IPOH: Hotel management associations across Perak are urged to address the 4pm check-in time to prevent negative impacts on the state's tourism sector.
State Housing and Local Government committee chairwoman Sandrea Ng said that despite the Perak Hotel Enactment 2023, there were no specific regulations regarding check-in and check-out times.
"The enactment focuses on safety, cleanliness, and operations but does not set operational hours," she said during a press conference for the Perak Pawsitive Initiative 2.0 — Subsidised Cat Neutering Campaign.
She said that hotel operators should consider establishing universally acceptable check-in and check-out times.
"Currently, the government hasn't imposed specific regulations, as it depends on each operator's strategy, much like restaurants set their own hours. However, when it becomes a consumer issue, it falls on the operators," she added.
Ng said in a competitive tourism market, meeting consumer needs was essential.
"If check-in times don't align with these needs, it could disadvantage businesses," she said, adding that the state government could facilitate discussions with accommodation associations to establish a standard check-in time.
Her comments follow a recent social media post about a hotel in Ipoh enforcing a 4pm check-in time, a concern echoed in other areas like Putrajaya.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) is monitoring this issue and encourages public feedback via email at info@motac.gov.my.
On the event, Ng said it was a collaboration between Tanjung Malim District Council and the Tanjung Malim Animal Clinic, offering subsidised neutering surgeries for 200 cats from Oct 18 to 20.
The programme aims to control the stray animal population, particularly those abandoned by their owners, with neutering costs set at RM40 for male cats (originally RM120) and RM90 for female cats (originally RM170).