The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has called on the Malaysia government to consider implementing fuel subsidies for tourism transport operators, on the back of recent fuel price hikes due to the ongoing Iran-US war.
MATTA president Nigel Wong noted that many of these operators had signed contracts with overseas and local travel agencies to provide transportation services for touring in Malaysia.
However, as these were signed off months in advance, operators are now unable to revise these contracts and have to fulfil them despite the fuel cost hikes.
Previously, the cost of a full tank was about RM747 (US$191) per bus. Now, that has gone up by about 38% to RM969 per bus tank refill.
Without any government support, this impact will eventually go to tourists, since transport operators will have to increase charges by at least 30% to remain financially viable.
Tourism Malaysia had called for a meeting on 17 March with tourism industry stakeholders amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, to discuss operational concerns, among other matters.
While MATTA “welcomes continued engagement [so] coordinated efforts remain in place to support travel agents, tourism stakeholders, and the wider industry”, Wong has urged timely intervention on the matter, adding that as operators continue absorbing additional expenses, this could lead to significant financial strain.