What Is Malaysian Tourism Tax?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning to visit Malaysia? If yes, then you might have heard about the Malaysian Tourism Tax.

The Malaysian government introduced this tax in 2017, and it applies to all foreign tourists visiting the country. In this article, we will discuss what the Malaysian Tourism Tax is and how it works.

What is Malaysian Tourism Tax?

The Malaysian Tourism Tax is a tax imposed on foreign tourists staying at any type of accommodation in Malaysia. This includes hotels, resorts, hostels, motels, and even homestays. The tax was introduced by the Malaysian government with the aim of generating revenue for the country’s tourism industry.

How much is the Malaysian Tourism Tax?

The amount of the Malaysian Tourism Tax varies depending on the type of accommodation you choose to stay at. For hotels rated 1-3 stars, the tax is RM 10 per room per night. For hotels rated 4-5 stars, it’s RM 20 per room per night.

If you’re staying at a non-rated accommodation such as a hostel or homestay, then the tax is set at RM 10 per room per night. It’s important to note that this tax is not included in your hotel bill and must be paid separately upon check-out.

Who needs to pay for Malaysian Tourism Tax?

As mentioned earlier, all foreign tourists staying at any type of accommodation in Malaysia are required to pay for this tax. Malaysians and permanent residents are exempt from paying this tax.

How does it work?

When you check-in at your hotel or any other type of accommodation in Malaysia, you will be asked to pay for your stay as well as the tourism tax. The hotel staff will collect this fee separately from your room rate and issue a receipt for it.

It’s important to keep this receipt with you during your stay in Malaysia as you may be asked to present it when leaving the country. Failure to pay the Malaysian Tourism Tax can result in a fine or penalty.

Conclusion

The Malaysian Tourism Tax is a mandatory tax imposed on all foreign tourists staying in Malaysia. The tax is aimed at generating revenue for the country’s tourism industry and varies depending on the type of accommodation you choose to stay at.

Remember to set aside some extra cash for this tax when planning your trip to Malaysia so that you can enjoy your stay without any hassle or penalty.