THE Penang government is expected to enforce operation guidelines for private homestays on strata or landed properties in Penang on January 1, 2023.

State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh said the guidelines document, which is more than 90% ready, will be tabled at the Penang State Executive Council in the next two to three months.   

“We received 228 complaints in 2019, 258 in 2020, 186 in 2021 and 14 as of May this year from island residents on guests renting private homestays for the short term.

“Among the complaints received are on damage to the infrastructure provided and too many people putting up in one private unit,” he told reporters after opening the Penang Homestay Engagement Session today.

He said the guidelines are provided to improve and streamline the operating methods and procedures of private homestays in Penang, in line with the increasing number of such properties involved in the state.

He said Penang is a focus of tourists and some visitors prefer living in a homestay during their vacation.    

“We do not want the tourism industry to be affected as it has just picked up after the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the well-being of Penang residents should also be looked after and private homestay owners need to comply with the stipulated guidelines,” he said. – Bernama, July 28, 2022.