PETALING JAYA, Nov 23 — The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is prepared to adhere to the new guidelines on short-term rental accommodation, which are expected to come into force in January 2026.
Its Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said they are also ready to hold discussions with relevant parties should there be requests from operators’ representatives to ensure smooth implementation.
“We are assessing the suitability of the locations. Once these rules are set, we will follow them. However, if there are requests from the ground, we will try to review them,” he said.
Zahri was speaking to the press attending the Sustainable Economy @ CBS Kota Damansara programme today, which was graced by the presence of the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin.
Previously, the state government announced that it will impose a maximum stay requirement of 180 nights or six months per year for short-term rental units such as Airbnb starting January next year.
State executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said the final ruling will be decided after the state government reviews Putrajaya’s short-term rental accommodation guidelines, expected to be issued next month.
He explained that the measure aims to regulate Airbnb operations following complaints from hotel operators who claim the platform has created unfair competition because its operators are not bound by formal mechanisms or laws.
The Dewan Rakyat was previously informed that the draft guidelines for short-term rental accommodation will be presented for Cabinet approval before being brought to the National Council for Local Government (MNKT) for implementation by the end of this year.
