Prospect of new tax causes concern among boat owners

03 Jul 2019 2077 | Business & Trade Fairs

Tourist boat owners in Phnom Penh have expressed concern about a potential new tax, arguing the levy will be too big a burden for their businesses.

On Monday, officials from different ministries met to discuss the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee that will be charged with deciding whether or not to impose a use tax on boats.

The committee will also be charged with ensuring boat service providers fulfill their tax responsibility, possess all required documentation, pass technical inspections and refrain from overloading the vessels.

Bar Sa Lyna, 59, owner of Mong Say Tour Boat, told Khmer Times that given a recent dip in the number of customers and an increase in competition, a new tax could mean the end of her business.

Ms Sa Lyna’s boat is docked in the riverfront, in front of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, a spot she shares with a number of other similar businesses.

She says she already pays about $100 a year to renew its business license with the Ministry of Tourism and use the waterway, among other charges.

“Now, we can still survive. However, if we are asked to pay tax on the vehicle, we will go bust,” she said, adding that the current level of business is low compared to a few years prior.