KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) is hoping other states will follow the footsteps of Sabah and provide financial relief to small and medium enterprise (SME) travel companies.
Its president Datuk Tan Kok Liang, in a statement, said the cash incentive would serve as a morale booster for travel and tour operators to remain resilient in this crucial situation and to reactivate their companies.
He said the Sabah government's intervention to aid financially distressed travel companies in the state was timely especially during this festive season.
"Other states should emulate the Sabah government, realising that tourism SMEs are an integral part of the tourism ecosystem.
"These SMEs have done promotions for the state in the last 30 years and provided jobs for workers which include tour guides and drivers.
"Sadly, the federal and most state governments have overlooked the plight of SME tour companies," he said.
Yesterday, Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Arifin announced that the state government had allocated over RM2 million financial aid to be distributed among 503 licensed travel and tour companies in Sabah.
These companies are registered under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, with each receiving a RM4,000 one-off assistance starting next week.
In commending the state government and Jafry, Tan noted Matta Sabah Chapter had submitted the initial proposal for cash incentives.
"The one-off cash incentive is an acknowledgment that travel and tour operators play an important role in both domestic and international promotions together with the state government.
"Matta is also thankful for the grant of RM30,000 to the Matta Sabah Chapter including RM10,000 for training programmes," he said.
Meanwhile, Tan hoped the state government would review the requirement of a Covid-19 test three days prior to the arrival or departure of travellers in order for Sabah to revive the leisure market segment.