JOHOR BARU: Hoteliers are looking forward to the government’s guidelines for short-term rental accommodation (STRA), expressing hope they can be implemented before Visit Malaysia 2026.
They lauded the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry’s plan for STRA operators to obtain licences and hope the commitment can be translated into action as soon as possible.
Johor Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association chairman Jarod Chia said this was not the first time the ministry had announced this plan.
“In the past, we were also told that guidelines to regulate STRA would be introduced ‘soon’, but they never materialised.
“I’m glad the ministry has finally expressed its commitment to address this issue and hope that the timeline will go as planned.
“It’s even more important for them to do so now since we are just a few months away from Visit Malaysia 2026,” he said in an interview.
Chia said the guidelines will ensure travellers enjoy a safe and comfortable stay while visiting the country.
“A single bad incident could cause huge damage to our tourism campaign, and regulating STRA is one of the ways to prevent this from happening.
“It also allows operators to legalise their premises and maintain a standard on par with hotels,” he said.
Echoing the sentiment, Johor Malaysian Association of Hotels chairman Ivan Teo said safety and security should be one of the main aspects highlighted in the regulations.
“The fact that the government is highlighting this issue again shows it is making moves to improve the tourism sector, including supporting industry players.
“We hope this can be done before Visit Malaysia 2026, as STRA operators should also be given some time to make the necessary preparations to obtain a licence,” he said.
On Aug 6, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said STRA operators will soon be required to obtain business licences from their local authorities before registering as tourist accommodation premises.
He said the requirement was agreed upon by the ministry and the Housing and Local Government Ministry to improve regulatory control over STRA and tourist lodging premises.
