By Balqis Jazimah Zahari
Photo & sources Pejabat SUK
IPOH: The Perak State Government has announced the Perak Hotel Act 2023 which will come into force starting July 1st.
This announcement was made by Chairman of the State Housing and Local Government Committee, Sandrea Ng Shy Ching, during a press conference at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building here today.
Also present was the Chairperson of the Tourism, Industry, Investment and State Corridor Development Committee, Loh Sze Yee.
Sandrea stated that the enactment aims to enhance the quality of hotels and accommodations, as well as to regulate issues concerning safety, cleanliness, and disturbances that often concern visitors.
“Perak Hotel Act 2023, approved by the Perak State Assembly on May 23, 2023, was gazetted on July 20, 2023.
“Now, the implementation details of this Act are specified in the Perak Hotel Regulations, which have been approved by the Perak State Government Meeting Council for enforcement.
“The Perak Hotel Act 2023 together with the Perak Hotel Regulations 2024 will improve the governance of hotel management and accommodations in the state of Perak, enhance public safety practices, and raise awareness of environmental health among tourism industry players in Perak,” she said.
She added that industry players such as hotel operators, motels, lodging houses, guesthouses, boat houses, camping sites, homestays, AirBnB accommodations, or vehicles used as accommodations are required to apply for licenses from the respective Local Authorities (PBT) in their districts.
“The government has agreed to provide a one-year grace period starting from July 1, 2024, until June 30, 2025.
“During this period, PBT will provide guidance to operators to understand and implement improvements or corrective actions to meet the specified requirements.
“Each hotel license application must undergo safety reviews from relevant technical departments and agencies including the Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS), Minerals and Geology Department, Public Works Department, Fire and Rescue Department for consideration by PBT for licensing approval.
“The government will also implement a Local Service Charge (CPT) of RM3 per room/per night starting January 1, 2025, to enhance the quality of local services in tourist destinations in the state,” she said.
