Latest news with #KPKT
New Straits Times
4 hours 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 Sun
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia prepares to assume UN-Habitat presidency, eyes broader urban development role
PUTRAJAYA: As Malaysia prepares to assume the presidency of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2025–2029 term, the government aims to leverage this role to deepen international cooperation and promote sustainable urban planning practices both domestically and abroad. In a statement today, the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) said the appointment is expected to create opportunities for strategic partnerships, enhance Malaysia's participation in global urban policy discussions and support more coordinated efforts to address urban challenges. 'This is the first time Malaysia will hold the presidency of the UN's highest urban development platform, marking a significant international recognition of the country's commitment to advancing the global urban development agenda,' the statement said. KPKT added that the role aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), which focuses on building inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities. During this term, Malaysia will serve as president and hold a seat on the Executive Board alongside the United Arab Emirates, jointly representing the Asia-Pacific region. Upon his return from Nairobi, Kenya, where the election was held during the recent UN-Habitat Assembly, Minister Nga Kor Ming was welcomed by ministry staff in a brief gathering to mark the milestone. The ministry noted that this leadership role offers a platform to share Malaysia's experiences while also learning from international best practices. Nga expressed gratitude to the ministry and its agencies for their support in strengthening Malaysia's urban development policies and initiatives on the global stage, as well as for their efforts in developing frameworks that promote livable and sustainable urban spaces. 'This is not just KPKT's success, but a victory for all Malaysians. We will shoulder this responsibility together for the future of our cities,' Nga said.
The Sun
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia prepares to assume UN-Habitat presidency
PUTRAJAYA: As Malaysia prepares to assume the presidency of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2025–2029 term, the government aims to leverage this role to deepen international cooperation and promote sustainable urban planning practices both domestically and abroad. In a statement today, the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) said the appointment is expected to create opportunities for strategic partnerships, enhance Malaysia's participation in global urban policy discussions and support more coordinated efforts to address urban challenges. 'This is the first time Malaysia will hold the presidency of the UN's highest urban development platform, marking a significant international recognition of the country's commitment to advancing the global urban development agenda,' the statement said. KPKT added that the role aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), which focuses on building inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities. During this term, Malaysia will serve as president and hold a seat on the Executive Board alongside the United Arab Emirates, jointly representing the Asia-Pacific region. Upon his return from Nairobi, Kenya, where the election was held during the recent UN-Habitat Assembly, Minister Nga Kor Ming was welcomed by ministry staff in a brief gathering to mark the milestone. The ministry noted that this leadership role offers a platform to share Malaysia's experiences while also learning from international best practices. Nga expressed gratitude to the ministry and its agencies for their support in strengthening Malaysia's urban development policies and initiatives on the global stage, as well as for their efforts in developing frameworks that promote livable and sustainable urban spaces. 'This is not just KPKT's success, but a victory for all Malaysians. We will shoulder this responsibility together for the future of our cities,' Nga said.
Barnama
7 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Intensifies Diplomatic Push For UN-Habitat Presidency
KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to strengthen international support ahead of tomorrow's official announcement of the next President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), in a statement, highlighted Malaysia's crucial position in its bid to lead global efforts on sustainable urbanisation for the 2026–2029 term. The Malaysian delegation in Nairobi, led by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, has stepped up high-level diplomatic engagements, including productive bilateral meetings with key nations such as China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mexico, Azerbaijan, and Iran, all aimed at bolstering support for Malaysia's candidacy during the ongoing UN-Habitat Assembly. The delegation also includes KPKT secretary-general Datuk Wira M Noor and High Commissioner of Malaysia to Kenya Ruzaimi Mohamad. During discussions with the Chinese delegation, led by its Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Jiangou Dong, both sides reviewed upcoming joint events, including the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) in Kuala Lumpur from July 23 to 26. Meanwhile, the meeting with the director-general of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme in the UAE, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansoori, focused on aligning shared priorities for the co-presidency period and executive board membership for the 2025-2029 term. Nga was quoted in the statement as saying that both parties agreed to uphold collaborative principles within UN-Habitat's mandate while ensuring projects remained mutually beneficial and cost-neutral. The minister reiterated Malaysia's full support for next year's Quito +10 High-Level Meeting on implementing the New Urban Agenda during discussions with UN-Habitat executive director Anaclaudia Rossbach. This reaffirmed earlier exchanges at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in April. "We reaffirmed our commitment to continue supporting UN-Habitat's work in Malaysia, including the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, Global Public Space Guidelines and extended an invitation to Her Excellency to attend the ASEAN Mayors Forum in Kuala Lumpur and the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development in Penang," Nga added.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia intensifies diplomatic push for UN-Habitat presidency
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to strengthen international support ahead of tomorrow's official announcement of the next President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), in a statement, highlighted Malaysia's crucial position in its bid to lead global efforts on sustainable urbanisation for the 2026–2029 term. The Malaysian delegation in Nairobi, led by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, has stepped up high-level diplomatic engagements, including productive bilateral meetings with key nations such as China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mexico, Azerbaijan, and Iran, all aimed at bolstering support for Malaysia's candidacy during the ongoing UN-Habitat Assembly. The delegation also includes KPKT secretary-general Datuk Wira M Noor and High Commissioner of Malaysia to Kenya Ruzaimi Mohamad. During discussions with the Chinese delegation, led by its Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Jiangou Dong, both sides reviewed upcoming joint events, including the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) in Kuala Lumpur from July 23 to 26. Meanwhile, the meeting with the director-general of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme in the UAE, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mansoori, focused on aligning shared priorities for the co-presidency period and executive board membership for the 2025-2029 term. Nga was quoted in the statement as saying that both parties agreed to uphold collaborative principles within UN-Habitat's mandate while ensuring projects remained mutually beneficial and cost-neutral. The minister reiterated Malaysia's full support for next year's Quito +10 High-Level Meeting on implementing the New Urban Agenda during discussions with UN-Habitat executive director Anaclaudia Rossbach. This reaffirmed earlier exchanges at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in April. 'We reaffirmed our commitment to continue supporting UN-Habitat's work in Malaysia, including the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, Global Public Space Guidelines and extended an invitation to Her Excellency to attend the ASEAN Mayors Forum in Kuala Lumpur and the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development in Penang,' Nga added.
