KUALA LUMPUR – The Sabah chapter of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) has clarified that the recent incident involving a tourist discovering a concealed camera in their lodging occurred at an Airbnb property, and not within a hotel room.
The association has voiced its concerns regarding this incident and underscored the importance of consumers distinguishing between registered and regulated hotels and other forms of lodging providers.
“Hotels are expected to adhere to strict guidelines and regulations to ensure the well-being of our guests,” it said in a statement.
“It is crucial to understand that Airbnb properties are not subject to the same regulations and standards as licensed hotels.
“Therefore, incidents like the one reported – while unfortunate – should not be attributed to the broader hotel industry, as such actions can damage the trust and integrity of our accommodation sector as a whole,”
Nevertheless, MAH extended its sympathies to the tourists whose experience was marred by the incident, adding that the association reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining the utmost standards of safety and comfort for all guests.
Furthermore, MAH calls upon all lodging providers to prioritise guest safety and privacy, regardless of their classification. It also urged tourists to prioritise their own safety as well.
“We encourage travellers to choose lodging options wisely, be vigilant about their surroundings, and report any concerns to the appropriate authorities,” it said.
“We will continue to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure that our hotels maintain the trust and confidence of travellers.”
On the September 7, the Kota Kinabalu police confirmed that they had received a report from a Chinese couple who were staying at the lodging. The couple had complained about discovering a concealed camera inside their room.
The police have initiated an investigation into the case under Section 509 of the Penal Code. — September 25, 2023