The state government has accepted the implementation of the tourism tax which will be enforced from July 1, says Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said the decision was made after the matter was discussed in the state cabinet meeting here yesterday.

Abdul Karim said Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg had expressed his wish during a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the tax collection from hotels in Sarawak be channelled directly to the state government without having to go through any department or agency.

"This is one of the requirements the state government presented to the prime minister," he told a media conference after the Sarawak Cabinet meeting.

-- BERNAMA