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Malaysia Tourism Tax (TTX) 2023: What You Need to Know

In line with the announcement made by the Malaysian government regarding the Tourism Tax , I will talk about a series of questions that are commonly asked by hotel owners or operators, thus helping all of you to find the answers that are related to it. 

1. What is a Tourism Tax?

Tourism Tax (TTx) is referred to as a tax charged for all foreign passport holders at accommodations premises collected by the operators effective from 1st September 2017 in Malaysia. It is charged at a fixed rate of RM10.00 per room per night.  However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, The Malaysian Government has announced the exemption of the Tourism Tax for all foreign passport holders for hotel stays between 1st March 2020 and 31st December 2021 then further extends to 31st December 2022.  Now, the Malaysian government has announced that the Tourism Tax will resume back starting from 1st January 2023. 

2. How is the RM10 per room per night applied?

Assuming one room is booked for one night by John (who is a Filipino), the TTx charged to John will be RM10.00 x 1 room x 1 night = RM10.00  In the 2nd Scenario, assuming two rooms were booked by Dianne (who is an Indonesian) for three nights, so the TTx charged to Dianne will be RM10.00 x 2  rooms x 3 nights = RM60.00 

3. How is this new to the travel industry starting January 2023?

Since September 2017, a guest who is a foreigner is subject to paying Tourism Tax when staying at any “accommodation premises” in Malaysia; this tax is collected by the operator at the accommodation premises upon check-in, regardless if the booking was made online or walk-in. However, starting from 1st January 2023. For any bookings made through digital platforms that provide reservation services such as booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia, the platform is the one to collect the Tourism Tax directly from the foreign guests when the guest made the booking and payment online through the platform. The digital platform provider shall remit the tax collected to the RMCD. Whereas, for booking that was made online through the platform but payment only upon arrival at the accommodation premises, the TTx shall be collected by the accommodation operator upon guest arrival. The responsibility of remitting the tax collected for this booking shall be by the accommodation operator instead.

We have just received the update that currently, only AGODA will collect the TTx directly from the guest together with the room charges if they made the payment online. Whereas, for other OTAs like Expedia, Booking.com & Traveloka, the TTx will be collected upon check-in by the property operator, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. 

4. What if the booking has been made before 1st January 2023 for the check-in date after on or 1st January 2023? 

If a foreign traveller has made a booking on a digital platform before 1st  January 2023, for check-in on or after 1st of January 2023, the Tourism Tax must be collected by the accommodation operator upon guest arrival and the accommodation operator is required to remit the tax to the RMCD.

5. What if my property did not register for TTx? 

We advise you to further consult with your business advisor or check with RMCD if you have not registered as a Tourism Tax registrant. Generally, if you are operating accommodation premises of 5 rooms or more, you are liable to be registered.  You may also check this website https://www.myttx.customs.gov.my/ to further understand the registration. 

6. If a Malaysian with his foreign friend both check into the same room and the booking was made and paid by the Malaysian, is TTx chargeable? 

In this case, it is not subject to Tourism Tax because a local stayed and paid for the stay. However, the Tourism Tax is chargeable in the event that the foreigner stays and pays for the stay.

7. If the reservation has been made with full payment together with the TTx for the booking made via OTAs, then the guest request for the cancellation on a non-refundable policy, will the TTx will be refunded?

Unfortunately, we are unsure of this. Do let us know in the comment section if you have more information regarding this. What I can say is, you may refer to the T&C directly from the OTAs. 

8. Will TTx subject to SST too? 

No. The operator is not allowed to charge SST on the Tourism Tax. 

9.  Is day use chargeable to TTx?

No, if the day use charge is not equal to the room rate per night.

10. Is a Digital Platform provider compulsory to collect private data such as passport no. or ID no. to ensure nationality?

Yes. The Digital Platform provider should make an appropriate adjustment in its system to capture the information that is to identify the citizenship of the tourists.

11. John makes an accommodation booking online and provides inaccurate information which resulted in TTx not being collec ted. Who wi ll be responsible? 

If due diligence has been done to obtain the information required from the tourists, the Digital Platform provider will not be responsible for any inaccurate information provided by the tourist, which may result in the under-collection of TTx. 

Check out this video where we answer a frequently asked question regarding the Tourism Tax

That’s all 11 common questions that we heard so far regarding the Malaysia Tourism Tax. Please share this article if you find it useful and drop any questions in the comment sections if you think there are more questions that should be answered. 

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tax free tourist malaysia

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Malaysian Tourism Tax FAQs

Home > Partner Help > Your reservations > Malaysian Tourism Tax FAQs

Last updated: 8 months ago | 8 min read time

Malaysian Tourism Tax FAQs (CN)/简体中文

Malaysian Tourism Tax FAQs (HK)/中文 (香港)

Malaysian Tourism Tax FAQs (TW)/繁體中文

Malaysian Tourism Tax FAQs Japanese/日本語

Malaysian Tourism Tax FAQs Korean /한국어(대한민국)

Malaysian Tourism Tax FAQs Thai/ไทย

Malaysian Tourism Tax FAQs (MY)/Malay

This article will explain the Malaysian Tourism Tax and answer FAQs.

  • Effective 1st Jan 2023 – 31 Dec 2025, Digital Platform Service Providers (DPSPs or Platform) are liable to collect and charge TTx from any tourists for reservations that are i) made through the DPSP’s platform and ii) where payment is made to a DPSP (such as Agoda) and remit such TTx to the Malaysian Customs Department. If payment of TTx has been made to the platform, then the accommodation premises should not collect the TTx again, provided proof of payment of TTx can be furnished; otherwise the accommodation premises shall collect TTx. For bookings where payment is made to accommodation premises in Malaysia directly (pay at property), it is the accommodation premise’s obligation as a registered operator to collect and remit TTx to Malaysian Customs Department.
  • Starting on 1 Jan 2026, the government may choose to alter or continue with these rules.
  • For more information, please visit myttx.customs.gov.my .
  • a) Malaysian nationals (holders of a MyKad card)
  • b) Permanent residents of Malaysia (holders of a MyPR card).
  • If the property is listed and booked as one unit, then the Tourism Tax of RM10/room/night will be imposed to the unit only, so for 1 night, the applicable TTx = RM 10.
  • If the property is listed on platform as three separate units (one bedroom per listing), then TTx shall be imposed on each of the rooms. So, if three rooms are booked for 1 night, the TTx would be RM 10/room/night x 3= RM 30.
  • Q: Will this affect existing bookings, especially for Pay at Hotel existing bookings? A: Guests who are tourists have been subject to pay TTx since September 2017 when staying at any accommodation premises in Malaysia; this is normally collected by the operator i.e. accommodation premises operator. However, starting from 1 Jan 2023 and continuing until 31 Dec 2025, bookings made through platforms providing reservation services such as Agoda are liable to collect and charge TTx for any bookings made on the platform in which the platform collects the payment from bookers. If a traveler has made a booking on Agoda before 1 Jan 2023, and where TTx is applicable, the TTx must be collected by the property and remitted to the RMCD. For bookings of Malaysian properties made on Agoda on and after 1 Jan 2023 and continuing until 31 Dec 2025, Agoda as the platform is required to collect TTx if the payment for the booking is collected by Agoda. Agoda will endeavor to collect TTx on most bookings and issue a document as proof of TTx payment to the booker. However, for Pay Property bookings, TTx needs to be collected by the property from the booked guest at check-in.
  • If the payment model “Pay to Agoda”, “Merchant Commission” and TTx applies – TTx is INCLUDED in the price and is collected by Agoda.
  • If the payment model is “Pay to Agoda”, “Merchant Commission” and TTx doesn’t apply — TTx is NOT collected.
  • If the payment model is “Pay at Hotel” and TTx applies — Malaysia Tourism Tax is INCLUDED in the price and collected by the property.
  • If the payment model is “Pay at Hotel” and TTx doesn’t apply — Malaysia Tourism Tax is NOT collected.
  • Q: How do I verify that TTx has been collected by Agoda? A: Agoda will issue to bookers proof of TTx collection (if collected by Agoda), unless TTx needs to be collected by the property as explained above.
  • Q: My property did not register for Tourism Tax, does this apply to me? A: To determine whether you should be registered for TTx or not, please consult your business advisor or seek RMCD’s further guidance. The exemption from TTx for certain property types (Item 3, Tourism Tax Exemption Order 2017) e.g. homestay/kampungstay operator, operator with 4 accommodation rooms or less, does not apply when the reservation is made through a DPSP’s platform. Even if you are exempt from TTx, TTx would still be applicable when a booking of your property is made on Agoda by a qualified tourist.
  • Q: If a tourist books accommodation through Agoda then subsequently extends their stay directly with the accommodation premise operator, who is liable to collect the TTx for the additional stay period? A: For tourists who book accommodation through a platform and extend their stay, the accommodation premise operator will collect any TTx for the additional stay. Platforms such as Agoda should not be liable to collect the TTx for the additional stay period, unless the additional stay period is booked using the online platform. Source: GUIDE ON TOURISM TAX (DIGITAL PLATFORM SERVICE PROVIDER) as of 13 Aug 2021.
  • Q: If I have other questions on the Malaysian Tourism Tax, who should I contact? A: Please contact our Accommodation Service Team via the Need Help? button in YCS.
  • Q: In case of a dispute by a customer, what should I do and who should I contact? A: Please contact our Accommodation Service Team via the Need Help? button in YCS.
  • Q: Upon check in, I found that the guest is a foreign tourist, but the booking was made by a local. In this case, what should I do? Should I collect the tax and remit to RMCD? A: Yes. You should collect the applicable TTx in such case and remit to RMCD.
  • Q: Is the guest still entitled to a TTx refund if the booking is non-refundable, but it is a no-show? A: TTx will in all cases be refunded to the booker if the stay at the premise does not take place. For more specific cases see below:
  • If a full refund is triggered (cancellation on refundable booking) => Agoda refunds the entire amount. TTx will be refunded in full.
  • If a booking is cancelled with 100% charge (cancellation on non-refundable booking) => Agoda keeps the original amount not related to TTx. Payment to the property should not be affected. However, TTx should be refunded to the booker.
  • If a booking is cancelled with partial charges=> TTx will be refunded to the booker.
  • If the booking is amended => Applicable tourism tax will be recalculated based on the new room nights of the amended booking. The amendment voucher should indicate the new value of tourism tax that has been paid.

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Is Malaysia’s Tourism Tax Good Policy?

Chad Merchant

The tourism tax, which was first introduced in 2017, is currently levied on a flat, RM10-per-night basis for all foreign visitors to Malaysia – and also on some people who aren’t visiting at all!

They say the only sure things in life are death and taxes, and a general disdain for taxation is quite possibly one of the few things nearly all people agree on. But I also think that many, if not most, of us understand why taxes exist. And we accept the imposition of taxes more easily when we see good things arising from their collection.

But it’s a funny old business for sure. I remember many years ago – 1993 to be exact – when my home city of Denver, Colorado was awarded one of two major league baseball expansion teams. For the first two years, the team played in the city’s football stadium since the seasons for the two sports don’t really overlap. The fields for baseball and American football are, of course, completely different, so a lot of adjustments had to be made. Calls quickly began mounting for a dedicated baseball stadium, so accordingly, for the six-county area surrounding Denver, a tiny sales tax increase was proposed to fund the stadium’s costly construction. It was only 0.1% – just 1¢ for every $10 spent, the pitch proclaimed – and voters passed it. A genuinely beautiful new $300 million baseball stadium was built in downtown Denver, just over half funded by that tax, and in April 1995, Coors Field opened with its first game. Now, nearly three decades later, the stadium still stands.

tax free tourist malaysia

Curiously enough, however, that 0.1% tax increase – ostensibly imposed to fund the construction of Coors Field – also still stands (albeit under a fresh new name). As many governments have discovered, once that magical tap of delicious tax revenue is turned on, it’s really hard to muster up the political will to turn it off.

TAXING THE TOURISTS

The one tax that I would very much like to see shelved here in Malaysia – or at least reviewed and modified – is the loathsome ‘tourism tax.’ Although many municipalities impose such taxes in some form or another, the way in which Malaysia levies it on a nationwide basis could probably use some tweaking.

No matter where you go in the country, no matter the room rate of the lodging in which you stay, a flat RM10 per room, per night tourism tax is levied, and innkeepers are required to collect this charge in full and typically upfront (though not always), separate from the bill paid at check-out. It is loudly and clearly announced, too, often noted on a prominent placard at the front desk: this is a tourism tax. Only Malaysian citizens and permanent residents are exempted. (More on this later.)

tax free tourist malaysia

Does this not seem a bit unwelcoming and unfriendly, as though tourists are almost being openly penalized for choosing to come to Malaysia and spend their money? Officials have said that “most of the money” collected from this tourism tax, which is a significant haul, is used to further promote the country to other tourists, which just seems… odd. A tourist comes to visit and explore Malaysia and spend their money here, and they are taxed specifically so that more tourists can be enticed to come, and then also get taxed for visiting? To my mind, a country should pay, from its own general budget, for promoting itself overseas, not the tourists who have already chosen to visit.

Think of it in a different way. You go to a restaurant, but before you are taken to your table, a RM5 per dish charge is demanded and collected. It doesn’t matter if your selection costs RM150 or RM20. The same fee applies – RM5 per dish. “What is this for?” you ask. “Well,” they explain, pointing to the sign, “it’s our dining tax. We collect this cash from you, then use it to advertise our restaurant so we can get other diners to come. When they do, we’ll collect the same fee from them, then use that to buy even more advertising.”

Would this not elicit outrage? And wouldn’t most diners simply decide to eat elsewhere next time? I feel this is a pretty fair analogy for Malaysia’s tourism tax.

Does it bring in a lot of money? It surely does – early estimates of over RM100 million per 10% in occupancy rate were floated (e.g., about RM654 million for average nationwide occupancy rate of 60%). But is it good policy? That remains an open question.

Surely there must be a better way. Perhaps a blanket ‘occupancy tax’ that is levied universally , and on a modest percentage basis. Even on its face, this seems more equitable, because while paying an extra RM10 per night at a hotel whose rates start at RM900 might not seem like a big bite, how does that translate to paying the same extra RM10 a night for a room that’s RM80 a night? One guest is paying about 1.1% in tourism tax, while the other is paying 12.5%. Additionally, the tax penalty grows if a tourist stays longer in Malaysia, presumably spending more money and adding to the economy all the while. Seven nights? Well, that’ll be RM70 extra, please.

Tourism industry players ramped up calls in 2018 to abolish the tax , which they said was too “in your face” and counterproductive to the goal of stimulating tourist spending. Agencies and tourism groups decried the charge en masses , saying it was an “ unnecessary burden ” on both tourists and on accommodation operators. Despite months of pleading, however, the government pointedly said it had no intention of removing the controversial tax .

After all, the lucrative tap had been turned on, and just as in Colorado, officials found it much too tantalising to turn off.

BUT IT’S NOT JUST FOR TOURISTS

Possibly the most frustrating thing about this so-called tourism tax is that it is cheerfully imposed on working expats and resident MM2Hers, too – people who are in no way tourists in Malaysia. I’ve lived here for 15 years. I work here, I pay taxes here, I spend money here literally every day, contributing to the country’s economy. And yet, if I travel anywhere within the country, and check in to a hotel, I am asked to pay a tourism tax.

Like several other expats with whom I’ve spoken about the issue, I flatly refuse to pay it, explaining that I am not a tourist, but rather a long-time resident. Of course, I realize it’s not the hotel’s doing, and I tell them that – they’re simply executing Ministry of Tourism policy.

But perhaps it’s time to revisit that policy, and either include residents with long-term visas on the exemption list, or rethink the tourism tax approach altogether. Experts more knowledgeable than I have decried tourism taxes as ‘ bad tax policy ,’ saying that it shifts the cost burden unfairly, creates negative effects on consumers and business owners, and hinders the effective promotion of a destination – exactly the opposite effect intended. One comprehensive study found that a 10% increase in tourism tax resulted in a 5.4% decrease in tourist demand.

tax free tourist malaysia

Moreover, many municipalities which do impose a tourism tax do so to help fund the infrastructure and attractions that tourists enjoy, preserve the environment, or encourage the development of sustainable tourism practices. Some even use the funds to pay for insurance policies to provide an umbrella of protection for visitors in the event of injury. And of course, in some instances – in this era of growing overtourism – some destinations impose taxes simply to disincentivize visits.

But not many places explicitly levy taxes on tourists for the purpose of funding the destination’s tourism marketing goals! And most places tend to impose these taxes a bit more discreetly or indirectly, working them subtly into international airline fares, occupancy taxes, or such.

TIME FOR A REVIEW?

Thailand, which in February 2023 approved a controversial and deeply unpopular 300-baht ‘tourism fee’ for visitors arriving by air (150 baht for land and sea arrivals), did not announce at the time exactly when it would be implemented. In mid-December 2023, they announced it would be postponed indefinitely, ‘until the industry recovers.’

Maybe a rethink of a policy that explicitly taxes tourists for choosing to come here is worth considering for Malaysia, too – and certainly a reversal of treating and taxing resident expats as tourists is in order.

Or maybe there’s just a better way to implement these taxes. If levied as a much lower, percentage-based occupancy tax across the board, it would not only be fairer, it could potentially even generate more revenue, as nobody would be exempt. And why should they be? After all, a Malaysian who lives in KL and visits Kuching is still very much a tourist. And if the funds are used to bolster and improve tourism facilities and keep places clean and sustainable, then locals derive every bit as much benefit from that as tourists – if not more!

Tourism is too important to Malaysia’s economy to implement flawed or unsustainable policy. The country has an abundance of incredible tourism assets and derives immense benefit from tourism, so it’s clear that adopting well-thought-out approaches to managing the resources and funding their upkeep will always be of critical importance.

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Tourist Tax Refund Counter at KLIA

undo   Facilities and Services at KLIA

Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (klia2) Info Site

GST Guidelines on Tourist Refund Scheme

Greetings! Are you looking for information on GST guidelines for Tourist Refund Scheme?

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a value added tax in Malaysia. GST is levied on most transactions in the production process, but is refunded with exception of Blocked Input Tax, to all parties in the chain of production other than the final consumer.

GST Refund Verification Center at klia2

The existing standard rate for GST effective from 1 April 2015 is 6.0%. However, the GST rate was reset to 0% effective from June 1, 2018.

Read more about GST zero rated from June 1 .

  • GST refund at KLIA / klia2 airport
  • Overview of Goods and Services Tax
  • Overview Of Tourist Refund Scheme
  • Conditions for fefund
  • Goods not eligible for GST refund
  • GST refund by a tourist at an approved outlet

1. Introduction

This Industry Guide is prepared to assist you in understanding the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the related Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). This guide will explain to you:

  • As a tourist visiting Malaysia, how to claim a refund of GST paid on eligible goods purchased from an Approved Outlet 
  • As a business, the conditions and eligibility requirements to become an Approved Outlet

2. Overview of Goods and Services Tax (GST)

GST is a multi-stage tax on domestic consumption. GST is charged on all taxable supplies of goods and services in Malaysia except those specifically exempted. GST is also charged on the importation of goods and services into Malaysia.

Payment of GST is made in stages by the intermediaries in the production and distribution process. Although the tax is paid throughout the production and distribution chain, it is ultimately passed on to the final consumer. Therefore, the tax itself is not a cost to the intermediaries and does not appear as an expense item in their financial statements.

In Malaysia, a person who is registered under the Goods and Services Tax Act 2014 is known as a GST registered person. A GST registered person is required to charge output tax on his taxable supply of goods and services made to his customers. He is allowed to claim input tax credit on any GST incurred on his purchases which are inputs to his business. Thus, this mechanism would avoid double taxation and only the value added at each stage is taxed.

3. Overview Of Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

Common features and the main key players under the TRS are:

  • TRS is a scheme that allows tourists to claim GST paid on eligible goods purchased in Malaysia. The tourist can then claim a GST refund from an Approved Refund Agent on the eligible goods purchased from an Approved Outlet when the tourist leaves Malaysia by air mode from one of the 8 international airports in the scope of the TRS.
  • Tourists classified under the TRS are foreign tourists who are eligible to claim GST refunds and who hold a valid international passport. 
  • An Approved Refund Agent is an agent appointed by the Malaysian Government through tender, who processes and refunds GST refund claims made by outbound tourists.
  • The Approved Refund Agent may charge an administrative fee for processing the GST refund. Any fee chargeable will be made known to the tourist when they purchase eligible goods from an Approved Outlet. The GST treatment on services of the Approved Refund Agent are zero rated because the services are considered as export services.
  • The Approved Refund Agent will then recover refunds made and fee charged to tourists under TRS from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD)
  • Approved Outlets are approved retailers who are GST registered person selling standard rated goods to foreign tourists
  • The Approved Outlets are retailers who are GST registered persons, approved by RMCD and selling standard rated eligible goods to foreign tourists.
  • All Approved Outlets are to display TRS logos / signage at their outlets. These logos / signage will be provided by the Approved Refund Agent. When in doubt, the tourist should check with Approved Outlet whether it is participating in the TRS or otherwise.

4. Conditions For Refund of GST Under Tourist Refund Scheme

A tourist shall be entitled to the refund of GST under the TRS if s/he satisfies the following conditions:

  • S/he is neither a citizen nor a permanent resident of Malaysia and holds a valid international passport. 
  • S/he is a foreign diplomat leaving the country after completion of service in Malaysia and is in possession of a document from the relevant diplomatic or consular mission stating that s/he is permanently leaving Malaysia.
  • S/he is not nor has been employed in Malaysia at any time in the 3 months preceding the date of purchase of the eligible goods.
  • S/he departs Malaysia by means of air transportation from one of the 8 international airports in the scope of the TRS.
  • S/he is not a member of the cabin or flight crew of the aircraft on which s/he is departing out of Malaysia
  • S/he must have purchased the eligible goods within 3 months prior to the date of departure.
  • S/he must spend at least three-hundred Malaysian Ringgit (MYR300) (GST inclusive) at the same Approved Outlet. Accumulation of purchases is allowed if purchases are made from the same Approved Outlet on different days.
  • S/he must take the eligible goods out of Malaysia to another country as accompanied (hand carried) or unaccompanied (checked-in) luggage.
  • If s/he is entering or staying in Malaysia on a student pass, your entitlement under the TRS is like any other foreign tourist.
  • S/he must be at least 18 years of age.

5. Goods Not Eligible for GST Refund under the Tourist Refund Scheme

You may claim refund on the GST charged and paid on goods purchased from an Approved Outlet, except for the following:

  • Wine, spirits, beer and malt liquor
  • Tobacco and tobacco products
  • Precious metal and gem stones
  • Goods wholly or partially consumed in Malaysia (except for clothing/tax invoices to be maintained)
  • Goods which are absolutely prohibited from export under the written law
  • Goods which are not taken out as accompanied (hand carried) or unaccompanied (checked-in) luggage

6. Manner/ Procedure for Claiming a GST Refund by a Tourist at an Approved Outlet

A tourist claiming a GST refund under the TRS must comply with the following requirements at the time of purchase of the eligible goods at the Approved Outlet:

  • Show the tourist’s own original valid international passport to the sales assistant/cashier at the Approved Outlet to prove eligibility for a GST refund under the TRS. 
  • Get an original tax invoice or receipt for the eligible goods purchased.
  • Tourist’s name
  • Tourist’s passport number
  • Tourist’s country of residence
  • Date of arrival in Malaysia
  • Intended date of departure from Malaysia
  • Date of purchase of the eligible goods
  • Tax invoice or receipt number for the eligible goods
  • Description and quantity of the eligible goods purchased
  • The total amount paid for the eligible goods, inclusive of GST, the total amount of GST refundable, the amount of the administrative/processing charge/fee and the net amount of GST refundable to the tourist.
  • in cash up to three-hundred Malaysian Ringgit (MYR300);
  • to a credit card account; or
  • through a bank cheque if neither of the previous refund options is feasible.
  • The tourist must keep the original copy of the tax invoice or receipt and the completed original refund form and produce these documents together with the purchased goods to an RMCD Customs Officer (GST Refund Verification Counter) at the airport prior to departure.
  • The Tourist can only receive a refund form from the Approved Outlet where the eligible goods have been bought. A refund form cannot be issued by RMCD at the airport.

7. Manner/ Procedure for Claiming GST Refund at a Malaysian International Airport

The tourist should be ready to present the tax invoice or receipt, the completed original refund form and the eligible goods for export to an RMCD Officer for verification at the GST Customs Refund Verification Counters prior to departure from Malaysia.

The GST Customs Refund Verification Counters are located landside (before check in for unaccompanied luggage) and airside (after immigration control for accompanied luggage) at each of the 8 international airports in scope of the TRS. The tourist should also provide the RMCD Officer with:

  • The Tourist’s original international passport; and
  • The Tourists Boarding pass or confirmed air ticket (as proof of departure) 
  • The goods purchases (if jewellery in sealed plastic bag)
  • The tax invoice

GST The Approved Refund Agent’s counters will be located either landside or airside, or both, at each airport. Where there is no Approved Refund Agent counter airside, a mailbox will be provided to allow the tourist to post their GST Refund Forms for processing by the Approved Refund Agent using stamped addressed envelopes provided by the Approved Outlet.

After the original refund form has been endorsed/verified by the RMCD Officer, the tourist shall not part with the goods or give them to another person, except to the counter staff for checking in.

The goods shall not be taken out of the International Airport Departure Hall after the original refund form has been endorsed by the RMCD Officer unless otherwise approved by RMCD.

The refund form that has been endorsed by the RMCD Officer shall be provided to the Approved Refund Agent either personally at the Approved Refund Agent’s counter or by post within two months from the date of RMCD endorsement. The endorsed refund form can also be put into a TRS mail box before departing. The TRS mail box shall be located airside close to the GST Customs Refund Verification Counter.

The refund must be made by the following mode of payment :

For flights departing from any terminal at a Malaysian International Airport, if the tourists are carrying: 

  • Accompanied luggage – tourists are required to present the goods and the original refund form(s) at the GST Refund Verification Counter located at the landside departure hall/lounge of all international airports in scope of the TRS. The GST Customs Refund Verification Counter for accompanied luggage shall be located airside after Immigration Control. Accompanied luggage should not weigh more than 7kg
  • Unaccompanied luggage – tourists are required to declare bulky items/goods such as DVD / CD players / television sets or goods the tourists have packed into their luggage together with relevant documents (invoice/receipt/refund form/international passport)/confirmed air ticket/boarding pass at the GST Customs Refund Verification Counter before checking in the goods at the airport. The GST refund transaction must be validated by RMCD before the goods are checked in as unaccompanied luggage. 
  • For flights departing from the Budget Terminal (LCCT), irrespective of whether the tourist is going to carry their goods on board the aircraft (accompanied goods) or check them in (unaccompanied goods), the tourist is required to present the goods together with relevant documents and confirmed air ticket to the RMCD Officer at the GST Customs Refund Inspection Counter located landside before check in at the LCCT Terminal (unaccompanied luggage) and in the Departure Hall for hand carried (accompanied) luggage.
  • Tourists who have hand carried luggage (accompanied) which do not meet the allowable airline size and weight limits are allowed to take the goods out and check in the goods as unaccompanied luggage.
  • Proceed to the Approved Refund Agent’s Counter to obtain the GST refund; or
  • Seal the validated original refund form in an envelope (given to the tourist at the Approved Outlet) and post it to the Approved Refund Agent to process the GST refund within 2 months of RMCD’s endorsement or drop the refund form in the mail box located near the GST Customs Verification Counter airside before departing from Malaysia by air mode. GST Refund Forms sent by ordinary post or dropped in the TRS mailbox must reach the Approved Refund Agent in time for processing before the limit of 2 months from RMCD’s endorsement has expired.

8. Conditions And Eligibility Of Approved Outlet Under Tourist Refund Scheme

In order to participate in the Tourist Refund Scheme in Malaysia, a Merchant must:-

  • Be registered for GST under section 20 GST Act 2014 and hold a valid GST registration number
  • Be approved by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to participate in the scheme
  • Be affiliated by the Approved Refund Agent
  • Be equipped by the Approved Refund Agent with the solution to issue TRS transactions to eligible tourists
  • Provide a GST Refund Form to eligible tourists who wish to claim refund of GST under Tourist Refund Scheme using the solutions provided by the Approved Refund Agent
  • Account for tax on a monthly period
  • Sell eligible goods
  • Not sell non-taxable goods/non tax refundable goods like liquor, cigarettes, tobaccos, tobacco products, gems stone and precious metal under the scheme
  • Charge GST at standard rate on taxable goods sold to foreign tourists
  • Issue tax invoices which indicate the cost of the goods as well as the amount of GST charged

9. Appointment of Approved Outlet

In order to be appointed as Approved Outlets the merchant will have to undergo the following procedure:

  • Merchant/Outlet- Register Outlet Details via Outlet Registration Portal
  • IGB (Iris Global Blue) Outlet Registration Portal/ IGB Sales Staff- Capture Outlet Details and send to GenTax Portal For Approval. If Outlet Approved will install and activate issuing solution at outlet.
  • GenTax Portal/Royal Malaysian Customs Department Officer (RMCD) –Review Outlet Details and approve or reject. Send approved/reject response to Outlet Registration Portal.

Further information regarding Outlet Registration and Approval process is available on this webpage: http://business.globalblue.com/my_en/

For registration of Outlets/Merchants to become Approved Outlet under Tourist Refund Scheme please use the following link: https://iris-globalblue.com/register-trs-outlet/

10. Mechanism For Jewellery/Article of Jewellery Under TRS

Jewellery merchants who become Approved Outlet under TRS will have to adopt the following mechanism:

  • Minimum purchase of jewellery (gold, platinum, silver) of RM300 (GST inclusive) is eligible to claim refund of GST under TRS
  • All Approved Outlets selling jewellery will be provided with custom approved security bag with serial number. Security bag to be provided by Federation of Goldsmiths And Jewellers Association of Malaysia (FGJAM)
  • Every purchase made by tourist will be sealed in security bag with serial number together with the tax invoice clearly showing weight, quantity, density, amount and serial number of the bag before tourist leave the Approved Outlet
  • Approved Outlet will charge GST to the tourist and tourist will later claim refund of GST under TRS from the Approved Refund Agent
  • Tourist departing from all Malaysian Airport (Second Schedule- Regulation 81 (GST Regulations 2014) will show the security bag to RMCD at the GST Refund Verification Counter. RMCD will inspect the bag and reserved the right to open the bag for weighing and confirming the density of the jewellery
  • RMCD weighs and check the density of jewellery (gold, platinum, silver) using a special kind of machinery for jewellery
  • After completion of weighing and confirming the density and verification by RMCD, tourist to proceed to Approved Refund Agent to claim refund of GST under TRS

For more information, please visit http://gst.customs.gov.my/ .

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KINIGUIDE | The planned introduction of Tourism Tax on top of the existing six percent goods and services tax (GST) has raised concerns from local industry players and stakeholders.

Tourism and Culture Minister Mohamed Nazri Aziz had from day one defended the move which was introduced with the passing of the Tourism Tax Bill 2017 in the last Parliament session.

In the process, he got into a war of words with a state minister who argued for the deferment of the tax in Sarawak and Sabah, arguing on grounds of the states’ autonomy.

Some parties also insisted that the new tax had caught stakeholders by surprise, prompting Nazri to promise extra incentives to cushion its effects.

Malaysiakini takes a closer look at the debates surrounding the issue.

What is the Tourism Tax?

In simple terms, the Tourism Tax is an additional charge imposed on customers for hotel rooms.

The addition is on top of the existing 10 percent service charge and six percent GST set on room rates.

The Royal Malaysian Customs had said that the Tourism Tax charge will be based on the rating of the accommodation - from five star to unrated.

How much more will a guest have to pay?

The Royal Malaysian Customs listed the taxation rate as follows:

1. Five star: RM20 per room per night 2. Four star: RM10 per room per night 3. One to three star: RM5 per room per night 4. One to three orchids: RM2.50 per room per night 5. Unrated: RM2.50 per room per night

Hold on. How did the 'orchids' come into the picture?

Aside from the internationally recognised star system for hotel rooms, the Tourism and Culture Ministry has also introduced the orchid rating as a classification system for budget accommodation premises which do not meet the requirements of the Star Classification Scheme.

What is the number of rooms we are looking at?

The latest data available from the MyTourismData portal of the Tourism Malaysia website stated that there are 4,799 hotels and 304,721 rooms in the country as of 2015.

The figure would be exponentially larger taking into account the mushrooming of Airbnb concept rooms and homestays.

Nazri had recently said that Airbnb premises with six rooms and more will be required to charge the Tourism Tax.

When is the tax supposed to be implemented?

In short, Aug 1. But there were some confusions on this matter.

In what appears to be the first announcement after the Tourism Tax Bill 2017 was passed, the Royal Customs Department in a circular dated June 6 had said the tax will come into effect on Aug 1.

A local Chinese-daily, however, reported on June 7 that the decision was retracted because the Tourism Tax Bill had supposedly yet to be signed by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V and hence hasn’t been gazetted.

Nazri later said this was not true.

Instead, he said obtaining the Agong’s signature to gazette a new law was only a formality and the government will stick to its original plan which was to start tax collection on July 1.

Since then, Nazri had on June 27 reportedly said that the launch of the Tourism Tax will be deferred to Aug 1, as the government was not yet ready to implement it.

Who will have to pay?

The initial announcement was that the Tourism Tax will be imposed on all guests at all hotel rooms.

Following the outcry, it was however announced that exemptions will be given to all Malaysians staying in hotel rooms below four stars.

All international tourists will still be subjected to the tax.

Aren't the GST and service charge enough? Why the need for more taxes?

Again, in short, the Tourism and Culture Ministry has been subjected to annual federal budget cuts and could benefit from added revenue in the form of additional charges.

In winding up his debate for the Tourism Tax Bill, Nazri had said revenue from the tax would be in the region of RM654.62 million if the overall occupancy rate for the 11 million "room night" (a unit used in the hospitality industry) in the country can achieve 60 percent.

The amount can go as high as RM872.82 million if the occupancy rate reaches 80 percent, he had said.

What will the funds be used for?

According to Nazri, most of it will go towards promoting the tourism industry through Tourism Malaysia.

At a press conference on Thursday, he explained at length on how the Tourism Malaysia annual budget has been slashed to RM110 million, down from RM200 million a decade two decades ago.

Over the past three years, he also cited examples of how promotional funds had affected the number of tourist arrivals to Malaysia.

How many tourists are we looking at exactly?

According to the MyTourismData portal, the figure peaked in 2014 with 27.4 million tourist arrivals and dropped to 25.72 million tourists in 2015.

Nazri had said Tourism Malaysia was working on a RM190 million budget in 2014 but the amount was slashed for 2015.

Last year saw 26.7 million tourists arrivals and the government has set a target of 31.8 million tourists arrivals for this year.

Have all the issues been resolved now?

It was reported on June 5 that the state governments of Sarawak and Sabah have reached a common stand to defer the Tourism Tax until a mechanism on its implementation is achieved.

Among issues discussed include the portion of the tax collection should be shared equally between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.

It was also previously reported that prime minister Najib Abdul Razak had met with Sarawak chief minister Abang Johari Openg to discuss the matter.

Is that all?

Nazri had also confirmed that establishments, agencies, and associations with valid contracts involving accommodation fees will be exempted the Tourism Tax until the end of their contracts.

He said the cut-off date for the tax exemption will be on April 1, 2018, as most of these contracts end on March 31.

All new contracts signed after April 1 will have to include the Tourism Tax charge.

This KiniGuide was compiled by Alyaa Alhadjri

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A guide to tax free shopping in Malaysia

The tourist centres of Malaysia aim to cater for tastes of all kinds, with sports culture and relaxation being the top draws, but one area that is continually being expanded and improved upon is shopping – and especially duty free shopping.

Oddly, however, I need to start by explaining the difference between “duty free” and “free of duty”, as this can confuse you otherwise. It did me, at first, to be honest.

“Duty free” goods are those exempted from import duty only in designated shopping zones in Malaysia, whilst items which are designated as “free duty” products are goods that are free from import duty – and these are available nationwide, all year round.

Currently there are over 300 items in the country that are totally exempt from tax, so there are already plenty of opportunities to grab bargains, but, amazingly for a devoted shopper like myself, I can reveal that there are plans to expand this even further – so that all goods fall into this category and Malaysia can become “the duty free shopping destination”.

Let’s start with a list of the places where you can shop and not pay any duties and then we’ll take a look at some of my favourites.

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)

• Bayan Lepas International Airport (Penang)

• Langkawi International

• Airport (Kedah)

• Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Sabah)

• Kuching International Airport (Sarawak)

Duty Free Ports:

• Port Klang (Selangor)

• Tanjung Belungkur (Johor)

• Pengkalan Kubur (Kelantan)

Free Duty Goods shops are clearly signed throughout:

• Kuala Lumpur

• Georgetown (Penang) • Melaka

• Kuching (Sarawak)

• Johor Bahru (Johor)

Border Towns with Free Duty shops:

• Padang Besar (Perlis)

• Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah) • Pengkalan Hulu (Perak)

• Rantau Panjang (Kelantan) • Kuala Baram (Sarawak)

Domestic Designated Duty Free Islands:

I tend to favour Langkawi for my duty free shopping and recommend that you head to Kuah town in the central district of the island. I’ll never forget my first sight of row upon row of stores selling electronic gadgets, household goods, branded products, cosmetics and fragrances, chocolates, cigarettes and liquor, all at prices which made me think that I’d miscalculated the exchange rate!

All jewellery at tax free prices. Pic: Tourism Malaysia.

I would also recommend that you take a stroll along to the Langkawi Mall, the Fair Shopping Complex and the Jetty Point Duty Free Complex, as these tend to compete very hard with each other on price.

If you’re looking for more “touristy” items, like crafts, delicacies and clothes, in addition to the usual duty free merchandise, head down to the tourist beaches of Cenang and Tengah.

For items like pewter, crystals and glassware, I recommend the duty free mall next to the Langkawi Underwater World or the smaller outlets at the Oriental Village. I love my Burberry raincoats and Mont Blanc pens for example, and always buy these in the outlet inside the KLIA airport.

Cities such as Kuala Lumpur pride themselves upon their retail experiences and designer outlets such as those in the extraordinary region of Bukit Bintang have taken 10 of the 28 malls available, while the Suria KLCC at the Petronas Towers boasts an extraordinary and unbelievable range of top names from Jimmy Choo and Prada to Gucci and Versace. Yes, these are expensive, but they are still at a lower cost here than anywhere else I have seen.

Fashion Walk Shopping Centre. Pic: Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia has always been welcoming of foreign custom and this is clear in the convenience and opportunities that are offered when shopping in any of the countries great retail-friendly shops and malls.

The worlds’ largest choice of silks? Pic: Tourism Malaysia.

The local currency is the Ringgit (RM) and is still fondly referred to as the Malaysian Dollar by some – and currently the exchange rate against the US Dollar and British Pound means that you get a lot of RM for your money.

In addition to this, the country also accepts a number of Western credit cards and is full of ATMs to give you easy access to your money.

If all of Malaysia becomes tax free it will allow increase retail-based tourism significantly in the region. This is certainly the aim of the Malaysian government and the main reason why this concept of a blanket tax exemption is given such high regard.

The thought behind expanding this duty-free tag to cover all goods is that not only will it increase tourist spending by offering more chances for appealing deals, it will also boost the economy and GNI by an impressive RM9 billion.

Beautiful designer clothing at duty free prices. Pic: Tourism Malaysia.

The premier shopping destination of the future?

In short, tax-free shopping across the country will not only make the goods more accessible at more appealing prices, it will also enhance the image of the country for prospective visitors because this combination of bargains, top names and the unique experiences of the Malaysian complexes is something that cannot be experienced anywhere else.

If all these proposals go ahead and the rest of Malaysia follows the examples of the designer stores in Kuala Lumpur and the duty free centres of Langkawi then this Asian nation really could become a world-class shopping destination and I for one will be even more delighted!

Bragmybag

Guide To Tax Refund In Malaysia

Updated on: March 17, 2019

tax free tourist malaysia

What is GST?

tax-refund-malaysia

Who are eligible to apply for Tax Refund?

Minimum purchase, time limit for customs approval, how to claim tax refund in malaysia, a step by step instruction.

  • Cash: The GST refund can be paid in cash but only to maximum 300 MYR (equivalent to $70 USD).
  • Credit card: The refund will be paid back to your credit card within 5 days.

GST refund overview in Malaysia

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Bali's new tourism tax will be used to tackle issues like dirty beaches

  • Asia & Oceania

Tuesday, 12 Mar 2024

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Garbage piling up on the beach of Kuta, a popular surf spot in Bali. — Photos: CAROLA FRENTZEN/dpa

Valentine's Day in Bali, Indonesia began with less rosy news for tourists this year.

As of Feb 14, foreign visitors arriving on the popular Indonesian holiday island had to pay a tourist tax on top of the visa fees, as Bali is trying to tackle some of its biggest problems – including trash and traffic.

It’s hardly a coincidence that the fee of IDR150,000 (about RM45), announced last year, was introduced in February, which is monsoon season on Bali, when rain batters the island nearly every day.

This means fewer tourists come to visit the temples and rice paddies than in July and August.

The queues at immigration at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai airport are significantly shorter in the off-season – a great time to test whether the new tax will considerably prolong waiting times.

The government says it will spend income from the new fee on protecting nature and culture on the Island of the Gods, as Bali is often called, as well as on sustainable tourism and services.

Bali is the only Hindu-dominated island in predominantly Muslim Indonesia and is famous for its unique traditions and rituals.

But first, some 70% of the money generated by the tourist tax is to tackle the island’s biggest problem: trash.

Heaps of rubbish are currently being swept onto the beach of Kuta, popular with surfers, by monsoon currents.

Workers collect tons of bottles, cups and other plastic packaging every day. Lorries ferry off the rubbish, but the next day it is already piling up again.

Carpets of trash floating off the beach is a common sight in Bali, and not limited to the island’s beaches. “Even less famous attractions like some waterfalls in the jungle are full of trash,” says taxi driver Ketut Oka.

Traffic is another issue that mars Bali’s image as a holiday paradise.

Streets are congested with cars and scooters and the island barely has public transport. If tourists want to move around, they either have to get a taxi or rent a scooter, though navigating Bali’s traffic is no easy feat.

A Canadian living on the island reports being stuck in traffic jams for hours on the way from Uluwatu on Bali’s southernmost tip to Ubud, the island’s yoga stronghold.

The government has long been planning to establish a railway network to at least connect the airport with southern holiday resorts including Kuta, but that will only solve part of the problem.

Despite the big media build-up ahead of the rollout of the tourist tax, many Balinese are unaware of its introduction.

“I had no idea,” says Laksmi, a receptionist at a hotel in Ubud.

However, she doesn’t believe that the fee will do much to change the situation.

“I think there are simply too many people in Bali, and especially the Balinese people dump their waste often straight into nature – that’s almost part of the culture here,” she says.

Solving the traffic problem would hardly be possible with money, Laksmi says. “Every family has at least two cars and three motorcycles.”

Kaela, an Australian citizen doing a yoga training course in Ubud, also hasn’t heard of the new tourist tax yet.

“I hadn’t heard of this, but that feels like such a small amount of money for each of us to pay to help the problems that tourists are definitely part of the cause of. I’m here for it,” she says.

While the fee might not make a big difference for solo travellers like her, many families with children might be tempted to look for cheaper holiday destinations in South-East Asia, as the tax has to be paid in addition to the IDR500,000 (RM151) for a 30-day visa and applies to everyone, including children.

Workers loading bags of garbage collected on Kuta.

Those who make a side trip to neighbouring islands such as the popular Gili Islands, Lombok or Java have to pay again on their return trip to Bali.

Indonesia also plans to significantly hike its so-called leisure tax, which would increase prices in bars, nightclubs and spas including in Bali. Many in the industry fear this might deter tourists further.

Some 18,000 holidaymakers arrive on the island every day. That means the new tourist tax could bring in another US$65mil (RM308.1mil) annually for the authorities to spend, though provincial governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya has so far not stated clearly exactly how the money will be spent.

“It is important for foreign tourists to know that their money is used for cultural preservation and waste management on the Island of the Gods,” he said.

To avoid long queues at the airport, travellers have been advised to pay the tourist tax in advance via the Love Bali website or the Love Bali app.

Otherwise, it’s possible to pay upon arrival via credit card.

“I can only hope that the tourism tax will help Bali in some way,” says Marcel from Brazil, who has been living in Bali for four years.

But he doesn’t sound convinced. – dpa

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Tags / Keywords: Bali , Tourism , Tax , Trash , Traffic , Kuta , Beach , Islands , tourism tax , sustainability , dirty beaches

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TOURISM MALAYSIA AND MASTERCARD FORGE SMART PARTNERSHIP TO ELEVATE VISIT MALAYSIA 2026

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Partnership is aimed at boosting tourism and economic development, positioning Malaysia as a key destination in Asia Pacific

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 March 2024 – Tourism Malaysia and Mastercard have announced a strategic partnership to transform the traveler experience and support outreach efforts in preparation for Visit Malaysia (VM) 2026. The announcement was made during a Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) exchange ceremony today. As part of the MOC, Mastercard will also be named as Tourism Malaysia’s Exclusive Payment Partner, with a strategic focus on enhancing the shopping segment.

The partnership will focus on four areas:

1. Harnessing data insights and analytics: Mastercard’s regional Data & Services hub in Kuala Lumpur will provide actionable insights on traveler spend patterns, needs, and preferences. This aggregated and anonymized data will benefit travel and tourism authorities, operators, and businesses.

2. Digitizing the entire traveler journey: Tourism Malaysia and Mastercard will cocreate the Travel Malaysia app, a one-stop solution for travelers. This app will offer personalized travel content and exclusive offers throughout the visitor journey, from itinerary planning and bookings to location-based offers on-the-go. The app is set to launch by 2025.

3. Developing world-class marketing campaigns: Leveraging Mastercard’s global reach and marketing capabilities, both organizations will create and roll out creative,engaging marketing campaigns. The goal is to attract more potential travelers and capture an incremental 8 million arrivals by 2026.

4. Curating exclusive Priceless Experiences and Specials for travelers: Mastercard will introduce its signature Priceless program to Malaysia, offering unique experiences and exceptional offers for travelers. These dedicated and specially curated experiences will reflect Malaysia’s attractive proposition as a one-stop destination to Eat, Play, Shop and Stay, allowing travelers to create unforgettable memories in the country.

YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and its potential long-term impact on the travel and tourism sector and stated: “The esteemed partnership with Mastercard highlights our commitment to harness technology to create a more seamless and innovative travel experience in Malaysia. By using data and insights, we aim to improve visitor satisfaction and continuously innovate to engage with travelers. This collaboration is a significant step towards digitizing Malaysia's travel and tourism sector, providing a hassle-free and enriched experience for visitors exploring our diverse offerings.”

"In 2023, Malaysia welcomed 20.14 million visitors, with tourism receipts reaching RM71.3 billion. Shopping activities constituted 33.9% of total expenditure, contributing to a remarkable RM24.1 billion. With a focus on the shopping segment, we aim to leverage our collaboration with Mastercard to create distinctive experiences, positioning Malaysia as a premier global shopping destination," said Mr. Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

"Mastercard is thrilled to partner with Tourism Malaysia in revitalizing and transforming the tourism sector. This strategic collaboration aims to digitize Malaysia’s growing travel industry and position the country as a digital-first destination. With Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, Mastercard will leverage its global expertise, data insights, and engagement program, Priceless, to support Malaysia’s growth and enhance its appeal as a top travel destination in the Asia Pacific region,” said Mr. Safdar Khan, Division President, Southeast Asia, Mastercard.

The partnership with Tourism Malaysia and Mastercard as the Exclusive Payment Partner is aimed at enhancing the shopping segment, which contributes significantly to the tourism sector’s growth. Leveraging Mastercard’s global presence and international expertise, this collaboration elevates Malaysia’s status as a preferred shopping destination, enriching the retail experience for travelers. The commitment represents a seamless extension and integration of Mastercard’s Priceless program offers, underscoring Tourism Malaysia’s unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled experiences and value.

In the current year, Malaysia aims to attract 27.3 million international tourist arrivals, with a target of over RM102.7 billion in tourism receipts. Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM 2026), the country envisions welcoming 35.6 million visitors, generating target receipts of RM147.1 billion. These goals align with Malaysia’s Tourism Strategy 2020-2030, which focuses on enhancing the country’s competitiveness as a top travel destination for international visitors.

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene.

The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nation's tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

Furthermore, Tourism Malaysia actively endorses the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), working towards the realisation of the IMT-GT Visiting Year 2023-2025, with the shared aim of promoting the region as a unified tourism destination. For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , YouTube , and TikTok .

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA) www.mastercard.com

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all

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‘Malaysia First’ Attitude Needed To Strengthen Ringgit, Says Finance Ministry

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The Finance Ministry has stated that in order to help strengthen the value of ringgit, all parties need to come together and adopt a ‘Malaysia First’ attitude.

The ministry stated this while answering a question from Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok) in the parliament yesterday on  what the government was doing to increase the resilience and competitiveness of the value of the ringgit.

According to a report from The Star, In its answer to the opposition MP, the Finance Ministry stated that the ‘Malaysia First’ attitude includes;

  • Buying domestic goods,
  • Investing in the domestic capital market
  • Introducing more local tourism campaign

Govt and Bank Negara working hand in hand

Answering a separate question from another opposition MP, Abdul Latiff Bin Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai), the ministry explained that various concrete measures are being taken by the government and Bank Negara Malaysia to stop the ringgit’s slide in value, including ensuring that the domestic foreign exchange market remains stable, and by monitoring the conversion of export proceeds into ringgit. 

The ministry also added that the government and Bank Negara also worked hand in hand to bring in the flow of funds into the foreign exchange market, controlling overseas.

Abdul Latiff asked about the government’s efforts to deal with the issue of ringgit’s slide in value and its impact on import transactions, which in turn cause an increase in the price of goods for consumers.

The ministry also added that the government is also considering more measures to help reduce the effect of the goods price increase, by implementing more effective subsidies and targeted assistance for specific income groups.

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    Under the provisions of the Customs Act 1967 (Amendment) 2019 and the Customs Regulations 2019, tourists or travellers entering or leaving Malaysia are required to declare all taxable goods, prohibited items, cash amounts, and negotiable monetary instruments (NMIs) in their possession, whether carried or contained in any of their luggage or vehi...

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  9. Tourist Tax Refund Counter at KLIA

    Tourist tax refund is only claimable for exit from Malaysian airports. - If you exit by ship or land, no tax refund for tourist e.g. if you drive through the Johor causeway by land exiting Johor into Singapore. Purchases must not be made more than 3 months before departure.

  10. How The New Tourism Tax Affects Your Travel Budget

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  11. Deloitte

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  12. GST Guidelines on Tourist Refund Scheme

    TRS is a scheme that allows tourists to claim GST paid on eligible goods purchased in Malaysia. The tourist can then claim a GST refund from an Approved Refund Agent on the eligible goods purchased from an Approved Outlet when the tourist leaves Malaysia by air mode from one of the 8 international airports in the scope of the TRS.

  13. What is Tourism Tax all about?

    The Royal Malaysian Customs listed the taxation rate as follows: 1. Five star: RM20 per room per night. 2. Four star: RM10 per room per night. 3. One to three star: RM5 per room per night. 4. One...

  14. Malaysia Customs Regulations in 2024, Duty-Free Allowance Limits

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    Tourist travelling in Malaysia can claim GST back from approved stores. Minimum purchase. You have to spend at minimum 300 MYR inclusive of GST (equivalent to $70 USD) in order to be eligible for tax refund. Time limit for Customs Approval. 3 months from the day of purchase. How to claim Tax Refund in Malaysia, a step by step instruction? 1.

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  22. PDF LAWS OF MALAYSIA

    Free postage 65. Transaction of business on behalf of operator 66. Forms to be used 67. Disputes and appeal 68. Liquidator of company to give notice of winding up and set aside tourism tax ... LAWS OF MALAYSIA Act 791 TOURISM TAX ACT 2017. 8 Laws of Malaysia ACT 791 Interpretation 2.