Airbnb Regulation: Sabah DCM calls for stricter measures

Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, has highlighted the necessity for proper regulation of Airbnb operations within the state. The government is currently examining existing laws to determine how this can be accomplished.

Dr Joachim has proposed that it may involve restricting Airbnb rentals in condominiums or private housing areas, requiring them to be operated by business entities rather than individuals.

The concern over Airbnb regulation arises in light of recent incidents, including the discovery of hidden cameras in rental properties. Dr Joachim suggests that Airbnb hosts should only rent their premises to close friends or acquaintances, adding that this issue is about setting minimum standards for the platform.

Ensuring the safety and integrity of Airbnb rentals

Dr Joachim stressed the importance of proper regulation to ensure the safety and integrity of Airbnb rentals. He believes that the government should play a role in overseeing these operations to maintain certain standards.

He also clarified that issuance of Airbnb permit does not fall under his ministry’s jurisdiction. He encouraged visitors to Sabah to book accommodations with proper licenses and urged Airbnb operators to conduct their business professionally.

Meanwhile, Airbnb’s safety team has taken action by suspending a host account in Sabah pending an investigation into allegations of a hidden camera inside a wall socket at a lodging.

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan General Manager, expressed disappointment over such incidents and reiterated the platform’s ban on hidden cameras.

Stern action against the allegations

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) has also taken the matter seriously, following a report by a couple from China regarding the hidden camera. Sabah’s MOTAC, along with related agencies, has been instructed to take stern action against the allegations, which were initially shared on a Shanghai-based social media platform and later reported by local news portals.

Presently, Sabah by-laws prohibit apartments, condominiums, or flats approved for residential use from engaging in serviced apartment activities, Airbnb, or short-term lodging rentals.

Such properties do not comply with the requirements of the Fire and Rescue Department, including the sprinkler system. Additionally, these developments are often of the subsidiary or strata title type, and converting them into rental units would violate building management corporation rules.

However, residential units approved as serviced suites are considered commercial and are not subject to restrictions by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall for engaging in lodging rental activities.

The issue of Airbnb regulation remains crucial for Sabah as it seeks to balance the interests of hosts, guests, and the broader community while ensuring safety and compliance with existing laws and standards.