Hotel association launches aid programme for pandemic-hit members

 

The hotel industry has lost an estimated RM6.5 billion in revenue in 2020 and a further RM9 billion so far this year.

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) has launched its own aid programme to help those in the industry struggling due to prolonged tourism and travel restrictions.

Through the MAH Cares initiative, RM200,000 has been allocated to the association’s state chapters to distribute food and essentials to those impacted by the pandemic.

In a statement, MAH president N Subramaniam said he hopes the campaign will raise awareness of the plight of the industry as a whole and encourage better public and private sector support for hotels and the tourism industry at large.

The programme is in partnership with beverage company Yeo Hiap Seng, which has supplied more than RM100,000 worth of food and drinks through the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation.

“As a company with deep roots in Malaysia, we want to lend a helping hand and support families in a practical way at this critical juncture. We would like to thank MAH for organising the care programme to support the industry,” said Yeo’s group CEO Samuel Koh.

MAH has also set up its own tourism recovery committee comprising industry experts to develop strategies geared towards uplifting the sector.

“MAH recognises the needs of the industry and will continue to support its members and the industry, as well as work closely with the government to ensure the survival of the tourism industry,” said Subramaniam.

The association estimates that the hotel industry lost RM6.5 billion in revenue last year, with a further RM9 billion loss so far this year. - FMT