Tiong: Tourism Ministry acts to stabilise industry amid ongoing global pressures, engaging key stakeholders

SIBU (March 28): The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is reviewing and refining measures to stabilise the tourism industry amid ongoing global pressures, said its minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

He urged affected industry players to allow time for the government to implement effective solutions.

“As a response to the chain effects arising from the current international situation, particularly the pressure faced by the country’s tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture hopes that affected industry players can allow a little time and space.

“The ministry is currently actively communicating and holding discussions with the Ministry of Finance to review the most suitable and reasonable solution measures to be implemented in order to help the industry navigate the current challenges more smoothly,” Tiong said in a statement on his Facebook page.

He added that the ministry has been instructed to hold comprehensive engagement sessions with tourism industry players, including those in transportation and related services, to gather direct feedback.

The Bintulu MP explained that this was aimed at understanding more deeply the actual situation currently being faced by industry players, including cost pressures, effects on operations as well as potential losses, so that every measure formulated truly meets the needs of the industry.

Tiong noted that the Ministry of Finance supports the adjustment efforts and will assess the overall impact based on data from the industry to enable more targeted solutions.

He also urged stakeholders to remain rational and prudent, avoiding opportunistic price hikes or passing on unreasonable costs to consumers.

“In this challenging period, we need to join hands to together preserve the stability of the country’s economy as well as market order, so that all sectors can continue to grow on a strong foundation,” he said.

Emphasising unity, Tiong said Malaysia’s economic development has long been built on stability and mutual trust.

He called on stakeholders to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership and mitigation measures.

“The government remains committed to prioritising the wellbeing of the people and the stability of industries.

“All related measures will be introduced in stages after going through comprehensive assessment and careful consideration, to ensure the continuity of industry operations while maintaining stability as well as sustainable national economic development,” he said.