Tourism tax to be collected in Keningau from July 1

Keningau: Tourism tax will be collected from hotels and resorts here from July onwards, District Officer Yusop Osman said.

He explained that the tax would be used to lift the quality of tourism products in the country, including Sabah.

“The tax will be collected effective starting July 1,” he said.

Parliament passed the Tourism Tax Bill with a big majority early last month after it was tabled by Tourism and Culture Minister Dato Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

The Bill will allow the government to impose tourism tax levied on every tourist staying at any accommodation premise made available by an operator at the rate fixed by the minister in accordance with the law.

With the passing of the Bill, it shall be the duty of a tourist to pay the tourism tax to the operator of the accommodation premises.

On a related matter, Yusop called on all tourism industry players in the district to make all necessary preparation for the Visit Keningau Year 2018.

He said the people are excitedly looking forward to receiving local and foreign tourists who will find many options in terms of places to visit and things to do during their stay.

Meanwhile, Yusop advised parents to be extra watchful of their children during heavy downpours.

“I urge those who are living near rivers of low laying areas to look after their children so that they won’t go play near the river banks or go fishing,” he said.

Several areas in the district again experienced flash floods few days ago after heavy rain fell for hours for four consecutive days.

In relation to this, he also advised village leaders to quickly report to the authorities in the event of a landslide. He said hundreds of people from various areas were affected in the latest episode. – Uhim Wong

Source: Daily Express