Selangor State Executive Councillor (Exco) for Local Government and Tourism, Dato’ Ng Suee Lim, has revealed that the Selangor State Government is planning to limit the operations of Airbnb and other short-term rental services in the state.
The plan, slated for January 2026, will introduce a maximum of 180-night stay condition in a year for short-term rental services in the state.
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Selangor is planning to limit the operations of Airbnb in the state starting in 2026
Ng was quoted by the official Selangor state media as saying that under the plan, short-term rental services such as Airbnb are only allowed to operate for 180 days or 6 months in a calendar year. Should they run beyond 180 days, operators must apply for planning permits.
He added that the move is a response to complaints from industry players, especially hotel operators, over unhealthy competition due to Airbnb operators not being tied to any mechanism or law in the state. Accordingly, the new mechanism is meant to control Airbnb operations in Selangor.
“Hotels must pay all kinds of fees and such, while Airbnb isn’t bound to any law. If they want to operate all year, Airbnb must apply for planning permits from local authorities,” Ng explained.
Ng suee lim
However, the Selangor State Local Government and Tourism Exco assured that the move is not meant to burden operators of short-term rental services. Instead, Ng said that the plan is the right move in many ways, including in guaranteeing customer safety.
“The state wants to launch a whitelisting (operation), including by registering (operators) with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC). This will let us control and monitor things, and ensure operators pay the relevant duties,” he added.
The implementation will depend on the upcoming guidelines from the Federal Government
However, Ng said that the implementation of the plan will only be decided after the Selangor State Government studies the short-term stay guidelines by the Federal Government.
Specifically, the Housing and Local Government (KPKT) will release policies and drafts on the matter next month.
What’s confirmed is that the Selangor State Government will impose a sustainability fee on all residential accommodations, including hotels, homestays and Airbnb units, starting next year. Local media reported that the fee will vary depending on the type of accommodation:
- Five-star hotels – RM7
- Four-star hotels – RM5
- Three-star hotels – RM3
- Homestays or Airbnb – RM2
Ng clarified that the tax isn’t new in Malaysia, as it has been introduced in other states, including Penang, Melaka, Pahang and Perak.
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So, what do you guys think of the Selangor State Government’s plans? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: Budget 2026: Malaysians Can Claim Income Tax Relief of Up to RM1,000 for Domestic Tourism
