IMPORT DUTY ON GOLF BUGGIES ABOLISHED, PM ANNOUNCES

KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 (Bernama) -- Golf clubs were presented a gift by the
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today when he announced the immediate
abolishment of the import duty on golf buggies to spur the development of the
golf industry in the country.

He delivered the good news for the estimated 200 courses in the country when
presenting prizes at the Maybank Malaysia Open that went to a surprise winner in
18-year-old South Korean teenager Noh Seung-yul.

"I have been told that one of the ways in which we can help the development
of quality golf courses in this country as well as to ensure that golf clubs in
this country provide better facilities is to to consider removing import duty on
buggies.

"So, on this auspicious occasion, wearing my hat as the Minister of Finance,
I would like to announce the immediate abolishment of import duty on all golf
buggies in this country," he said.

Najib said the government would continue to support the development of the
golf industry in Malaysia because the country remained a favourite destination
for the sport.


Last year, the country received 350,000 visitors who came to play in
Malaysia where golf is a year-round affair.

The Prime Minister also congratulated Noh who stole the limelight from his
much older challengers.

The Korean turns 19 only on May 20.

"So,we have a very young winner and it is good for golf. Take heart that age
is not a barrier to be a champion and that should be a source of inspiration for
all Malaysians to be a champion," he said.

He was pleased also that the tournament had attracted 1.2 billion viewership
around the world.

A happy Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) president Robin Loh welcomed
the removal of the import duty which he said was 50 per cent.

"We have been asking for this since April last year. An 18-hole golf course
normally requires 70 to 80 buggies and this will be a big saving," he said.

For example, an imported buggy of RM20,000 (US$1=RM3.4) would cost RM35,000
with the import duty and other taxes, he said.

-- BERNAMA