KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing is set to hold a special meeting with hotel industry operators to address concerns surrounding hotel check-in registration times in Malaysia.
In a statement, Tiong said there was a need for a comprehensive discussion to find a fair solution that would not burden customers.
"I have instructed my ministry to urgently arrange this meeting with all relevant parties, particularly hotel operators, as soon as I return to Malaysia. Currently, I am representing the country at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference but will return shortly to tackle this issue effectively," he said.
Tiong affirmed his commitment to ensuring that hotel practices and policies aligned with consumer interests while promoting a sustainable and competitive hospitality industry.
"The ministry will take immediate and effective action to resolve this issue. We will consider the views and suggestions of all stakeholders in our decision-making process to keep Malaysia's hotel industry competitive and customer-friendly," he added.
Recently, it was reported that some hotel operators have set check-in times starting at 4pm and check-out times at 11am.
This policy has sparked discussions among netizens, many of whom feel it is unfair due to the relatively short duration of stay provided.
Previously, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) said that it had been monitoring the situation and is taking it seriously to ensure industry players provide clarity.
In a statement, Motac welcomed further input from the public regarding this issue, which can be sent via email to info@motac.gov.my.
The ministry also advised the public to read and understand the terms and conditions set by hotels before making reservations, emphasising the importance of this to avoid misunderstandings or dissatisfaction regarding pricing and services provided.