As such Kota Kinabalu city will issue guidelines and regulations for Airbnb this year, City Hall planning department director Stanley Chong was reported as saying.
The move comes after City Hall discussed the guidelines for Airbnb with the Lands and Surveys Department, its housing controller and legal experts, said Chong.
Chong revealed this on Monday during the 5th Sabah International Surveyors’ Congress, organised by the Sabah branch of the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia here.
Sabah Hotels Association chairman Christopher Chan said they did not look at Airbnb as a threat to the industry but were concerned with customers’ security and safety.
“The owners of the buildings also need to be aware of their legal obligations. In fact, all stakeholders must know their obligations.
“This way, when problems arise, we know who’s accountable. Nobody can then plead ignorance,” he told FMT today.
Airbnb has come under criticism for discrimination, crimes committed by users, privacy issues, pricing transparency as well as tax avoidance.
Chan said hotels on the other hand were insured and so risks were minimised, both to the operators and guests.
“Hotel operators must fulfil all requirements, such as having the fire department’s fitness certificate, a trading licence and registration with the federal tourism ministry.
“They also have to comply with the Innkeepers Act 1952, Registration of Guests Act 1965 and Personal Data Protection Act 2010 and many more before starting business,” Chan said.
“From our perspective as hoteliers, the risks for Airbnb guests are high. They are not protected against theft, burglary, fire, etc.
“Insurance and takaful companies are also unsure about the extent of protection for Airbnb.”
Although the government has declared that Airbnb is legal, apartment and condominium owners may only rent out their units on the popular app if their management bylaws permit it, said Md Azmi Mohd Shari, a legal officer from Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s valuation and property management department.
For some time now, many have called for Airbnb to be regulated – much like e-hailing services Uber and Grab.
There was also a warning on the safety and security risks posed to neighbours of those renting out their units on a daily basis.