IPOH: All accommodation service providers in Perak will be given a year’s notice to apply for hotel licences from the local councils before the Perak Hotel Enactment fully kicks in starting July next year.

Perak local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said these operators would include homestays, houseboats, chalets and camp sites.

“We want to ensure that the operators observe safety and cleanliness, among others, by getting the licence,” she said.

Ng said while the enactment’s implementation will commence next month, operators are given a year to get their accommodation businesses licensed.

“To allow sufficient time for engagement, awareness and familiarisation with the licence application process, the state has agreed to give operators a year to get their licences.

“We understand that some operators have not applied before, so we are giving them time,” she told a press conference yesterday.

Ng said the state government wants to encourage all operators to apply for the licence and register with the respective local councils.

She said they would accept both online and physical applications.

The state assembly passed the Perak Hotel Enactment in May last year, replacing the Boarding House Enactment, in use since 1927, to allow hotels and other accommodation premises to regulate various issues.

Ng said during the one-year period, no compound will be issued for any offences.

“We will take a soft approach by reprimanding them first.

“We will monitor their safety and cleanliness and ensure that their operations do not disturb the people,” she said.

Ng hopes that the practice of getting a licence will be accepted by all.

“It will be like any other business that requires a licence to operate,” she added.

To a question that some homestay operators might not be receptive towards getting the licence as they do not get customers all year long, Ng said the licence for them and small motels only costs about RM200 a year.

“The rates for the licences differ according to the types of premises.

“There are five categories. For small-scale motels and homestays, the rate is about RM200 for a year, which I feel is not really a burden,” she said.

Since the enactment was gazetted in July last year, Ng said more than 500 accommodation service operators in Ipoh had indicated their interest in getting the licence.

“Before the enactment was introduced, about 157 operators obtained their licences from the Ipoh City Council,” she said.

Ng also said they would postpone the implementation of the Local Service Charge, which is a new fee under the enactment, and enforce it next January.

“There will be a RM3 charge for a night’s stay in a room.

“It is an initiative that can help us improve infrastructure and facilities near local attractions,” she said, adding that other states have also implemented such a charge.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/21/start-applying-for-hotel-permits-soon-homestay-operators-told