Hotels and homestay accommodations in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya are allowed to operate but must adhere to standard operating procedure (SOP) during the conditional movement control order (MCO).
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry – in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) circular on tourism activities – said the hospitality industry is part of the economic activities that are allowed during the conditional MCO.
Facilities are limited to guest rooms, spa, sauna, shops and restaurants (including F&B service in the pub and lounge). Check-ins for the purpose of tourism is not allowed.
“Accommodation in hotels and homestays is limited to official affairs, work, emergencies and other related purposes only,” the ministry said.
Meanwhile, spas and saunas in hotels may operate under existing SOPs.
The above SOPs, however, does not apply to Sabah, which is also under a conditional MCO but with stricter rules.
The clarification came following confusion among hoteliers and travel operators.
Malaysia Budget Hotel Association (MyBHA) national deputy president Sri Ganesh Michiel said he had received many queries from members.
"Our members are unsure of the right procedure and regulation. This in turn affects their business decision making,” he said.
Many local travel stakeholders agree that the conditional MCO will further worsen the domestic tourism economy.
The Malaysian Association of Hotels is anticipating a drop of 10% to 15% in occupancy over the next few weeks.
The public can access information on the tourism sector SOPs at motac.gov.my.
Facilities are limited to guest rooms, spa, sauna, shops and restaurants (including F&B service in the pub and lounge). Check-ins for the purpose of tourism is not allowed.
“Accommodation in hotels and homestays is limited to official affairs, work, emergencies and other related purposes only,” the ministry said.
Meanwhile, spas and saunas in hotels may operate under existing SOPs.
The above SOPs, however, does not apply to Sabah, which is also under a conditional MCO but with stricter rules.
The clarification came following confusion among hoteliers and travel operators.
Malaysia Budget Hotel Association (MyBHA) national deputy president Sri Ganesh Michiel said he had received many queries from members.
"Our members are unsure of the right procedure and regulation. This in turn affects their business decision making,” he said.
Many local travel stakeholders agree that the conditional MCO will further worsen the domestic tourism economy.
The Malaysian Association of Hotels is anticipating a drop of 10% to 15% in occupancy over the next few weeks.
The public can access information on the tourism sector SOPs at motac.gov.my.
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