MBPP survey shows 90% against units leased for homestays: Jagdeep

GEORGE TOWN – A survey conducted by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) recently, which involved around 300 strata properties here, has revealed that about 90% of the respondents will not support the move if their neighbouring units are leased out for homestays.

Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning exco Jagdeep Singh Deo said the MBPP survey had been conducted in batches over the past six months, showing that Penang was spot on in trying to regulate short-term stays at stratified and landed properties.

Speaking to journalists, here, today, Jagdeep said the guidelines – which are a first in the country – to regulate short-term accommodation, are scheduled to be introduced by January next year.

Despite objections by some private unit/homeowners, who earn supplemental income from leasing out their properties, Jagdeep was convinced that it is for the best.

According to him, the guidelines were in the final stages of being drawn out before being presented to the state executive council for ratification and enforced.

“The guideline for stratified properties is almost completed. 

“However, we also want to incorporate guidelines for landed properties so that both can be ready together. 

“We also need to get feedback from stakeholders, which we are doing now. It will take between two and three months for the exercise to complete,” he said.

At present, Jagdeep said that there are a total of 2,511 stratified properties in Penang, involving 326,464 units.

It is learnt there are many illegal homestays available in Penang at present due to the high demand for such services by tourists coming to the state.

Jagdeep also opined that homestays should not be allowed to operate at low-cost, low-medium cost and affordable housing schemes due to their high density and limited space.

The MBPP survey also spelled out that the common complaint among neighbours of homestay service providers is the disruptive behaviour of guests.

MBPP recorded 228 formal complaints on homestays in 2019, 258 in 2020 and 186 complaints last year despite the lockdown imposed due to Covid-19.

As of June, this year, Jagdeep said the city council had received a total of 14 complaints.

Acknowledging that the decision to regulate homestays in Penang was tough, Jagdeep said the interest and wellbeing of residents were more important than tourism and rental revenues generated from homestays. 

“We need to protect our people, hence the need to implement the guidelines.”

Among those lauding the initiative include the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), who have been lobbying for the regulation of homestays and the need for operators to meet the licensing requirements in terms of fire and building safety.

MAH’s Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh said that the safety and security of guests are of paramount importance in any innkeeper charter.

“The same should be applicable to homestays,” he said.  – The Vibes, July 30, 2022