KUALA LUMPUR: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is giving a 40% discount on payment for any compound issued to licensed tourism operators and tour guides.

       It said the payment period had also been extended until June 30 for all compounds.

       “The ministry hopes that this initiative will help ease the burden of industry players affected by Covid-19.

       “However, failure to settle the compounds issued could result in action being taken against the relevant companies or tour guides,” it said in a statement yesterday.

       According to Bernama, the ministry said the exemption on compounds would be given to tourism operators and tour guides who failed to renew their licences within the stipulated period for those with licences expiring on Jan 1 to June 30 due to the National Recovery Plan.

       It said the exemption was on the condition that the tourism operators and tour guides involved submit their application within 30 days after the expiry of their licence.

       During the recovery period, the ministry also issued licences to tour companies without inspecting their premises, with any inspection being carried out within 90 days only after the issuance.