Kimberley Ambrose
Be prepared to spend a little more for your next vacation to Malaysia.
Beginning 1 July 2017, a new tourism tax will be imposed on accommodations. It was previously announced on the Royal Malaysian Customs Department’s website that the taxes would begin 1 August but the page has since been taken down. Tourism and culture minister Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz announced the change of date to reporters during a seminar.
The taxes will be passed on to guests, who can expect to pay up to RM20 per room each night, according to details revealed on the Royal Malaysian Customs Department Website.
Tourism Tax rates based on accommodation type:
- Five star: RM20/room each night
- Four star: RM10/room each night
- One, two and three star: RM5/room each night
- Non-rated accommodation premises: RM2.50 each night
With the tourism tax in place, Malaysia hopes that it can “enhance tourism experience for tourists”, through the cooperation between the government and the tourism industry.
Tax revenues can allow for tourism infrastructure and facility enhancements, and contribute to tourism campaigns and advertising activities for the country.
*This post was updated on 9 June 2017 following changes made by the Malaysian Government
