Malaysia introduces rent relief package

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The Malaysian government has answered pleas for relief from the tourism and travel sectors by implementing a package comprising tax and rent reductions for the worst affected companies

The measures, which also allow for aid to hotel operators, travel operators, restaurants and taxi drivers whose business has been damaged by the SARS outbreak, include a 50% rent discount for duty-free shops and other airport outlets.

The relief is effective from April 1 until the SARS epidemic is over, a government spokesman told The Straits Times. Banks have also been asked to restructure and reschedule loans on borrowing and credit facilities to the tourism industry. See DFNI June 1 for more comment.