MONITORING hotel check-in and check-out times does not fall under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry but rather, is under the jurisdiction of state governments and local authorities, says its minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He said the requirement to register tourist accommodation premises, including hotels, falls under the Tourism Industry Act 1992.
“However, the regulation and enforcement of hotel operations do not fall under the ministry.
“Control of hotels and homestays is under the jurisdiction of the state government and monitored by local authorities in their respective states,” he said in response to a question from Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (PN-Bukit Gantang).
Syed Abu Hussin had asked if the ministry was monitoring check-in and check-out times by hotel operators and the actions it is taking.
Tiong had earlier proposed hotels offer guests a full 23-hour stay to improve guest satisfaction, and that the policy is common internationally, with check-in typically at 2pm and check-out by noon or 1pm the following day, without compromising cleanliness or quality.
He said his ministry would discuss with the Housing and Local Government Ministry, state governments and local authorities on the possibility of including other provisions on licensing and regulations under the Act.
He said on Oct 17, the ministry had conducted an engagement session with hotel industry association representatives to discuss the issue of check-in and check-out times arising from a lack of workforce in hotels.
“The ministry will work with the Human Resources and Home ministries to resolve issues involving recruiting foreign workers in the hospitality sector.
“This is to ensure the standards and quality of service of tourist accommodation premises remain high, especially in implementing the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign,” said Tiong.
