PUTRAJAYA should censure the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) for using the Covid-19 outbreak to run a campaign against Airbnb, said the short-term rental accommodation industry in a letter to the Health Ministry.

In the letter addressed to Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, the company accused MAH of exploiting the health emergency for its own commercial interests and agenda.

“It is inappropriate for the association to exploit a global health emergency to further their commercial interests and agenda.

“While they may dislike short-term rentals for competitive reasons, there is no excuse for using this emergency in such a self-serving manner,” said Airbnb in its letter dated February 18, which was sighted by The Malaysian Insight.

Airbnb said it is concerned that the association’s attacks could impact negatively on the local tourism industry, especially when local businesses and tourism are reeling from Covid-19 outbreak.

“These attacks could compound the economic damage and send a message to international travellers that Malaysia is unsafe to visit.

“We ask the Malaysian government to condemn the association’s campaign.”

The tiff between MAH and Airbnb came to the fore when the association on February 15 urged Airbnb to suspend operations immediately to help the government contain the spread of Covid-19.

MAH had said a joint management body of a serviced residence in the heart of Kuala Lumpur 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.

“Human lives are at stake. Please set aside profitability and prioritise on keeping people safe,” MAH chief executive officer Yap Lip Seng said.

Airbnb then hit back at MAH for making inflammatory and alarmist claims that could create senseless anxiety and damage local tourism.

It said it would continue to prioritise the safety of its hosts, guests and the community, and remain committed to working with the government to support the local tourism industry, particularly during this challenging period.

It then followed that up with the letter to Dzulkefly.

Airbnb said the association’s criticism ignored the fact that Covid-19 is an industry-wide challenge, impacting all parts of the tourism industry, including airlines, taxis, cruise ships and hotels.

“We are deeply concerned the association’s attacks could undermine the government’s efforts to combat Covid-19 and create senseless anxiety in the community.

“Their claims spread potentially misleading information and contradict official guidance from local health authorities and the World Health Organisation,” it said.

Airbnb has activated policies to make it easier for people to comply with government travel advisories, it said. – February 20, 2020.