By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 18: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) will expedite the formulation of guidelines and regulations related to the licensing and operation of homestays.
According to its minister, Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, this includes requiring homestay operators to obtain property insurance to protect the interests of the owner and guests.
“The ministry will continue to strive to improve the standards of homestays in the country, including enhancing basic facilities to ensure the uniqueness of this tourism product is maintained while providing comfortable and quality accommodation experiences for tourists,” he said in a Facebook post on March 17.
At the same time, he reiterated his rejection of any unfounded rumours claiming that the government plans to abolish the homestay programmes.
“I made this statement at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Tourism Ministers’ Summit, held in conjunction with the ITB Berlin 2025.
“During the session, I was invited to share my views on the role of the tourism sector in driving economic growth and strengthening social integration. I specifically highlighted the homestay initiative as one of the main catalysts for this industry.
“I emphasised that unlike other forms of investment that require a long period to show results, investment in the tourism sector has an immediate impact on the national economy.
“The rapid growth of this industry also creates demand in various sectors such as transportation, food, and services, directly benefiting communities at all levels,” he said.
He also shared that homestays are not only an alternative to hotels, especially for large families or tourists seeking affordable accommodation, but they also allow travellers to experience and understand local culture more closely.
Additionally, he said that homestays also act as a platform for cultural exchange, strengthening social relationships domestically and internationally.
“Homestays are an integral part of the national tourism ecosystem, and I will continue to strive to make it an icon of Malaysian tourism.
“In addition, I am prioritising efforts to strengthen strategic cooperation between the government and the private sector to drive the recovery of the tourism industry post-pandemic,” he said. — DayakDaily
