KOTA KINABALU – Sabah’s Local Government and Housing Ministry is coming up with a law to regulate Airbnb operators, following a report from a newlywed couple from China over the discovery of a hidden camera in their rental here recently.
Its minister Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam said the idea is to group together Airbnb operators under the hotel business so it would be easy to regulate and monitor them.
“It is very unfortunate that this incident happened. This is what happens when Tom, Dick and Harry are doing it.
“Once you ask anyone to operate Airbnb, this is what happens because it is not regulated.
“We are going to put these Airbnb operators under the same category as hotel business so at least we can regulate and monitor them,” he told reporters after attending the opening of the South Korean consulate-general office here today.
Under present Sabah by-laws, apartments, condominiums, or flats that have been approved for residential use are not allowed for serviced apartment activities, Airbnb, or short-term lodging rentals because they do not comply with the requirements of the Fire and Rescue Department, such as the sprinkler system.
Developments like these are also of the subsidiary or strata title type, and if they are converted into accommodation units for rent, it would violate the house rules of the building management corporation.
Residential units approved as serviced suites, on the other hand, are considered commercial and are not restricted by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall from engaging in lodging rental activities in such units.
These owners can rent out their lodging as long as they comply with building plan approvals or the requirements set for such activities.
The authority over homestay facilities comes under the Local Government and Housing Ministry and the Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.
While citing the incident as an isolated case, Joachim, who is also Sabah deputy chief minister, advised tourists who plan to visit Sabah to check-in into proper hotels and accommodations for their own safety.
He said visitors who want to stay in Airbnb rentals should be acquainted with the property owners first before booking their stays.
“If there are any problems, the tourist concerned should lodge a report before leaving the state, so we can act.
“If they decide to viral the matter in their home country, it is not nice.
“This is not just about putting shame to some…we need to be certain that such a crime has been committed, and it is difficult to check if they have left the country.”
Kota Kinabalu police recently confirmed receiving the report from the Chinese couple on September 7 and have also confiscated the spy-cam, which was discovered inside the homestay facility here. – The Vibes, September 27, 2023
