Short-term rental operators need to obtain licences soon, says Tiong

KUALA LUMPUR: Short-term rental accommodation (STRA) operators will soon be required to obtain a business licence from their local authorities before registering as tourist accommodation premises, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said this requirement was agreed upon by the ministry and the Housing and Local Government Ministry to improve regulatory control over STRA and tourist lodging premises.

“This is crucial because the licensing and enforcement of accommodation premises fall under the jurisdiction of the respective state’s local authorities (PBT),” he said in a written parliamentary reply to Rodziah Ismail (PH–Ampang).

Rodziah had asked why the launch of the STRA guidelines had been delayed, and for a revised timeline to ensure smooth preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. She also asked how the government plans to align STRA regulations with the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482) to avoid overlapping jurisdictions.

Tiong said the ministry has completed the preliminary review of Act 482 and aims to table the amendments in Parliament by the end of this year or early 2026.

The proposed amendments followed 54 engagement sessions involving nearly 1,000 participants, including representatives from various ministries, agencies, NGOs, and industry players from across Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak.

Among the proposed changes are improvements to licensing processes, the introduction of insurance protection, stronger enforcement, registration of digital platforms, and the establishment of a Tourism Tribunal.

Tiong added that the Planning Guidelines for STRA, developed by PLANMalaysia under Housing and Local Government Ministry will soon be tabled for Cabinet consideration. Once approved, they will be presented to the National Council for Local Government (MNKT).

The guidelines will then be adopted by state governments and local councils to ensure a more structured and sustainable implementation of STRA across the country. The rollout is expected by the end of this year.