FR Residence owner Farra Syazliyana, who has several rooms across Kota Kinabalu available for short lets, said Airbnbs cater to holiday goers who are unable to book hotel rooms during peak periods like school holidays.

“Airbnbs can accommodate these tourists,” she told FMT, adding that between 50% and 60% of her yearly revenue is earned when schools go on break.

Farra said that during the holiday season, room rates can increase by over RM40 and, in most cases, guests would only stay overnight.

“So the ban would severely impact my business if it is implemented and my monthly income will decrease because I won’t be able to accept short-term rentals.”

She also said a ban would impact the state’s tourism industry overall, as domestic tourists tended to travel in big groups and preferred the convenience of homestays or short lets.

She said the ban, proposed by Sabah deputy chief minister Joachim Gunsalam, poses a challenge for homestay owners.

Gunsalam had proposed the ban after reports of a hidden camera found in a power socket at an Airbnb room rented by a couple from China.

D’Sri Gayang homestay owner Aida Amirah said a ban would make it challenging to find tenants.

“It is easier to find tenants who want to stay for less than a week than it is to find those who want to stay long-term,” she said.

Aida said lower earnings would affect her pursuit of higher education. She agreed that local tourists typically only want to stay a few days, “so banning short term rentals will affect my income”.