KUALA LUMPUR: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) does not regulate hotel operations, says Minister Tiong King Sing.
He added that this includes the overseeing of policies such as hotel check-in and check-out times.
Tiong explained that although the Tourism Industry Act 1992 [Act 482] requires the registration of tourist accommodation premises, including hotels, it does not extend Motac's role to include the regulation and enforcement of hotel operations.
"The responsibility for regulating hotels and homestays lies with the state government and is monitored by local authorities in each state," he said.
The minister's comments came during his response to a question from Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang-Perikatan) in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Oct 23), where he cited the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
Tiong added that Motac plans to consult with state governments, the Housing and Local Government Ministry and local authorities about including additional licensing and regulatory provisions for hotels under the Tourism Industry Act.
He said that Motac has already engaged with hotel industry association representatives on October 17 to discuss issues such as staffing shortages in housekeeping that affect check-in and check-out processes.
Tiong then added that Motac is coordinating with the Ministries of Human Resources and Home Affairs to address the recruitment of foreign workers within the hospitality sector.
"This collaboration is vital to maintain the high standards and quality of tourist accommodations, particularly as we prepare for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign," he said.
On October 20, Tiong had proposed that hotels offer a full 23-hour stay to enhance guest satisfaction.
He said that internationally, it is common for hotels to allow check-in at 2pm and check-out by noon or 1pm the following day, while still maintaining cleanliness and service quality.
