By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Aug 11 — The Selangor government is considering a tiered licensing approach for homestay operators, with requirements tailored to the scale and risk of each operation, said state executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato' Ng Suee Lim.
He said the approach would distinguish between small-scale family- and community-run homestays and larger commercial accommodation operators, rather than impose uniform licensing requirements on all operators.
"Licensing needs to be tiered according to the scale and operational risks. It is not appropriate to apply the same approach to all categories of operators," he said in response to questions raised by Permatang assemblyman Syazwani Noh during the question-and-answer session at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly today.
Ng said factors being considered include room capacity, the type and location of the premises, operational scale, safety risks, parking requirements, the impact on neighbouring communities and facilities provided.
He said the tiered licensing approach would allow technical requirements, fees and monitoring measures to be adjusted more appropriately for small operators without compromising basic standards relating to safety, cleanliness, public health and local order.
"The state government will also consider compliance methods that are more accommodating to small operators, including the possibility of phased implementation, so they have a clear pathway to operate legally without being burdened with requirements equivalent to those imposed on hotels and large-scale commercial operators."
Ng noted that many homestays in areas such as Kuala Selangor, Tanjung Karang, Sekinchan and Sabak Bernam are small-scale operations with only six to 10 rooms, with some located in village residential areas or on agricultural land.
However, he stressed that minimum safety requirements could not be compromised as the premises accommodate tourists and other guests.
Meanwhile, Ng said new licensing applications for homestays operating within the Kuala Selangor Municipal Council (MPKS) area had yet to reopen, as the council was still finalising guidelines covering land use, planning and building requirements, licensing, safety, parking and operational controls.
He said applications would reopen once the policy and guidelines were finalised, adding that authorities would continue to monitor existing operators and provide advice to help them comply in the meantime.
