Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) reiterated its call to the Government for targetted fuel subsidies, including submitting proposals to that effect.
In March this year, the Association urged the Government to consider introducing temporary fuel subsidies specifically for tourism transport operators following the recent increase in fuel prices, which is expected to significantly impact the tourism sector.
“Tourism transport operators across Malaysia are a vital part of our tourism value chain as they play a crucial role in supporting both inbound and domestic tourism.
“Ensuring the sustainability of tourism transport services is critical as Malaysia prepares to welcome more international and domestic visitors in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026.
“Timely support for this sector will help preserve service quality, maintain industry stability, and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness as a preferred tourism destination.
“However, we have yet to receive an official reply to our requests to-date,” its President Nigel Wong said Sunday.
He was responding to queries from tour operators in Sabah whether help was forthcoming from the government.
According to Wong, Matta had received reports from members particularly from the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the difficulties of getting enough fuel to run boats and equipment such as generator sets.
“Quotas, reported as low as only 100 litres a day per company, have been introduced making it extremely difficult for tour operators to buy sufficient enough fuel to service customers.
“In addition, many gas pumps that are authorised to sell petrol in this manner have restricted the purchasing of fuel by licensed operators to even lower quantities due to the negative impressions that have been ‘fueled’ by private individuals attempting to hoard fuel in recent weeks,” Wong pointed out.
The President warned that these restrictions, if allowed to continue without proper revision, have the potential to adversely affect employment in the tourism industry, especially in the coming few months where fuel supply is expected to be severely impacted.
Wong urged the government to address these issues decisively to ensure that proper processes are put in place, and communicated very clearly in order for business owners to continue operating effectively.
He assured that Matta remains committed to working closely with the government and industry stakeholders to ensure the continued resilience and growth of Malaysia’s tourism industry.
