Tiong: Targeted Measures in the Works to Support Tourism Transport Sector

9 April 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government is formulating targeted, sustainable and practical measures to support the tourism transport sector amid rising operational costs driven by global uncertainties, particularly fluctuating energy prices, said.

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture ( MOTAC) Datuk Tiong King Sing said the Ministry has been engaging closely with industry stakeholders to develop appropriate support mechanisms, while also urging operators to expedite the submission of detailed operational and financial data.

He stressed that timely and accurate data is crucial to enable the Government to fast-track the implementation of assistance measures within a reasonable timeframe.

“At this stage, what we require is not general feedback, but detailed and verifiable data, including operating models, trip frequency, fuel consumption, passenger volumes, as well as revenue and cost trends,” he said in a statement.

Tiong added that the Ministry is also working closely with the Ministry of Finance to explore the feasibility of introducing a tailored tax rebate mechanism for the sector.

The proposed initiative aims to ease cost pressures on operators while strengthening the industry’s resilience and ensuring business continuity.

He noted that the framework, structure and scope of the proposed rebate are still being refined and will undergo due process to ensure that any policy introduced is effective, equitable and fiscally sustainable.

The Government, he said, remains committed to supporting the industry but emphasised that assistance must be based on clear data and genuine needs to ensure precise policy design, efficient resource allocation and strong public accountability.

Tiong also highlighted structural differences within the sector, noting that express bus services operate on fixed routes with relatively stable demand, making cost structures easier to assess.

In contrast, chartered tourism transport services are more variable, with flexible routes, fuel usage and passenger volumes.

“These differences will be taken into account to ensure that any measures introduced are targeted and practical,” he said.

He added that the Government will also consider compliance and structural factors such as licensing, operational standards and resource utilisation to ensure transparency, accountability and sustainability, while preventing potential misuse.

Tiong reaffirmed that the Ministry is committed to balancing industry support with good governance, stressing that collaboration, transparency and shared responsibility are essential to ensure assistance reaches those who need it most.

Amid global uncertainty, he said the Ministry’s priority remains to safeguard the continuity of the tourism sector, maintain competitiveness and strengthen resilience through responsible and practical measures, while supporting long-term growth and contributions to the national economy.