Abd Hamid says MBDK wants homestay operators to register their business.
OVER half of the registered hospitality businesses in Klang have officially committed to the new Selangor sustainability fee, which came into effect on Jan 1.
The initiative, aimed at preserving the state’s heritage and environment, applies to both domestic and international guests upon check-in.
Of the 62 businesses registered with Klang Royal City Council (MBDK), 35 had agreed to implement the levy, said Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain.
MBDK Licensing Department officer (right) handing over a letter of authorisation to a Klang hotel manager to enable collection of the sustainable tourism fee. — Courtesy photo
Of the 35 that responded to MBDK, two were in the five- and four-star categories, while three were in the one to three-star, and four were budget hotels. There are 26 hotels without grading.
According to MBDK, seven hotels had closed down in 2025.
“For the remaining 20, we are waiting for their replies and the council will visit the premises to give a briefing” said Abd Hamid.
“Our Licensing Department is also urging homestay operators to come forward to register their businesses,” he told StarMetro.
In December, MBDK had issued letters to all registered hospitality businesses to implement a sustainability fee that would come into force throughout Selangor this year.
State local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim had in November last year announced that all local authorities would implement a sustainability fee on tourists to safeguard the state’s heritage and environment.
Selangor had imposed the fee based on the type of accommodation. It ranged from RM7 for five-star hotels, RM5 for four-star hotels, RM3 for three-star hotels and RM2 for homestay accommodations.
Asked about the implementation of the fee, Abd Hamid said it was in line with the state government’s policy, which stipulated charges to be imposed on both domestic and international visitors upon check-in at all accommodation premises, based on a per-night rate according to the category of the premises.
He said MBDK fully supported the initiative as it aimed to cover the costs of developing and maintaining tourism infrastructure, in addition to enhancing the quality of experience for tourists visiting the city.
“This sustainability fee will also be used to finance environmental conservation initiatives and to ensure the continuity and sustainability of Klang’s tourism industry,” he added.
Abd Hamid said the city council would work closely with relevant agencies and accommodation operators to ensure that the implementation of the fee ran smoothly and complied with the established guidelines.
