OCM: Time to review entertainment tax for bowling centres

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THE Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and National Sports Council (NSC) feel the time has come for the Housing and Local Government Ministry to review the entertainment tax imposed on bowling centres.

OCM secretary Datuk Sieh Kok Chi and NSC director-general Zolkples Embong agreed that bowling should not be considered a parlour game any more.

Sieh said bowling was a regular contributor to Malaysia’s success in the SEA Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

“Our bowlers have impressive credentials in the international scene and have been consistent in the World Cup and World championships. The success of bowling could not be achieved with the support from the bowling centres.

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“Almost all the bowling centres in Malaysia have been actively involved in the promotion and development of the sport. Most of the current national and youth players were products of programmes initiated by these bowling centres.

“Abolishing the taxes will certainly encourage the bowling centres to play a much more active role in the promotion of the sport. People of all ages are involved in bowling. Even senior citizens and children are active in bowling. In fact I would consider bowling as an activity for the masses.

“The OCM hopes the Housing and Local Government Ministry will look into the plight of bowling centres,’’ said Sieh.

Zolkeples said the NSC considered bowling a priority sport and supported the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress’s (MTBC) programmes.

“Malaysian bowlers have been winning medals for the country. Bowling centres provided opportunities for families to get together. The corporate world has also accepted bowling as a healthy outing.

“The government should look at bowling centres as a sport facility and provide them with incentives. Abolishing the entertainment tax will be the right step towards recognising and endorsing bowling as a sport,’’ said Zolkeples.

The MTBC had been fighting for the abolishment of entertainment tax at bowling centres for almost 10 years. The MTBC, through their secretary, Sidney Tung, had raised the matter with Sports Ministers — Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein (1990-2004) and Datuk Seri Azalina Othman (2004-2008).

Under the current tax system, bowling centres in the Klang Valley have to pay RM1 per lane per day as well as a fee for the bowliing licence and premises. Besides these costs, bowling centres have to fork out a big sum for rental, salaries, electricity, water bills and maintenance.

Electricity and water bills are at commercial rates. Bowling centre operators have been requesting for special discounts to be given under sports tourism or sports and recreation.

Surprisingly the government had classified bowling as a sport when the Sports Development Act was implemented in 1997. The government had also exempted tax for all bowling equipment, including pin-setting machines, bowling lanes and bowling balls.

Zolkeples said he would inform Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek on the problems faced by the bowling centres.

“He can then raise the matter with the Housing and Local Government Ministry. The NSC is keen to help the MTBC and bowling centres on this issue,’’ said Zolkeples.