The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has agreed to extend until the middle of next year for the relaxation of regulatory requirements for tourism operators approved under the 1992 Tourism Industry Act (Act 482).

In a statement released by the ministry, the extension from 1 January to 30 June 2021 would include relaxation of the size of the premises of licenced tourism operators and permission to operate other businesses within their premises.

Previously, the relaxation of the regulatory requirements for tourism operators was granted from 18 March to 31 December 2020.

MOTAC said the relaxation would be given until June 30, 2021, on the lease of business premises as a co-share office space.

It said 6,894 licenced tourism operators who operate travel agency businesses are expected to benefit from the relaxation.

“The ministry hopes this relaxation will help in easing the burden and problems faced by tourism operators which are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” it said.