KUALA LUMPUR: The regulation of hotel operations does not fall under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry's (Motac) purview, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said such matters fall under a state government's jurisdiction, though the Tourism Industry Act requires hotels to register with the ministry as tourist accommodation premises.
He was responding to Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (PN-Bukit Gantang) who asked if Motac was monitoring hotel check-in and check-out times.
Tiong said while the regulation of hotel operations did not come under Motac, the ministry would hold discussions with the Housing and Local Government Ministry, state governments and local authorities on hotel operations.
He also said the ministry has also held an engagement session with hotel operators about the issue of check-in and check-out times and the shortage of housekeeping staff on Oct 17.
Tiong also said Motac would meet with the Human Resources and Home ministries on the shortage of workers affecting hotels.
"This is to ensure that the standards and quality of services in tourist accommodation premises remain high, especially for Visit Malaysia Year 2026."
Tiong previously urged hotel operators to adjust their check-in and check-out times to ensure that guests enjoy a minimum of 23 hours of accommodation daily.
He said a 23-hour stay is standard practice in many countries, where they do not compromise cleanliness or the quality of service.
The issue of hotel stay durations arose after guests questioned why some hotels set check-in times from 4pm and check-out at 11am the following morning.
Currently, most hotels set check-in at 2pm and check-out at 12pm.