GEORGE TOWN – Do not delay regulating short-term stays amid complaints over quality of service, said Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) president Sri Ganesh Michiel.
He added that there have been complaints about the services, from room bookings to travel packages, provided by online tour agencies.
“This will result in a negative impression of the country’s accommodation standards and mar the image of our tourism industry,” he told The Vibes.
His comments came after news and social media postings of a Singaporean family, who were twice given dirty rooms after checking in at an apartment in Genting Highlands recently.
“Tourists from Singapore had recounted their bitter experiences when they were holidaying in Malaysia. This will give the tourism and accommodation industry a bad image.
“It did not happen at any licensed hotel. We are of the opinion that such issues should not happen at all.”
He said MyBHA has called on all parties to take seriously the revitalisation of the industry by ensuring quality service and competitive pricing.
“There is no point welcoming tourists when they are faced with shoddy service and high charges.
“The best option is to regulate short-term rentals and online travel services to ensure they fulfil their promise to consumers.”
In April, state Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo announced that the state had agreed to ban short-term rentals at landed and high-rise buildings, after receiving numerous complaints from residents’ groups at apartments, condominiums and residential neighbourhoods. – The Vibes, July 17, 2022
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