This follows a post on X, in which a netizen complained about a hotel’s policy of setting check-ins at 4pm and check-outs at 11am.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) deputy secretary-general Nur Asyikin Aminuddin said changing check-in and check-out times, which results in shorter stays, is unfair to guests.

She said hotels should stick to the common practice of check-ins at 3pm and check-outs at noon.

“Otherwise, it would be unfair to guests who have paid a nightly rate.

“The government should draw up regulations so that hotels have standardised check-in and check-out times,” she told FMT.

Several netizens argued that the length of stay should correspond with the cost of the room, especially when the price is high.

Hotel operators contacted by FMT said they are free to determine their check-in and check-out times based on operational needs and other factors such as occupancy rates, room inventory, and staffing.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) vice-chairman Khoo Boo Lim said check-in and check-out times are set to ensure rooms are ready for incoming guests.

“Rather than face complaints about rooms not being properly cleaned, hotels prefer to inform guests of the check-in and check-out times at the time of booking,” he said.