Summary
- Penang doubles short-stay accommodation limit from five to 10 rooms.
- Annual licence fee reduced from RM1,000 to RM500.
- New room-based fees take effect on January 1, 2027.
GEORGE TOWN, October 23 — Penang will reduce licensing fees and double the permitted room limit for private short-stay accommodation operators under revised regulations taking effect January 1, 2027.
State Local Government Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the maximum number of rooms would increase from five to 10 following industry feedback.
Annual licence fees will fall to RM500 per unit, while accommodation fees will range from RM400 to RM1,800 depending on room numbers.
H’ng said the amendments, approved on October 19, would ease operating costs while maintaining safety requirements, licensing controls and protections for surrounding communities.
The state had previously allowed operators until October 31 to apply for licences without facing enforcement action during the transition period.
H’ng said local authorities would continue monitoring short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb properties, to ensure compliance with licensing, insurance and public safety requirements.
Meanwhile, representatives of the short-stay accommodation industry welcomed the revised fees and urged the state government to consider allowing operators managing multiple properties to apply for a single licence.
