OWNERS of short-term rental accommodation (STRA) as tourist lodging premises can only operate after obtaining a business operating licence from the local authorities, said Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister (Motac) Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.
This, he said was agreed upon by Motac and the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
"The move is important as licensing and enforcement of lodging premises fall under the jurisdiction of each state's local authority," he said as reported by Bernama.
He was responding to Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli during the Dewan Negara question-and-answer session today, who sought clarification on the postponement of the ministry's launch of the STRA Guidelines.
The STRA Planning Guidelines developed by the Housing and Local Government Ministry through PLANMalaysia will be presented for Cabinet consideration soon before being tabled at the National Council for Local Government. - September 8, 2025
