SHAH ALAM, March 27 — Sabak Bernam homestay operators have started adjusting to the tourism sustainability fee with their own approaches to ensure it doesn’t burden visitors.
The state government previously launched the fee, effective January 1, to maintain heritage and environmental sustainability in tourist hotspots.
Nur Faridah Homestay operator Muhammad Khairilannuar Azmudin said the team chose to incorporate the fee into the booking total to make it easier for customers.
“For this year we are ready to implement it, and for now the RM2 charge is included in the booking fee, but the price could change.
“We are also taking the opportunity to explain to visitors so they understand why the sustainability fee is being implemented, (as the charge is) especially for the development and upgrading of infrastructure in tourism areas,” he told Media Selangor.
Khairilannuar, who joined a town hall on the matter held by the Sabak Bernam District Council (MDSB) last year, also said most smaller operators are wary of charging tourists a separate fee.
Meanwhile, Cma Homestay operator Norhashimah Hashim, 39, said the fee is more suited for larger-scale operators that own multiple homestays.
“For small operators like me, it’s a bit difficult to add a new charge because we depend on only one homestay unit as a source of income without support from additional units or other supplementary activities.
“Plus, we only provide basic accommodation without bicycle or motorcycle rental services, so the sustainability fee is better suited to operators who own many units,” Norhashimah said.
Haiseh Homestay owner Siti Aini Kaseh Mohd Misri, 52, said she is maintaining her rates without charging the sustainability fee to ensure her homestay prices remain affordable and don’t burden customers.
“We haven’t started charging the fee because we don’t want to jeopardise customer interest, plus we provide various activities like fishing, a swimming pool, and badminton.
“The fee could be charged in the future if there is a need or a positive reception from visitors so its implementation doesn’t affect their interest and satisfaction,” Siti Aini Kaseh said.
Previously, state executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ ng Suee Lim announced a tourism sustainability fee, effective January 1, to ensure heritage and environmental sustainability.
Ng said the fee would be collected by hotel and homestay operators on behalf of local authorities, with a small amount to be handed over to the state government.
