AIRBNB fired back at the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) for urging it to suspend operations in view of the Covid-19 outbreak, saying the association should not exploit a health emergency for its own commercial interests. 

“It is inappropriate for the MAH to exploit a global health emergency to further their commercial interests and agenda,” an Airbnb spokesman said in a statement. 

“Airbnb will continue to prioritise the safety of our hosts, guests and the community, and remain committed to working with the Malaysian government to support the local tourism industry, particularly during this challenging period,” the spokesman added. 

The association has made inflammatory and alarmist claims that could create senseless anxiety and damage local tourism, the representative said. 

The MAH statement also runs counter to the official guidance of local authorities and the World Health Organisation, he added. 

“During this global health emergency, the travel and tourism industry is responsible for adhering to health and safety protocols that are informed by official guidance from local and international authorities. 

“We encourage all players to join the important work of keeping their communities safe and well-informed and help mitigate the effects of travel disruptions,” said the Airbnb statement. 

Airbnb was referring to MAH’s remarks earlier today that a Joint Management Body of a posh serviced residence in the heart of Kuala Lumpur had notified its owners and residents through a circular, of a confirmed Covid-19 case involving an Airbnb guest in the condominium.

The association said the lack of registration information, guest services and support, emergency preparedness and basic standard operating procedures by the home-sharing platform pose critical risks to the country’s crisis management, leaving its citizens vulnerable to external threats. 

“We urge Airbnb to do the right thing and suspend all operations immediately to assist governments worldwide in containing Covid-19,” said MAH. – February 15, 2020.