KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is expected to make a stand on the implementation of the tourism tax after its Cabinet meeting next week.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment assistant minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming (pic) said the state has yet to make a decision on the matter as there were many aspects to look at.

"We need to know for sure and discuss how the implementation and disbursement of the tax collected will be done. We also need to know how this tourism tax works, and whether to impose it on those who can afford and to exempt those who can't," he said.

Pang said these factors must be looked into because the economy is slow and many – especially those from lower-income groups – are already struggling with all sorts of taxes and payments.

He said the tax could benefit the industry if it is implemented as more money would be collected.

"But this is only good for us if the rich and foreigners pay it," he said.

"It would be a burden to our own people, especially the poor, if they have to spend a few extra ringgit to stay at smaller inns or hotels," he added.

Earlier, Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz had said the tax - which is set to see rates of between RM2.50 and RM20 charged for a night's stay - would be enforced as scheduled on July 1.