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New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Short-term rental rules under review to protect consumers
KUALA LUMPUR: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) and the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) are currently in the process of reviewing the planning guidelines for Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA). Its deputy minister, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, said the review incorporates input from various stakeholders and aims to develop an appropriate and effective mechanism for monitoring service quality within the STRA ecosystem. "To address issues related to STRA, KPKT, through the Town and Country Planning Department, has developed the planning guidelines as a reference for all local authorities across Malaysia. "The guidelines outline several regulatory aspects for STRA hosts, including the categories of residential premises allowed, requirements for registration and licensing, safety considerations, duration of stay, and enforcement actions. "Since the regulation of tourist accommodation premises falls under the jurisdiction of state governments and is administered by their respective local authorities, Motac and KPKT are currently reviewing the STRA planning guidelines," Khairul told the New Straits Times today. He said the Penang government and the Petaling Jaya City Council are among the local authorities that have taken proactive steps in regulating STRA, and they could serve as models for other states in Malaysia. STRA refers to the rental of residential properties — such as apartments, condominiums, or houses — for short-term stays, typically of less than 30 days. On June 3, Malaysian Budget and Business Hotel Association president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel had urged the government to address the issue of unregulated STRA and the unlicensed sale of lodging options through online travel agencies (OTAs) and social media platforms. Ganesh said five key issues stem from the lack of regulatory oversight, including safety risks to tourists due to non-compliance with fire safety and health standards, as well as disturbances to residential communities caused by unchecked transient occupancy. Other concerns include loss of tax revenue for local councils and the federal government, distorted market pricing, disadvantageous law-abiding hotel operators, and weak consumer protection, leaving tourists vulnerable to scams and unsafe premises.
The Star
27-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Dengkil tin mining dredge being inspected before restoration
Selangor government and Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry have allocated RM13mil to restore the Sri Banting Dredge. — Filepic A DETAILED inspection of the Sri Banting Dredge in Dengkil, Selangor, is being carried out to assess the condition of the floating platform. Sepang Municipal Council (MPSepang) deputy president Muhamad Shah Osmin said this was to determine the extent of damage and outline necessary repairs. 'The consultant's findings will help the council better estimate the timeline for the project's completion,' he said. The restoration of the dredge, built in 1974, is for the construction of the 29.14ha national tin mining heritage park. Council-run cat park has treated 162 cats and rehomed 110. — Filepix The park is expected to be fully operational by 2028. 'We have received RM10mil from Selangor government and RM3mil from Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to support the restoration,' he said during MPSepang's monthly full board meeting yesterday. The 5,000-tonne structure, which was reportedly the largest dredge in the world, is part of Selangor's tin mining legacy. The electric-powered structure measures 86m in length and between 22m and 29.3m in width. It is equipped with 110 buckets and was capable of digging to a 30m depth. Muhamad Shah also said MPSepang had received the Honour Award for two research projects on the dredge done by its Town Planning Department. The award was presented by the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia at the Malaysian Landscape Architecture Award 2025. Separately, Muhamad Shah said Taman Kucing Cyberjaya, a council-run cat park, has treated 162 cats and rehomed 110 felines, since its inception in March 2023. 'There are currently 52 cats available for adoption,' he said. 'The council allocates RM80,000 annually to maintain the park which is managed by our Landscape Department.' He said the local council received strong support from non-governmental organisations and private companies, with 47 corporate social responsibility initiatives held at the park so far. 'I encourage more people to adopt from the cat park. 'All the cats are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and have received the necessary treatments,' he said.
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Task force to tackle stranded haj pilgrim cases
KUALA LUMPUR: Police will set up a special task force to address the issue of stranded haj pilgrims ahead of the 1446H/2025M pilgrimage season, says the federal police. The task force, established in collaboration with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), aims to coordinate investigations and enforce legal action against individuals or companies suspected of involvement in haj travel scams. Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) acting director Commissioner Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said the task force will commence operations at 8am on May 30 and will function round-the-clock to investigate cases involving scammed pilgrims. "The task force is a strategic initiative to ensure that all complaints related to stranded haj pilgrims are handled efficiently, systematically, and effectively," he said in a statement. He said the task force's operations centre will be located at the One-Stop Centre Meeting Room, Level 2, Block B Parking, Main Terminal, KLIA."This new task force will be responsible for overseeing investigations, documentation processes, and arrests where necessary, based on existing laws relevant to the offences identified."The police, MOTAC, and Tabung Haji will operate within their respective jurisdictions and legal frameworks in dealing with various forms of haj-related fraud," he said, referring to the upcoming haj a preventive measure, Muhammed Hasbullah also advised prospective pilgrims to verify the haj packages offered to them and ensure that the travel agency involved is registered with Tabung Haji as an authorised haj operator."This is crucial to avoid falling victim to scams," he move comes amid growing concerns over bogus haj packages and illegal operators that have left unsuspecting pilgrims stranded in recent of the public are encouraged to report suspicious offers or unregistered agencies to the authorities immediately to protect the integrity of the haj pilgrimage and ensure a smooth journey for Malaysian pilgrims.
Malaysiakini
18-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
What should Motac primary focus be?
LETTER | The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry said the review of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 began in August 2023 and involved 54 engagement sessions with nearly 1,000 stakeholders that included representatives from various ministries, agencies, NGOs, and tourism industry players, both locally and abroad. The Act requires more than just reviews. It needs to be revised if not overhauled, or better still, be replaced with a new Act. Over the past 33 years, the world has been transformed by many changes and disruptions, which will not abate in the coming years. With ever-changing landscapes and tectonic shifts, it would be tough for any industry to keep pace with developments. A clear example is the automotive industry, where we are witnessing the steady but imminent demise of legacy brands, with large car makers still stuck in their old ways. It is even more challenging with the tourism industry, which many stakeholders fail to fathom. Many industry players perceive tourism in much the same way as a group of blind men each touching just one part of the elephant's body and describing it as the whole animal. Many could not distinguish between the travel and tourism industry. Also, travel industry players would automatically assume that "outbound, inbound and domestic" are limited to tours only, but they constitute a very small percentage of revenue in inbound tourism, and more so for domestic. The tourism industry is humongous, with several large sectors and countless smaller ones. All have one thing in common, they are not in silos but overlap many other industries. Hence, those who claim they are in the tourism business may not really know what they are talking about. Likewise, for those in the travel business or calling themselves a travel agent. If their business is licensed to operate a travel agency, then the company is only permitted to act as agents for principals such as airlines, hotels and theme parks, but not to organise tours to sell and operate. If they are licensed for outbound, then they may organise, sell and operate tours overseas, usually in a series for groups with the same itineraries but different departure dates. Reputable outbound tour operators get to handle the more lucrative incentive tours for high achievers. If they are licensed for inbound, then they may accept reservations before incoming tourists enter our country and provide inbound tours upon their arrival. They are also permitted to offer their services to Malaysians and foreigners already in the country and conduct domestic tours. Contrary to popular belief, most customers for domestic tour packages are not Malaysians but foreign tourists who are already here and buy tour packages after their arrival and also foreigners residing here. They can be working or studying in Malaysia, or family members of expatriates. The top two sectors in the tourism industry are retail trade and food and beverage. As far back as 2019, around 3.6 million people were already employed in the tourism industry, with 34.7 percent in the retail trade and 32.5 percent in food and beverage, or a total of 67.2 percent in just these two sectors. In terms of revenue, total tourism receipts in 2019 were RM240.2 billion, with 46.2 percent earned in the retail trade and 18 percent from food and beverage, or a total of 64.2 percent. In 1975, licensing of tourist guides was introduced by the Tourist Development Corporation (TDC) under the International Trade and Industry Ministry. In 1987, travel and tour companies were licensed under "Tour Operating Business and Travel Agency Business" regulations introduced by the newly established Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which also took over the training and licensing of tourist guides. Most of the staff in TDC were involved in marketing Malaysia and they were absorbed into the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) or Tourism Malaysia for short. Later, the ministry's name was changed four times and ended with its present name and acronym as Motac. Hence, Motac is involved in licensing as a regulator and a promoter for tourism, arts and culture in Malaysia. Its four objectives are spelt out next to the ministry's policy statement. In addition, it is committed to the Client's Charter and various Key Performance Indicators. Aside from the arts and culture, Motac's success is best measured by the health of the tourism industry and must therefore facilitate a conducive business environment as much as it regulates. The thumbs-up given by industry players and visitors ripples far and wide over social media, and they have far greater reach and are more effective than all the claims and tourism promotions. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean and UK chart course for economic, cultural prosperity
ASEAN stands at a pivotal moment. With its rich cultural heritage and dynamic, youthful population, the region is poised to drive sustainable and inclusive growth through its creative sectors. The creative economy presents a vibrant path for the region, encouraging innovation, economic variety, job creation, youth empowerment and a stronger regional identity. The recent Asean-UK Symposium in Kuala Lumpur — a collaboration between the British Council and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry — marked an important milestone by developing a sustainable creative economy framework for the region. Attended by more than 100 delegates from government bodies and creative professionals across Asean and the United Kingdom, the event provided a vital platform for rich dialogue, featuring panels on cross-sector collaboration and the launch of the "Arts and Technologies in Asean: Interconnected Parts" report. A key outcome was the shared commitment to finalise the Asean Creative Economy Sustainability Framework for adoption at the Asean Leaders Summit this month, showing a strong commitment to regional cooperation. The UK, through the Asean-UK Advancing Creative Economy (ACE) Programme, has emerged as a strategic partner in this effort. Delivered by the British Council in collaboration with the UK Mission to Asean and the Asean Secretariat, the Asean-UK Advancing Creative Economy Programme (ACE) connects creative practitioners, policymakers and academics. It draws on UK expertise while embracing local knowledge to strengthen policy development and grow a creative ecosystem across the region. Since it began, the Asean-UK ACE Programme has reached over 1,000 policymakers and creative professionals across the 10 Asean member states and Timor-Leste. It has helped create stronger connections, better policies and shared learning. By connecting UK and Asean professionals and highlighting local best practices, the programme is creating opportunities for growth and wider adoption within the region. Inclusivity is at the heart of our approach. Over 60 per cent of participants in our Asean creative economy programmes are women, and we actively engage underrepresented groups, including disabled people and rural communities. By using local languages, accessible spaces and supporting grassroots initiatives, we ensure that every voice has a place in shaping the region's creative future. Chairing Asean in 2025, Malaysia has a big role to play. Its mix of cultures, location and growing tech industry make it a good place to grow creative ideas. We believe Malaysia can become a regional hub for creative innovation, especially in film, music and the arts. Cities like Penang are already using technological and infrastructural developments to boost the multimedia creative industry. Still, no country can succeed alone. Asean countries need to work together to share skills, knowledge and resources. By working together, Asean nations can create a larger, more integrated market for creative products and services, enhancing regional trade and investment. Initiatives to improve digital connectivity and infrastructure, along with aligning policies related to intellectual property, funding and censorship, are crucial steps towards creating a favourable environment for creative innovation. To the young creatives of Malaysia and across Asean: this is your moment. Build your networks, stay curious and seize the opportunities offered by organisations like the British Council. Whether your ambition is to thrive locally or make a global impact, we are here to support your journey. The Asean-UK partnership, demonstrated by the Asean-UK ACE Programme and the recent Kuala Lumpur symposium, is helping to build a creative economy that is fair, open and ready for the world. Together, we can shape a better future through culture and creativity.
