GEORGE TOWN – In a bid to solve public nuisance due to short-term rental accommodation (STRA) arrangements in Penang, Airbnb has agreed to the Penang government’s intention to regulate short-term rentals in residential properties, Penang State executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin said today.
He said that Airbnb’s public policy lead for Southeast Asia Shangari Kiruppalini and senior consultant Hafizin Tajudin had met with him and expressed a clear stance and affirmation to embrace the regulation.
“As much as the operations of STRA are boosting the economy, they should not cause public nuisance or social issues,” he said in a statement.
“More importantly, it should not impede the growth of the conventional hospitality industry.
“Our channels of communication are open and we’re glad that Airbnb put forth their suggestions and proposal pertaining to the regulations that are imminent,” he said.
The meeting with the representatives from Airbnb Singapore’s regional office took place at Yeoh’s office in Komtar earlier this week.
He said the introduction of a comprehensive regulation is aimed at safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders, including neighbours to STRA hosts and other tourism players.
The regulations will have to involve and see participation from multiple stakeholders, including federal ministries, the state government and STRA players, among others.
In April, State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo announced that the state had agreed to ban STRAs at landed and high-rise buildings, after receiving numerous complaints from residents’ groups at apartments, condominiums and residential neighbourhoods.
Two weeks later, Airbnb then urged the Penang state government to reconsider its plan to ban STRAs at landed and high-rise properties as it would risk derailing economic recovery efforts, damage Penangites’ livelihood and put jobs at risk. – The Vibes, June 12, 2022
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