KUALA LUMPUR: Hotel operators are urged to adjust their check-in and check-out times to ensure that guests enjoy a minimum of 23 hours accommodation daily, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He said a 23-hour stay is standard practice in many countries and does not compromise cleanliness or the quality of service, adding that instead, it enhances the value guests receive for their money.
“I understand that hotels aim to minimise costs and maximise profits. However, this issue is not solely about industry profits. Customers who spend their money want to do so with satisfaction.
“If customers are pleased with what they pay for, hotel operators will undoubtedly reap substantial rewards,” he said in a post on his Facebook page on Saturday.
He said on the other hand, if guests encounter unsatisfactory experiences, it reflects poorly on hotels, and suggests that theyare prioritising profits over service quality.
Tiong added that he would assist in addressing the labour shortage faced by hotel operators, which they claim prolong the cleaning and room preparation processes, leading to concerns about extending the stay of guests, Bernama reported.
He said this issue would be discussed with the Human Resources Ministry and the Home Ministry, as assured to hotel industry representatives during a meeting in Parliament on Thursday.
“Currently, the hospitality industry does not have priority when applying for foreign worker permits. Moreover, the number of source countries allowed to supply foreign workers is severely limited.
“I will discuss it with the relevant departments to find solutions regarding this matter, including facilitating hotel operators to hire foreign workers directly without intermediaries.”
The issue of hotel stay durations arose after theSun reported on Oct 1 that guests were questioning why some hotels set check-in times at 4pm and check-out at 11am the following morning.
As another solution, Tiong has instructed the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage to help establish courses on cleaning and hotel room maintenance, with participants receiving certificates upon completion.
He said this initiative would enhance service quality and work efficiency in hotels while elevating the professional image of Malaysia’s tourism sector.
theSun had also reported that some 100,000 Malaysians left for Southern Thailand during the long weekend in conjunction with Malaysia Day on Sept 16 instead of holidaying within the country, contributing RM127 million to its economy.
Netizens complained that changes in Malaysian hotel check-in and check-out times are prompting more of them to travel abroad for holidays.
UiTM Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management senior lecturer Prof Dr Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah said the standard check-in is usually between 2pm and 3pm while check-out is at 12pm.
However, netizens on X and TikTok voiced concerns about hotels changing check-in times to 4pm, and bringing forward check-out times to 11am.
“If hotels continue annoying local guests with their inflexible check-in and check-out policies, more of them may decide to holiday abroad for convenience, causing Malaysia to lose out even more.”
He said travellers might also feel they are getting better value for their money at alternative destinations abroad, where they can enjoy comparable or better services.
