Press statement by MCA Vice President Datuk Tan Teik Cheng

Tourism sector lifeline of Malaysia’s economy, more govt aid will spur revival

Tourism is one of Malaysia’s top 5 economic generators, which was evident in 2018 when the industry contributed RM84.1 billion to the economy. According to research, the tourism-related services (wholesale, retail trade, accommodation, food and beverages, transport and storage as well as information and communication) made up 27.8% of Malaysia’s total GDP.

However, as Malaysia combats the invisible Covid-19 threat this year, the tourism sector has effectively come to a halt, and its aftermath effect is expected to linger for 4 years.

Nevertheless, not all hope is lost. The tourism sector remains one that is filled with potential through its capacity to create job opportunities and act as a catalyst to the economic cycle. Therefore, I find it reassuring that the Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has pledged to support the tourism scene by reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and hassle so that the industry can get back on its feet after the long hiatus.

The tourism sector needs all the help it can get from the government to recover; thus, more assistance and incentives could be drafted so that industry players are not alone in the struggle to get their businesses back up and running.

Since the Perikatan Nasional government assumed office, it has dutifully implemented various measures to stabilise the nation’s finances amidst the threat of Covid-19, in which tourism plays a vital role in the economy. However, on the other side of the divide, we see politicians still crying and whining about who gets to become the Prime Minister. How does the rakyat feel to witness their circus-like antics?

The original plan of Visit Malaysia 2020 (VMY 2020) had expected to attract 30 million foreign tourists and an income of RM100 billion, but it all, unfortunately, could not be launched in view of the Covid-19 outbreak. However, with the government’s vow to revive the industry, I am confident that it will be restored to its former glory, and even greater heights in the horizon.

Datuk Tan Teik Cheng

MCA Vice President

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