Tourism Ministry urges longer hotel check-in and check-out hours under VM2026, while operators retain discretion over policies.
PETALING JAYA: Hotel operators are being urged to adopt a minimum 23-hour stay for guests — such as a 2.00pm check-in and a 1.00pm check-out — as part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the initiative aims to provide tourists with better value for money, enhance the overall visitor experience and make Malaysia’s hospitality sector more competitive globally.
“While hotel check-in and check-out times remain at the discretion of operators, the ministry is consulting the Housing and Local Government Ministry and state governments to explore incorporating operational time standards into local authority licensing conditions for a more sustainable approach.
“This aligns with the ongoing review of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 [Act 482] to strengthen service quality standards at accommodation premises,” he said in a written parliamentary reply.
Tiong also reminded the public to read hotel terms and conditions carefully before making bookings, noting that the accommodation industry is competitive and that guests have the power to choose.
Earlier, he said matters relating to lodging houses and guesthouses fall under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments and are overseen by local authorities in each state.
