GEORGE TOWN, January 22 — Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced today that the state government will not increase hotel tourism fees, maintaining the current rates of RM3 per night for 4-star hotels and RM2 for 3-star hotels and below. Chow clarified that the fees, which have contributed RM72 million since 2014, were shifted into the state’s consolidated revenue following recommendations by the auditor-general in 2022.
While some hoteliers expressed dissatisfaction over the dissolution of a committee that previously oversaw fee allocations, Chow emphasized that funds are now allocated through the state budget to tourism agencies like Penang Global Tourism and PCEB for marketing and promotions. He also highlighted significant infrastructure projects, such as the RM220 million Gurney Bay and RM20 million Fort Cornwallis restoration, as examples of broader state investments benefiting tourism.
