Summary
- Penang’s Private Accommodation By-Laws 2026 took effect on Aug. 1.
- Operators must obtain licences from MBPP or MBSP.
- Fees include RM50 per application, annual licence fees from RM1,000 and an RM1,800 annual accommodation fee per unit.
- Councils can investigate, inspect and close premises for breaches.
- MBPP recorded 364 complaints from 2020 to March 2026, compared with 24 under MBSP.
- Operators have about two months to apply, with fuller enforcement expected to be considered from Nov. 1.
GEORGE TOWN, August 21 — Penang has introduced new licensing rules for private accommodation, including short-term stays offered through online platforms.
With operators facing annual fees starting from RM2,800 before other applicable costs. The Private Accommodation (Penang State Local Authority) By-Laws 2026 took effect Aug. 1.
Each licence application carries a RM50 administrative fee. The annual licence fee starts at RM1,000 for premises with up to three rooms, while operators must also pay an annual private accommodation fee of RM1,800 per unit.
State executive councillor H’ng Mooi Lye said operators would have about two months to apply, with fuller enforcement expected to be considered from Nov. 1.
Authorised council officers can investigate suspected offences, inspect premises and order closures for breaches. MBPP recorded 364 complaints involving illegal private accommodation from 2020 to March 2026, compared with 24 under MBSP.
MBPP has also imposed planning restrictions, including barring operations in residential strata properties, while MBSP is reviewing its procedures.
