{
  "id": 2989213,
  "title": "Penang enforces Private Accommodation By‑Laws, vows crackdown on unlicensed short‑term rentals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/penang-enforces-private-accommodation-by-laws-vows-crackdown-on-2989213",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T09:12:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/24/penang-enforces-private-accommodation-bylaws-vows-crackdown-on-unlicensed-shortterm-rentals/232514"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "George Town, Penang, has begun enforcing the Private Accommodation By-Laws 2026, aiming to ensure short-term rental operators run legally and in compliance with regulations. Dr. Sri Ganesh Michiel, President of the Malaysian Budget and Business Hotel Association, emphasized the importance of this move for resident and tourist safety, as well as fairness and legal compliance. He stressed that enforcement depends on political will and a strong commitment to fairness and legality.\n\nThe by-laws, effective since August 1, grant local councils the power to inspect, investigate, enter, and shut down premises violating the rules. These penalties include an RM50 administration fee per application, RM1,000 annual licence fee for premises hosting up to three rooms, and RM200 per additional room. The yearly private accommodation fee totals RM1,800 per unit.\n\nNon-compliant owners face fines of up to RM2,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. MyBHA supports the ban on short-term rentals in all stratified residential properties within the George Town World Heritage Site, provided they comply with planning and heritage rules. The association urged local councils to establish a dedicated enforcement squad, conduct routine checks, respond swiftly to complaints, and impose severe penalties on violators.\n\nMyBHA also called for collaboration between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, state governments, local authorities, and online booking platforms to identify and remove unlicensed short-term rental advertisements.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN, Aug 24 — The enforcement of the Private Accommodation By-Laws 2026 marks a crucial step in ensuring t...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Penang enforces Private Accommodation By‑Laws, vows crackdown on unlicensed short‑term rentals",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/penang-enforces-private-accommodation-by-laws-vows-crackdown-on",
        "published": "2026-08-24T09:12:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Penang enforces private accommodation by-laws",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/penang-enforces-private-accommodation-by-laws",
        "published": "2026-08-24T09:53:07.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}