Malaysia is inching closer to becoming the first country in South-East Asia to impose widespread curbs on short-stay rentals like Airbnb. This move comes after one of its most popular holiday hotspots, Penang Island, restricted such accommodation due to unruly tourists.
The nation had been looking into regulating short-term rentals for several years due to complaints about rowdy tourists behaving badly in residential areas. However, the discussion gained renewed impetus in recent weeks after Penang Island slapped a partial ban on Airbnb and similar services. The rules, which will still allow serviced apartments, are due to come into force on March 1, 2024.
While Malaysia is one of several countries that Airbnb is in discussions with over moves to regulate short-stay rentals, it is “closest to the finishing line,” according to Mich Goh, the company’s head of public policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
In response, Airbnb has called for balanced regulations rather than outright bans and pointed to the contribution short-term rentals make to local economies. In a survey commissioned by the San Francisco-based company, 82% of Malaysians said Airbnb allows locals to generate additional income and 67% said renting through the platform has a positive impact on their community. Three-quarters of respondents said Malaysians should be allowed to rent out vacant apartments amid the nation’s property overhang.
“It is critical that STRA (short-term rental accommodation) is regulated in a balanced and effective way that enables, instead of restricting, Malaysia’s long-term tourism growth,” Goh said.
Kuala Lumpur was Airbnb’s most visited city in Southeast Asia last year and one of the most searched destinations worldwide. The company has warned that restrictions will hurt Malaysia’s tourism sector.
In conclusion, Malaysia is moving closer to becoming the first country in South-East Asia to impose widespread curbs on short-stay rentals like Airbnb. The country aims to balance the needs of its tourism industry with the concerns of its residents by regulating short-term rentals in an effective way.
