KUALA LUMPUR: Online property marketplace Airbnb has proposed a potential regulatory and tax framework for short-term rentals in Malaysia, saying it could stimulate the country’s tourism industry while addressing local needs.

The company said the framework includes clear and consistent national approach, simple registration through online and host-friendly system, a fair tourism tax and a new code of conduct.

“Airbnb is committed to doing everything we can to support the work of local authorities and sustainably grow Malaysian tourism as it works towards achieving a target of 30 million international tourists for Visit Malaysia 2020,” said Airbnb’s head of public policy for Southeast Asia, Mich Goh.

“We have listened to local authorities, and have put forward a regulatory framework that we respectfully believe would help grow Malaysian tourism now and into the future,” she said.

Goh said Airbnb’s plan would generate significant additional revenue for the government.

“A simple change in existing legislation would unlock millions of additional revenue for vital local services and infrastructure,” she said.