From the initial announcement, to bringing it forward one month earlier, to the many uncertainties surrounding the actual implementation, we’re practically left in a state of confusion.
But now the Ministry of Tourism and Culture has just announced some good news, for Malaysians at least.
In a news report by The Star, local tourists will no longer have to pay the tourism tax, which is expected to be implemented from 1 August onwards, at all!
Prior to this, the ministry had originally planned the tax exemption for Malaysians only at hotels with three stars and below.
However, foreign tourists will reportedly be charged a flat rate of RM10 per night, per room across all types of hotels and accommodation.
Guests were initially expected to be charged between RM2.50 and RM20 for overnight stays depending on the hotel classification.
Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said it is now up to the Prime Minister to decide when the tax would be officially implemented.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that there won’t be any more surprises after this!