28 July 2024

The Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) Sabah, in collaboration with the State Local Government and Housing Ministry (KKTP), has implemented an initiative to improve the efficiency of Short-Term Accommodation (STA) permit application process in Sabah.

The STA guidelines are important for seeking permission to operate STAs in urban and rural areas and to ensure these premises are certified safe to occupy and licensed.

This initiative has been carried out since 2023 through engagement with stakeholders held to obtain input and feedback on the draft guidelines.

KKTP Deputy Permanent Secretary Stanley Chong said amendments to the Local Government Ordinance 1961 and Hotels & Lodging Houses Bylaws will be made to ensure that the regulations are relevant to the current situation.

He also hopes the STA guidelines can be completed this year so that they can be used as a guide for entrepreneurs by following the conditions set to that STA premises in Sabah have a license and are safe to live in.

MPC Sabah Regional Director Edward Binty hopes the Sabah Government can develop STA guidelines with a "tourism-friendly" concept.

This would not only create new business opportunities, support the tourism industry and increase the income of the State Government but also indirectly contribute to the improvement of Malaysia's position in the "tourism receipts" indicator, which is currently ranked 40th among 67 countries in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024.

MPC is committed to driving productivity and competitiveness towards the national productivity growth target 3.7 per cent in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), through various productivity-enhancing missions such as empowering talent, accelerating the adoption of technology and reforming regulations.

Source : Daily Express Online