Departure levy likely to start after haj season in September

The departure levy for air travellers was proposed in Budget 2019.

KUALA LUMPUR: The levy for air travellers leaving the country will likely be implemented after the haj season in September, Deputy Finance Minister Amiruddin Hamzah said.

The levy, proposed in Budget 2019, was orginally scheduled for implementation on June 1.

“It will probably be after the haj season, probably September,” Amiruddin said at the parliament lobby.

He said there were suggestions to take into account the seat classes when deciding on the quantum of the levy, adding that the suggestions would be tabled to the Cabinet.

The Edge had previously reported that the rates will be divided into two segments – economy class, and business and first class.

It had said for example, the departure levy will be RM8 for economy class passengers and RM20 for business class and first class passengers flying to Asean destinations.

Passengers flying beyond Asean destinations will pay a departure levy of RM50 for economy class flights and RM150 for business-class and first class flights, The Edge said.

This would replace an earlier proposal for a departure levy of RM20 and RM40 on travellers flying to Asean countries and those beyond, respectively.

The Edge also said the government intended to provide exemptions to the proposed departure levy for infants below 24 months, transit passengers arriving and leaving Malaysia within 24 hours, crew on duty, pilgrimage travel, government agencies and those who buy tickets before Sept 1 for departure after the levy is enforced. - FMT