KOTA KINABALU: Matta Sabah Chapter is moving forward with the Matta Fair Sabah, armed with the new RM1,000 domestic travel tax relief, despite challenges brought forth by the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to the industry.

Its chairman, Lawrence Chin, said Matta Sabah Chapter targeted lesser booths and concentrating on raising awareness on tourism packages available for when the market picks up again in the future.

“Despite the constraints of the tour and travel industry, we are proceeding with this Fair because we felt that it will bolster confidence (amongst travellers), and the travel ban is only a perception of the fear to travel,” said Chin during a press conference held at Matta Sabah Chapter Office in Damai here yesterday.

“More so during this period, we will promote Domestic Cuti-Cuti Malaysia. This is nationwide and we hope the consumers will take note of the individual personal tax relief which Matta has been asking for. It will stimulate the domestic market. On the same token, the Matta Fair held nationwide will also promote Sabah.

“This is a milestone achievement for Matta because we have asked for this. In fact, we have asked for RM2,000 tax relief on domestic travel, but now it is RM1,000. We are very happy.

“It never happens before. It is a milestone achievement in the field of incentive for the last 30 to 40 years, this is the first time. So, all Sabahan must take note and use this to the fullest,” he added.

Chin said Matta Sabah Chapter would make a proposal to the the government for the package to be only sold by licensed tour operators.

“We also note that all these packages and vouchers are only for licensed hotels, which means that all the illegal or unlicensed tour operators are out of the game. We urge all exhibitors and consumers to come,” he said.

“We encourage all Sabahans to go for the domestic, Sarawak and Brunei packages, while waiting for the coronavirus outbreak recovery,” he added.

The three-day Matta Fair Sabah will be held from April 3 to 5, this year at the ITCC Exhibition Center, 1st Floor in Penampang from 10am to 9pm.

“We will offer a 30% discount to all participants taking our booths and encourage the public to outline their travel plans

“Cuti-Cuti Malaysia offers lots of attractive travel packages such as domestics, Sarawak, Brunei, and nearby countries’ travel bargains,” he said

“It is a good time to get value-for-your-money travel packages and great bargains. You can get lots of information on other travel destinations for future travel plan, and on local products and services.

“I believe, the government’s Economic Stimulus Package will enable the Malaysian economy to achieve the highest point of range. They have played their part in ensuring it is successful. Time for us to play, to do our part. We hope the government can resolve this in the shortest of time,” he added.