Overhed hotel di Sarawak meningkat 30% dalam tempoh 2 tahun, kata pengusaha

Hotel operators in Sarawak have witnessed a 30% increase in overhead costs over the past two years, according to John Teo, the president of the Malaysian Hotel Association (MAH) Sarawak. The hike in labor, utilities, food, materials, and maintenance costs, attributed to Teo, follows decades of persistent labor and utility cost rises.

Electricity and water expenses also saw a surge due to the need for replacing outdated meters, as reported by Borneo Post. This increased cost has squeezed profit margins, and Teo suggested that the government should consider raising the minimum wage from RM1,700 to RM2,100 if the latter proves beneficial. Teo emphasized the necessity of maintaining a sufficient workforce to ensure smooth operations and service quality, regardless of occupancy rates.

While occupancy rates fluctuate, essential functions such as housekeeping, equipment maintenance, and front desk services must continue unabated, he added. Teo urged the government to provide targeted support for hotel operations, taking into account the actual operational realities of hotels of varying sizes. The 2027 Budget will be presented on October 9th.

Teo also called for targeted support to bolster Sarawak's air connectivity, including the opening of new feeder and international routes, as well as increased flight frequencies. The government must collaborate with airlines to develop new routes and consider promotional or temporary operational support for routes with strong potential in the tourism sector.