P Pinang negeri pertama kuat kuasa undang-undang tempat inap

Pulau Pinang has become the first state in Malaysia to enforce the Small Short-Term Rental (SSTR) (Local Authority) Act 2026, starting from August 1 last year, to strengthen control and management of small short-term rental facilities. The proposal for the small SSTR law was approved by the State Council on June 10 last year, and the state government has given the two-month window for applications for rental permits.

The state government's exco, Jason H ng Mooi Lye, said that SSTR refers to short-term accommodation activities that do not exceed six months continuously without any relationship of lease between the owner and tenant, whether managed independently or through a specific platform with a fee. He said that the operation of SSTR is increasingly receiving support due to the growth of the tourism sector and the high demand for short-term accommodation, providing a special option for families or groups needing more space at a reasonable price.

However, he emphasized that its operation needs to be carried out regularly and responsibly to avoid disturbing the residents, including noise pollution, traffic congestion, social issues, and increased management costs. According to the Small SSTR law, every operator must obtain a permit from the local authority (LTA) and comply with requirements related to operation, cleanliness, safety, prohibited activities, and disturbance control.

The SSTR also gives the LTA the power to conduct inspections, investigations, enter premises, and close premises if there is a violation of requirements. The Small SSTR also gives the LTA the power to inspect, investigate, enter premises, and close premises if there is a violation of requirements. The Small SSTR costs RM50 for each application, RM1,000 per year for premises up to three rooms, and an additional RM200 per year for each additional room.

SSTR costs RM1,800 per year for each unit, and owners who fail to comply with the Small SSTR can be fined up to RM2,000 or imprisonment for up to one year or both. The operation of SSTR is not allowed in government or charitable premises, healthcare or child-care centers, private schools, and low-cost, cheap, price-controlled, and public housing projects.

The area authorized for SSTR is subject to control by the MBPP and MBSP, while on the island, the relevant zone must be in line with the draft of the State Planning Authority MBPP 2040 and the Special Zone Planning for the George Town World Heritage Site.