The Penang State Government has approved a speedy one-off subsidy of RM1 million for electricity bills for the tourism industry.

The assistance comes in light of the MCO3.0 implemented by the federal government from May 12 to June 7.

According to one hotelier, they welcome the assistance as the industry is facing unprecedented challenges which they have ever experienced before.

“We welcome any form of assistance from the state or the federal government as the industry is in a dire situation. We can only hope and pray there is a solution to this dilemma we are in,” he said.

Meanwhile, in unveiling the subsidy, State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, Yeoh Soon Hin said that the Penang State Government will allocate RM1 million for this one-off assistive package to alleviate the financial burden of the tourism businesses, helping them brave through another round of MCO where tourism activities remain limited.

“Penang has responded swiftly to the Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0 by unveiling this one-off electrical bill subsidy for the tourism industry.

“This subsidy will be given to hoteliers, travel agencies, tourist attractions and theme parks” said Yeoh in a press statement.

He also added that prior to this initiative, the state government has also rolled out several moratoriums that includes, water bill for the year 2021; quit rent for the year 2021; assessment rates for the year 2021; as well as business license fees for the year 2021.

“We understand that finances are a primary concern to the industry, which is why we expedited our efforts to introduce this one-off subsidy within 48 hours after the announcement of MCO 3.0 nationwide by the Prime Minister on 10 May 2021.

“We hope this subsidy will at least come useful in assisting the cash flow of these tourism businesses, especially in this difficult and uncertain period. 

“We are mobilizing resources to provide timely aid to these areas of businesses as they are entities which require operational costs and cash flow to survive, stay afloat and retain employment,” he added.

Yeoh also added that PETACE has been active in disbursing funds and providing assistances ever since the pandemic outbreak in 2020, including Skim Peka 2.0, Skim Peka 2.1, moratoriums and etc, all of which were aimed at minimising the industry’s financial and economic impacts.

“Some notable one-off allocations include RM1,368,500 for registered tourist guides, RM1,464,500 for hair salons, spas, reflexology centres and etc, RM31,500 for mobile spa as well as RM100,000 for events management companies, all of which were disbursed in the different stages of the People’s Aid Package,” he said.  

He also added that more details pertaining to the subsidy will be announced soon via the official portal of the Penang State Government.