Johor to impose RM3 hotel tax on travellers from Jan 1

Additional fees on tourists have also been levied by other states, including Penang, Perak and Pahang.

Johor executive councillor Jafni Shukor said the tax receipts would help fund improvements to public facilities, tourism infrastructure and other initiatives. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 A “travel charge” of RM3 will be imposed on hotel stays in Johor from Jan 1, state executive councillor Jafni Shukor said.

He said receipts of the tax, levied under the Hotel Enactment 2025, will be channelled to a special trust account to fund improvements to public facilities, tourism infrastructure and other initiatives, Bernama reported.

He said the enactment itself bolstered enforcement powers, allowing local authorities to close unlicensed hotels and act on premises that flout safety rules or obstruct enforcement officers.

“This is crucial to ensure that every hotel operates in an orderly manner, complies with standards, and maintains Johor’s image as a safe and quality tourism destination.

“We are confident that the implementation of the enactment will elevate professionalism in the hospitality industry, enhance consumer safety, and increase the competitiveness of the state’s tourism sector sustainably,” he was quoted as saying.

Jafni added that this followed meetings with the 16 local councils in Johor and members of the tourism industry last month.

Johor would be following in the footsteps of several other states that have implemented additional fees on tourists.

Melaka has a “heritage charge” on all types of accommodations while Pahang imposes a sustainability fee on tourists. Selangor will introduce a sustainability fee next year. Perak charges tourists a local service charge while Penang has additional fees fixed. - FMT