KUALA LUMPUR – Short-term residential accommodation (STRA) platform Airbnb has emphasised that while it is not opposed to being regulated by the government, such directives should be “fair and balanced” without impeding the industry’s growth.
Airbnb’s Asia Pacific public policy director Mich Goh stated that while the company acknowledges the importance of imposing regulations to ensure compliance and safety for various industry players, the government must clearly outline what such rules would entail for different stakeholders.
“We have always called for a balanced approach to STRA regulations here in Malaysia, as we recognise that some level of regulation is necessary and important for everyone involved in the industry, from hosts to guests. The government has to provide clarity on what is to be expected of different industry players and what sort of standards are expected from everyone involved,” Goh said during a panel discussion hosted by Airbnb yesterday.
She underscored that just and equitable regulatory measures will ensure that such rules can achieve their goals without necessarily hampering the industry’s growth, which she said is currently playing a key role in diversifying local tourism offerings.
The inaugural ‘Embracing the Future of Travel, Catalysing Tourism Growth’ roundtable session was also attended by law firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co partner Mohamad Izahar Mohamad Izham, who asserted that the adoption of clear STRA guidelines is crucial in creating a regulatory framework that fosters a dynamic and innovative tourism sector.
Izahar emphasised that government regulatory mindsets must adapt to evolving industries presenting new innovations. Such a modified approach is for the better as it avoids the tendency of imposing regulations and later “forgetting” about them.
He also highlighted the interplay of laws at the federal, state, and local authority levels in the nation, saying, “We have to be mindful of this framework as different regulators will come into play with different actors within the STRA ecosystem.”
Noting that a national guideline could aid in streamlining such matters, Izahar pointed to Airbnb’s Guide to Responsible Hosting in Buildings, which was unveiled in June in line with the platform’s ongoing commitment to driving responsible hosting in Malaysia.
“As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship next year, spearheading initiatives such as the upcoming national STRA guidelines will play a pivotal role in strengthening public-private partnerships, ensuring greater clarity and confidence for hosts, guests, and stakeholders alike,” he said.
Also part of the panel was a spokesperson from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation’s digital transformation division and Asia Travel and Technology Industry Association managing director Mark Chan.
Commenting on regulatory frameworks, Chan said that such rules need to support continuous innovation in the tourism sector, especially as the travel industry rebounds from the global Covid-19 pandemic.
“Platforms like Airbnb allow travellers to experience local life more intimately, while technology continues to cater to the demand for personalised, flexible, and unique travel options and experiences. This underscores the need for greater public-private partnerships in shaping policies that foster the growth of digital platforms while complementing Malaysia’s robust tourism ecosystem in a manner that is sustainable and beneficial for all,” he added.
It was previously reported that Putrajaya plans to introduce nationwide regulations on Airbnb, aiming to become the first Southeast Asian country to do so.
The proposed new rules are said to require Airbnb hosts to register with the government and obtain licences to operate STRA. They will also have to comply with safety and quality standards, including providing emergency contact information and maintaining proper insurance coverage.
In May, Penang banned all private properties in the state, with the exception of commercial locations such as service apartments, from being used for Airbnb or other similar services following complaints by residents about bad behaviour by tourists.
The Sabah state government had also previously said it is considering a ban on private condominium units and residential homes being used for STRA after tourists found a hidden camera inside a socket at an Airbnb-hosting property.
Deputy Chief Minister II cum State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam had advised tourists to opt for licensed homestays and hotels as they are regulated and their services monitored under the ministry.
Most operators on the Airbnb platform are not registered under the local authority and are operating without a licence. – November 20, 2024