New Guidelines For Short Term Rentals Soon Says Zahid

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Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said short-term rental accommodation is expected to drive tourism growth, with projections of 35.6 million tourist arrivals by 2026. (Envato Elements pic)
PETALING JAYA: New guidelines to regulate short-term rental accommodation (STRA) will be presented to the Cabinet soon, says deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid said the guidelines will simplify licensing, ensure legal compliance, and address community concerns such as noise, parking shortages and waste, Bernama reported.
He said the operators will be required to register with local authorities and obtain operating licences.
“STRA, which offers affordable accommodation alternatives, is expected to drive tourism growth, with projections of 35.6 million tourist arrivals by 2026,” he was quoted as saying after chairing a Cabinet Committee on Tourism and Culture meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.
A digital platform dedicated to managing STRA activities will be developed to enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness in the tourism sector while safeguarding community welfare, public safety, and sustainable economic growth, he said.
Zahid said it was decided at the meeting that the transport ministry, through the Land Public Transport Agency, will regulate licensing for tour vehicles based on four requirements.
These are possession of a valid tourism operating business and travel agency licence, installation of GPS devices, adherence to a 15-year vehicle age limit, and completion of Industrial Code of Practice for Safety training.
“These requirements are designed to ensure that operators comply with legal standards while prioritising passenger safety,” he said.
He also said recreational vehicle park planning guidelines have been developed to strengthen the tourism sector through strategic planning and integrated regulation.
Pilot locations for the RV parks have been identified in Rompin and Sepang, with plans to use the MYCSRVP platform to ensure transparent park management.
“It directly supports the sustainable tourism agenda and empowers local economies,” he said. - FMT

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