PORT DICKSON: Hotels here want the Port Dickson Municipal Council (MPPD) to defer the implementation of a nightly RM4 sustainability fee for occupied rooms due to come into force on Nov 1.
Negri Sembilan's Malaysian Association of Hotels chairman Haziz Hassan said the move could negatively impact the tourism industry, especially with the upcoming Visit Negri Sembilan Year 2026 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
"We support sustainable tourism and are not against it but we want a more inclusive and practical approach to this.
"The association is also disappointed that stakeholders' concerns have not been adequately addressed before MPPD implemented this," he said.
Haziz said hoteliers were told of the decision during a briefing session held on Oct 15.
He said the association had raised several key issues previously, but these had yet to be addressed.
"We insist that MPPD conducts a public awareness campaign, including announcements via printed and social media.
"There also has to be clear signage on the sustainability fee at tourist entry points and hotels,” he said.
He also asked if homestay and Airbnb operators, which have mushroomed in the resort town, would be subjected to the fee.
“Already, these establishments do not incur expenses and other operational costs like hotels.
“This certainly puts hotels at a further disadvantage,” he said.
Hafiz said as collecting agents, hotels should also have the right to know where the money would be spent.
"We are all for beautifying PD, but for transparency purposes, the council should share with us where the money we collected on their behalf would be spent," he said.
Haziz expressed hope the MPPD would hold another round of talks with industry players to ensure a fair, transparent and inclusive implementation process.
He also proposed a three-month grace period until the end of January 2026 before the sustainability fee was enforced, to, among others, allow hoteliers to adjust systems and processes and to train their staff.
"And for a start, we hope the fee is reduced to RM2 per room per night," he added.
