Jagdeep to propose ban on unlicensed short-term rentals in Penang

GEORGE TOWN – Penang Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo will propose that the state sanctions an outright ban on unlicensed short-term rental (STR) practices.

The ban may come as early as Wednesday when the state executive council meeting chaired by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is held, Jagdeep told a press conference here.

He believes that the federal government is waiting for Penang to take the lead before they too follow suit with a ban on STRs at high-rise buildings – from condominiums to townhouses and apartments.

“I believe that the majority of high-rise residents support us. You here, journalists live in high-rise buildings. Do you want noisy neighbours near you?” Jagdeep asked those attending his media briefing.

Jagdeep said that it is unfair for residents to tolerate neighbours on short-term lease packages, especially if they are rowdy and litter common areas.

Hence, Jagdeep said that he will pursue a ban on STRs here despite what some quarters may be saying about the move.

He also explained that there is a big difference between STRs and the homestay programme.

The latter is approved by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry together with local councils, whereas STRs are illegal, he said.

Homestays can continue to function in Penang with no restrictions but as for STRs, the state should ban them altogether, said Jagdeep.

He, however, did not respond when asked if the ban may affect hosts under global STR stay-providers Airbnb, saying that he is only focused on STRs.

Earlier Airbnb, while expressing support to working with Penang on the matter, expressed reservations if the move would disrupt the services the home sharing provider offers.

In a statement, Airbnb highlighted the concerns expressed by Penang-based hosts regarding the government’s initial proposal for “extremely onerous restrictions” on STRs in high-rise buildings and its potential impact on their livelihoods, as well as on local businesses and communities. 

This is especially given the fact that hosts have finally seen an opportunity to recover from the pandemic, thanks to the recent greenlight for domestic travel and the reopening of Malaysia’s borders to foreign tourists.

In response to this, Jagdeep said that Penang has many hotels that offer all kinds of accommodation to tourists coming to the state.

Earlier, Jagdeep launched a guide book authored by Penang Island City Council councillor Connie Tan on how to handle stray domesticated animals in Penang.

There are an estimated 10,000 strays on the island, of which 3,638 have been neutered, while 600 have found new homes under the council’s stray management programme.

DAP leaders such as state secretary and senator Lim Hui Ying, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim and Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee attended the launch at Gurney Plaza mall. – The Vibes, May 16, 2022