Hotel operators nationwide are being encouraged to introduce a minimum 23-hour stay policy — for example, a 2.00pm check-in and 1.00pm check-out — in support of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing said the proposal is aimed at delivering better value for money to travellers, improving overall guest satisfaction and strengthening Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global hospitality market.
He explained in a written parliamentary reply that while check-in and check-out times remain at the discretion of hotel operators, the ministry is engaging the Housing and Local Government Ministry as well as state governments to explore the possibility of incorporating standardised operating hours into local authority licensing requirements.
According to Tiong, the move would complement the ongoing review of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 [Act 482], which seeks to enhance service quality standards across accommodation premises.
He also advised consumers to carefully review hotel terms and conditions before confirming bookings, noting that the lodging sector is highly competitive and guests ultimately retain the freedom to choose accommodation that best meets their expectations.
Earlier, he clarified that matters involving lodging houses and guesthouses fall under the jurisdiction of respective state governments and are administered by local authorities within each state.
