high-value tourism.
"As an example, the luxury cruise holiday in Langkawi, nature tourism like the Danum Valley in Sabah, and the Niah Caves National Park in Sarawak.
"These opportunities should not be wasted and several improvements, including visas, should be looked into again so that Malaysia can propel the tourism sector to greater heights," he added.
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During the tabling of Budget 2024 on Friday (Oct 13), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the next Visit Malaysia Year has been set for 2026.
Anwar also said the government targeted 26.1 million foreign tourist arrivals in that year, with domestic spending of RM97.6mil.
Earlier, Hamzah also criticised Budget 2024, saying that only RM90bil out of the total RM393.8bil was allocated for development expenditure.
"(This) is only 23% and... is nearly the same (percentage) for development expenditure in Budget 2023," he said.
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It seemed as though the unity government was more interested to aim for a lower fiscal deficit rate, as opposed to drafting a Budget that would assist Malaysians and stimulate economic growth, he said.
"What is the point in being proud of reduced rates of fiscal deficit, inflation and unemployment, (when) the reality is very much different on the ground?" he asked.
Hamzah said Budget 2024 should be drafted with a debt management strategy in mind, instead of pursuing macro fiscal deficit figures.
"It is important to create a good mood among the people, that they have enough money to spend.
"This can improve the domestic market and stimulate the economy," said Hamzah.
Policy stage debates on Budget 2024 would take place for two weeks from Oct 16 to 26, followed by a week of ministerial replies from Oct 30 to Nov 2.
Committee stage debates on Budget 2024 will commence on Nov 6 for three weeks until Nov 27.
The ongoing Parliament session will take place till Nov 30.
