The operator of the online vacation stay and rental platform was responding to a call by the Malaysian hotel industry to the government to impose strict regulations on Airbnb and other operators of short-term residential accommodation (STRA).

They said they have been working with the government on the national STRA guidelines, which would help chart a clear and positive way forward for short-term rental accommodation in the country.

They added that Airbnb collected service tax from hosts and sent it to the authorities as required.

“When implemented, Airbnb will also begin collecting tourism tax on all bookings made via the Airbnb platform,” the company said.

According to Airbnb, it now has a voluntary code of conduct, which had been endorsed by the Malaysian vacation rental services management association, to establish standard STRA practices as part of its efforts to improve services.

“We have always supported the approval of these guidelines proposed by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation, which we believe are a reference point for local policymakers to consider how best to regulate STRA.”

An Airbnb survey conducted from Feb 1 to March 3, found that a third of Malaysian hosts polled said the money earned through Airbnb provided an additional source of income for the household, and helped them stay afloat during the pandemic.

“We remain committed to providing unique, safe, and family-friendly travel for Malaysians, and are working together with the Malaysian government to help rebuild tourism across the nation,” the company said.