KOTA KINABALU, January 25 – Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) has reinstated the original licence fee rates under the Kota Kinabalu City (Hotel & Lodging Houses) By-laws 1966, effective January 1. The fees are calculated based on hotel classification and occupancy rates, ranging from RM4.65 per room/day for Class 1 hotels to RM1.30 per room/day for Class 3. DBKK emphasised that the revenue will support city services and tourism development.
However, the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sabah/Labuan Chapter expressed concerns over the increased cost burden, noting that fees, previously RM10 per room annually, now depend on monthly occupancy rates. MAH Sabah/Labuan chairman Hafizan Wong warned that the steep increase could lead to service reductions, layoffs, or even closures, urging authorities to reconsider the financial impact on operators.
