Sempurai (middle), with SRDC councillors, stressing on the need for hotels, short-term rentals and inn operators obtaining a business licence to operate in areas under the council's administration.
HOTELs, short-term rentals and inn operators in areas under the Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) have until March to apply for business licence or face stern action.
SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said due to the mushrooming of these businesses, action would be taken if operators fail to get licensed.
So far, eight operators in Sibu Jaya and four in Selangau were found operating without licence.
“We will keep monitoring and inspect these premises at the end of March.
“Hotels, short-term rentals and inns have to meet SRDC’s conditions including possessing a fire certificate as this will ensure guests’ safety,” he said at a press conference.
He said licensing requirements were made known since 2019 when SRDC’s enforcement team found four or five premises operating illegally.
Sempurai added that dialogues held with business owners were met with lukewarm response.
“The council will strictly monitor matters related to development of hotels, room rentals and other related businesses under its administration as they need to be licensed,” he said.
Sempurai urged hotels, short-term rentals and inn operators to apply for the licence as the forms were available.
He also reminded operators to comply with terms and conditions stipulated in the application form.
“SRDC needs the cooperation of all parties eager to operate or run hotels, short-term rentals or inns. The licence is a must,” he said.
