Owner of “Gay‑Friendly” Hotel in Melaka Apologises, Says Promotional Material Was an Oversight

According to Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) president Datuk Sapiah Haron, the council recorded the hotel owner’s statement on Thursday in relation to the issue.

She said the owner had formally apologised and admitted that the promotional content published on the hotel’s official website had been made available as a result of management oversight.

“The hotel has also taken action by removing the promotional material immediately,” she said in a statement.

Subsequent inspections revealed that the hotel had not applied for registration nor settled the required Heritage Fee for the 2024 period up to now.

“In addition, the hotel is required to obtain additional trade licences for several extra activities being carried out,” she added.

“The hotel was also instructed to comply with the requirement of having at least one Malaysian citizen employee stationed at the counter at all times.”

Hotel licence on hold pending compliance with council requirements

Sapiah added that the hotel’s business licence would only be reinstated once it has satisfied all conditions imposed by MPHTJ.

As part of further enforcement action, she said the council had also issued a compound for breaching licence conditions under the Hotels (MPHTJ) By-Laws 2011.

Datuk sapiah haron

“MPHTJ stresses that it will continue to carry out enforcement fairly, prudently and in line with the law in order to ensure all business activities comply with the stipulated regulations while taking into account the well-being and harmony of the local community.”

“Further action, including licence cancellation and restrictions on future business applications, can be taken against any premises that fail to comply with instructions after warnings have been given,” she added.