According to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, tourist operators in the country now have access to the Malaysian Tourism Incentive Fund (Gamelan).

Due to the implementation of the movement control order, the Fund which was launched in 2019 with an RM5mil allocation was postponed last year.

Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Hajah Nancy Shukri said the Ministry of Finance has approved the resumption during this period for use of the programme, of the remaining special allocation for the RM3.08 mil Gamelan programme.

She further stated that, in line with new post-Covid 19 guidelines, the fund guidelines have also been improved to revive tourism and the arts sector with digital promotion.

"Also amended is the allocation ceiling for each company which was increased from RM200,000 to RM300,000. For domestic and foreign promotions, it was also increased to RM20,000 and RM30,000 respectively," Nancy said in a statement.\

According to Nancy, request and payment procedures will also be simplified by taking more relevant implementation into account based on the current situation.

Gamelan Fund eligible persons are registered agencies and associations of tourism, lodging companies, shopping associations, CBT operators and other tourism-related businesses.

However, the consideration of the application is subject to the compliance by the Health Ministry and the National Security Council (NSC) with standard operating procedures updated from time to time.

For more information on Gamelan, visit www.tourism.gov.my or call 03-8891 8235/8283.