JOHOR BARU: The Johor government has no immediate plans to regulate short-term stay (STS) rentals for now, says state exco member Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.

The Johor housing and local government committee chairman said STS operators are still allowed to carry on with their activities in the state without having to hold a business licence or pay taxes.

ALSO READ: Regulating short-term stays in Penang https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/04/14/regulating-short-term-stays--in-penang

“From the local government point of view, we have no plans to regulate the STS accommodation providers as of now, but we will study the matter to see whether there is a need for it.

“Many homeowners are running such rentals as a tourism product where visitors stay for one or two nights,” he said when asked whether Johor would follow Penang’s footsteps to regulate STS lodgings such as Airbnb.

Mohd Jafni said there have been complaints of nuisance at some of the STS rentals but “nothing very serious yet”.

He reminded STS rental operators and guests to be sensitive towards the surrounding community and avoid having late night parties that disturb the peace of others.

“When this happens, neighbours can call the police, or lodge a complaint with the local council for actions to be taken,” he added.

ALSO READ: Illegal rentals still mushrooming across M’sia, says group https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/30/illegal-rentals-still-mushrooming-across-msia-says-group

It was reported that the Penang Island City Council decided to strictly regulate all forms of STS accommodation at private residential properties on the island.

High-rise owners planning to offer such rentals on the island must obtain the approval of their respective joint management bodies or management corporations, where they need to obtain a 75% “yes” vote from other residents at an annual general meeting.

Following that, tourism industry players in Johor told The Star that they hoped the state would follow Penang by regulating STS rentals as the unlicensed accommodation, which has been mushrooming, was drawing customers away from legitimate hotels.