KUALA LUMPUR – The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has clarified that the check-in and check-out times imposed by hotel operators falls under the purview of state governments and local authorities, as stipulated in the Federal Constitution.
This comes amid criticism towards minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s (Bintulu-GPS) suggestion that hotel operators adjust their timings to ensure that guests enjoy a 23-hour stay, which he previously described as “standard practice” in many countries.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Tiong said that his ministry will hold discussions with state authorities and other relevant parties regarding the matter as the operations of boarding and lodging houses is under the jurisdiction of state governments.
“The Tourism Industry Act 1992 stipulates the need to register premises used for tourists’ lodgings, including hotels, but the operational regulations and enforcements (for such premises) are not under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.
“However, since the services offered (by such premises) involve tourists, the ministry had held an engagement session with hotel operators on October 17 to discuss the issue of check-in and check-out times,” Tiong said.
The minister, who said this in response to a question from Datuk Syed Aby Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang-Independent), added that his ministry is also expected to hold engagement sessions with the Housing and Local Government Ministry regarding the issue.
He also reiterated that discussions will be held with the Human Resources Ministry and the Home Ministry to address the matter of bringing in foreign workers for the hotel industry to ensure that the standard and quality of services offered to tourists remains top-notch.
Last week, Tiong assured that he would assist in addressing labour shortage issues raised by hotel operators, which they claim prolong the cleaning and room preparation processes, leading to concerns about extending guests’ stays.
The issue of hotel stay durations arose after guests questioned why some hotels set check-in times from 4 pm and check-out at 11 am the following morning. – October 23, 2024