Unlicensed hotel operators and those offering vacation rental services on AirBnB have been urged to register without delay with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to avoid legal action.
Its Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said delays in registering would possibly open up operators to severe action from the ministry and local authorities.
“We urge all the operators involved to immediately register with the ministry to avoid legal action taken against them under the Tourism Industry Act 1992.
“The ministry is also actively tracking down operators who are unlicensed and we are advising them to register with us,” said Mohamaddin after meeting the Malaysia Budget Hotel Association (MyBHA) at his office in Putrajaya on 14th february thursday.
On AirBnB, Mohamaddin said his ministry has held discussions with the Housing and Local Government Ministry on implementing conditions on the business.
AirBnB is an online booking platform that allows people to rent out their properties or spare rooms to guests.
“Just like how hotel operators have to register their business, AirBnB also has to go through the same process, which is to register with the ministry and apply for a business licence from the local authorities.
“For that purpose, the ministry is now in discussions with the Housing and Local Government Ministry to identify a new mechanism for business registration for AirBnB operators across the country,” he said.- Bernama
