The state government urges tourism accommodation businesses to register as per the newly-implemented rule
Liow Cai Tung, Exco for Tourism and Women, Family and Community Development urges providers of accommodation for tourists to register their services with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
Speaking at a press conference in an event by EcoWorld, Liow took the opportunity to remind unregistered accommodations including hotels, motels, homestays and Airbnb to cooperate with the government to register their services. This requirement is newly-implemented in 2019. Currently, awareness roadshows are ongoing to educate and inform the service providers on the registration process. According to Liow, the awareness campaigns have begun since January and they have covered Mersing and Johor Bahru areas.
Homeowners who rent out their space at Airbnb are to also register with MOTAC. At the moment there are no regulations with online tourism property lodging services. The state government is waiting for the federal government for a new regulation surrounding tourism-based accommodation service.
“We are in the middle-age of technology. We must think of new technologies and innovations coming in. Airbnb is an example of new innovation. We can’t stop Airbnb. Every country has its own rules and regulations. Registering ensures the protection of product owners and their clients,” said Liow.
