Tourism Minister Breaks Silence on Hotel Check-In Issue, Guarantees Urgent Action When He Returns from Overseas

Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Minister Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing has personally addressed the recent controversy involving arbitrary check-in and check-out times implemented by hotel operators in our country to allay the concerns of Malaysians on the issue.

In a statement released yesterday, Tiong said that he is aware of the ongoing issue hotly debated on social media, iterating that the matter has caught his attention and that he understands the concerns voiced by the public and relevant parties.

A meeting with all relevant stakeholders will take place as soon as Tiong returns from overseas

Tiong king sing

Accordingly, the MOTAC Minister announced that he had instructed his Ministry to urgently set up a special meeting with all relevant stakeholders, especially hotel operators, which will take place as soon as he returns from overseas.

For context, Tiong is currently representing Malaysia at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference.

For illustration purposes

As for the meeting, the MOTAC Minister elaborated that it will focus on discussing the issue as a whole and ensuring a fair resolution that won’t be burdensome for hotel patrons.

Tiong stressed,

“It is my priority to ensure the practice and policy implemented by hotel operators are in line with the interests of customers while ensuring the hotel industry can be competitive and sustainable.

“I guarantee that MOTAC will take immediate and effective actions to resolve this issue.”

The MOTAC Minister added that the views of all stakeholders will be taken into account in drawing up a resolution to ensure that Malaysia’s hotel industry remains competitive and customer-friendly.

MOTAC previously urged Malaysians to read the terms and conditions before making any hotel bookings

Previously, the Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (Mybha) responded to customers’ concerns about 4pm check-ins by saying that hotel operators in Malaysia are free to set their own rules.

Moreover, MOTAC also issued a statement saying that they understand the concerns but urged people to read the terms and conditions set by the hotel or any accommodation operators before making any bookings to avoid misunderstandings.

So, what is your opinion on the matter? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Also read: “Useless Press Release” – M’sians Bash Tourism Ministry’s Response to Hotel Check-In & Check-Out Times