Govt should focus on tourism industry as it generates revenue

SHAH ALAM - The government should give greater focus on the tourism sector, as it is often neglected.

The Federation of Malaysian Business Associations chairman, Datuk Abdul Malik Abdullah urged the government to re-look at the tourism sector as it needs more allocation since the tourism sector contributes highly to the country.

"We applaud the allocations given in the Budget 2023 but as a whole, of course, there are some sectors that are seen as neglected, namely the tourism sector.

"I feel there are very few allocations given to the tourism sector as the sector contributes a big amount of money to the country," he said on Sinar Daily's Wacana English Edition themed 'Rationalising Madani Budget 2023'.

It was reported that Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing will be seeking additional funds as the allocation provided under Budget 2023 is insufficient.

In the budget speech by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday, said the ministry was allocated RM970 million.

Of this amount, RM250 million will be used to promote tourism.

Commenting further, Abdul urged the government to hire officials with proper qualifications and experience in the industry for engagement with stakeholders.

"There is a lack of engagement in the industry. Even though the government usually forms committees for feedback and input on what's happening on the ground, this often fails as those who are appointed are not well-versed in the subject matter, and usually those big names with Tan Sri or Datuk who are appointed because of their positions don't know what is going on.

"If you want to hear something about hawkers, the person who is appointed should come from the hawkers' association," he said.

Today's Wacana programme also features IDEAS Deputy Research Director Sri Murniati Yusuf and Universiti Malaya Social Wellbeing Research Centre Dr Zulkiply Omar