Tag: BUDI Diesel subsidy programme

Matta Urges Government to Include Licensed Tourism Transport Operators in BUDI Diesel Scheme

PETALING JAYA, July 8 — The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) has urged the government to reconsider the exclusion of licensed tourism transport operators from the BUDI Diesel subsidy programme, calling for a targeted assistance scheme to support the tourism industry. Matta president Nigel Wong said including licensed tourism transport operators in the initiative would help protect local businesses, safeguard jobs and strengthen Malaysia’s tourism sector. He called on the Finance Ministry to engage with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and industry stakeholders to develop a regulated subsidy mechanism specifically for licensed tourism operators. Wong rejected the argument that diesel subsidies for tourism transport would mainly benefit foreign visitors, stressing that tourism vehicles serve both domestic and international travellers. “Licensed tourism transport operators provide services not only for inbound tourists but also for Malaysian holidaymakers, school groups, corporate events, incentive travel, religious pilgrimages, educational tours and community programmes,” he said in a statement. He warned that excluding the sector from the subsidy programme could increase operating costs, leading to higher fares and more expensive tour packages. Wong said rising costs could also push consumers towards unlicensed transport providers, potentially affecting safety standards and the sustainability of the tourism industry. He added that the move could impact domestic tourism growth and Malaysia’s competitiveness ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, where the country is targeting stronger visitor arrivals and tourism spending. “Higher tourism activity creates a multiplier effect across the economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, attractions, retailers, transport operators and local communities,” he said. Earlier, Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan said the government’s diesel subsidy scheme would not be extended to the tourism sector as the industry was not among those eligible for subsidies funded through domestic revenue. He said the government’s focus for the tourism sector remained on improving infrastructure and strengthening facilities to attract more visitors. Matta maintained that a targeted diesel assistance programme for licensed tourism transport operators would help ensure the sector remains competitive while supporting Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem.  -- MINUTESMY 

PETALING JAYA, July 8 — The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) has urged the government to reconsider the exclusion of licensed tourism transport operators from the BUDI Diesel subsidy programme, calling for a targeted assistance scheme to support the tourism industry. Matta president Nigel Wong said including licensed tourism transport operators in […]