SHORT-TERM rental accommodation (STRA) operators will soon be required to obtain a business licence from local authorities to register as tourist accommodation premises, said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister.
Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the matter was agreed upon by the ministry and the Housing and Local Government Ministry to improve regulatory control over STRA and tourist lodging premises.
“This is crucial as licensing and enforcement of accommodation premises come under the respective state’s local authorities,” he said in a written reply to Rodziah Ismail (PH–Ampang).
Rodziah wanted to know why the launch of the STRA guidelines had been delayed, and for a revised timeline to ensure smooth preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026.
She also asked how the government planned to align STRA regulations with the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482) to avoid overlapping jurisdictions.
Tiong said the ministry has completed a preliminary review of Act 482 and aims to table the amendments in Parliament by year-end or early 2026.
The proposed amendments followed 54 engagement sessions involving nearly 1,000 participants, including representatives from various ministries, agencies, NGOs and industry players, including those from Sabah and Sarawak.
The proposed changes include improvements to licensing processes, introduction of insurance protection, stronger enforcement, registration of digital platforms and setting up of a Tourism Tribunal.
Tiong said the Planning Guidelines for STRA will soon be tabled for Cabinet’s consideration.
Once approved, it will be presented to the National Council for Local Government before being adopted by state governments and local councils.
