The implementation of the departure levy on all passengers departing Malaysian airports is expected to affect tourist arrivals.
Institute of Malaysian and International Studies director Prof Sufian Jusoh said a study conducted by the Australian Productivity Commission found that every 10% hike in airport charges will cause a reduction in traffic of 1.2%.
“Hence, Malaysia may see a drop in passengers of 6%, or two million tourists, if the departure levy of 50%, or RM40, is imposed on destinations other than Asean countries.”
The levy is set at RM20 per head for those going to Asean countries.
This departure tax is on top of the RM73 passenger service charge (PSC) already imposed by airports.
Suffian said Malaysia had already experienced negative growth in tourist arrivals from foreign countries.
“We must acknowledge that other Asean countries are also making efforts to woo and increase the number of foreign tourists to their countries,” he said in an interview on Bernama News Channel’s (BNC) “Ruang Bicara” programme here last night.
Departure levy will hurt Malaysia’s tourism industry, says expert