IPOH: The Perak Hotel Enactment will be implemented from July first but will only be fully enforced starting July 1 next year, says Sandrea Ng.
The Perak local government committee chairman also said that the Local Service Charge, a new fee under the enactment, would be postponed until January next year.
"This is a RM3 charge for a one-stay in a room. This initiative will help us improve infrastructure and facilities near local attractions," she said, adding that other states also implemented such charges.
"The state will postpone the implementation of the charge to January 2025 as a sign of appreciation to the tourists that visit the state," she added.
Ng also hoped that all accommodation service providers, including hotels, homestays, houseboats, chalets, and campsites, will begin applying for their licences from the respective local authorities now.
"We will implement the enactment starting July this year but to allow sufficient time for engagement, awareness, and familiarisation with the licence application process, the state has agreed to give operators a year to get their licences," she said in a press conference on Thursday (June 20).
"We understand that some operators may not have applied before, which is why we are giving them time. We want to encourage all operators to apply for the licence or register with the respective local authorities," she said.
"We aim to ensure that operators adhere to safety and cleanliness standards, among other issues, by obtaining the licence," she added.
The Perak Hotel Enactment, passed during the state assembly in May last year, replaces the Boarding House Enactment, which had been in use since 1927, to allow regulation of various issues for hotels and other accommodation premises.
ng stated that during the one-year period, the state would implement the clauses in the enactment.
"There will be no compounds issued for any offences, but we will take a soft approach by reprimanding operators first. We will monitor safety, cleanliness, and ensure operations do not disturb the public," she said.
