GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is set to engage in discussions with local authorities and hotel operators regarding hotel check-in and check-out times.
State Local Government Committee chairman Jason H'ng said that currently, both the Penang Island City Council and Seberang Prai City Council lacked guidelines or regulations on this matter.
"In light of Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing's statement that this issue falls outside the jurisdiction of his ministry, and following public feedback, the state government will hold discussions to review the situation," he told the New Straits Times today (Oct 24).
Yesterday, Tiong said that the regulation of hotel operations was a state responsibility, although hotels were required to register with the ministry as tourist accommodation premises under the Tourism Industry Act.
This clarification came in response to Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal's (PN-Bukit Gantang) inquiry about monitoring hotel check-in and check-out times.
Acknowledging the importance of the tourism sector in Penang, H'ng expressed hopes for early preparations to welcome visitors for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
"We aim to create a friendly and comfortable accommodation environment while safeguarding the interests of hotel operators," he added.
Previously, Tiong had suggested that hotels offer guests a minimum stay of 23 hours, a proposal that faced criticism from housekeeping and hotel associations.