By Aida Aziz
IPOH: It is believed that the stand of Ipoh Mayor, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin, who insists that Airbnb and homestays are necessary to meet the demand of visitors to this city, is not acceptable at all.
The Chairman of the Malaysia Budget Hotel Association (MyBHA) Perak, Zamari Muhyi, expressed that this situation is akin to accepting an influx of business from foreign traders without proper licenses.
In addition, this includes UNCR cardholders conducting business within the administrative area of the Ipoh City Council (MBI) now.
“The Mayor has stated that the Municipal Council (MBI) needs to take action against Airbnb and homestay accommodations. If these operations are not licensed and incidents occur without regulation in these two business operations, it will pose problems.
“This statement indicates that Datuk Rumaizi is aware of the consequences of unlicensed and unregistered businesses.
“Nevertheless, he still believes it should continue due to demand factors.
“It is clear that he seems to accept the form of business without a license, unregistered, and without consideration for the safety and comfort of visitors when staying at Airbnb and homestay accommodations,” he said on Sunday.
In the meantime, Zamari, who is also Secretary-General of MyBHA Malaysia at the National Level, welcomes Rumaizi’s willingness to discuss the issue of Airbnb and homestay accommodations in Ipoh.
However, he said that the discussion should take place before MBI issues any statements regarding the issue.
According to him, MyBHA always agrees with efforts to open more 4 and 5-star hotels in Ipoh
“The market segmentation always varies according to market demands and travelers’ capabilities. Moreover, some members of MyBHA Perak have taken the initiative to take over the management of budget and business hotels that had to cease operations after being severely impacted by COVID-19.
In providing the best services to visitors, MyBHA Perak frequently organizes programs and training for its members, such as conducting the Friendly Malaysia Course.
They also offer Emergency Preparedness and First Aid courses, organize a Clean, Beautiful & Creative Lobby Competition in collaboration with Tourism Perak, and participate in memorandum of understanding visits with the Hatyai Songkhla Hotel Association in Southern Thailand,” he said.
Previously, the media reported that Rumaizi was ready to discuss with MyBHA Perak to resolve the Airbnb issue in this city.
Additionally, he mentioned that the meeting is crucial to provide insights into the shortage of hotel rooms to accommodate visitors to Ipoh.
