Malaysia to regulate tour vehicles, short-term accommodations ahead of VM2026

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Tour vehicles must hold a valid Tour Operating Business and Travel Agency Business (Tobtab) licence, one of four key criteria for obtaining a tourism vehicle licence.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said tourism vehicles must also be equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) and comply with a maximum vehicle age limit of 15 years.

He said tourism operators must undergo training under the Industrial Code of Practice for Safety.

"These requirements are designed to ensure that operators comply with legal standards while prioritising passenger safety," he said in a statement after chairing the Cabinet Committee on Tourism and Culture meeting at the Parliament complex today.

Zahid said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, in collaboration with the Transport Ministry, has discussed the operation of tour buses, including procedures for handling road accidents involving foreign nationals.

"The discussions also addressed the coordination of communication plans and the establishment of standard operating procedures to ensure such situations are handled efficiently and effectively.

"The Transport Ministry, through the Land Public Transport Agency, will regulate the licensing of tourism vehicles based on the four main criteria mentioned above."

Meanwhile, Zahid said a new set of guidelines for regulating short-term rental accommodation (STRA) in Malaysia will be presented to the cabinet.

"The guidelines aim to provide a comprehensive framework for managing STRA activities, ensuring compliance with current legislation, simplifying the licensing process and addressing community concerns such as noise, parking shortages, improper waste disposal and misuse of shared facilities."

He said STRA, which offers an affordable accommodation alternative, is expected to be a key driver in the growth of the tourism sector, with the projected arrival of 35.6 million tourists by 2026. "The operation of STRA will require property owners to register and obtain an operating licence from the local authorities.

"Additionally, a digital platform specifically for managing STRA has been proposed to enhance Malaysia's competitiveness in the tourism sector." He said the initiative is aimed at ensuring community well-being, public safety, and sustainable economic growth.

In another development, Zahid said the recreational vehicle (RV) park planning guidelines have been developed to strengthen the tourism sector through strategic planning and integrated regulation.

"The guidelines outline a comprehensive framework for planning, including site requirements, operational management, and approval processes for developing RV parks. "Pilot project locations are proposed in Rompin, Pahang; and Sepang, Selangor."

Zahid said the initiative leverages technology through the Malaysia Campsite and Recreational Vehicle Park platform, which enhances transparency, ensures compliance with standards, and facilitates the management of recreational vehicle parks. "This project supports the sustainable tourism agenda and boosts the local economy."

He said close collaboration between ministries and agencies is crucial for creating a conducive ecosystem for the rapid and competitive growth of the tourism industry.

Such cooperation, he said, would allow for the immediate resolution of issues and help avoid confusion regarding jurisdiction, regulations, and enforcement, especially in ensuring the success of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

-nst online.