IPOH, Feb 15: The Ipoh City Council (MBI) will hold discussions with representatives of the Perak chapter of the Malaysian Budget Hotel Association (MyBHA) following MBI’s decision to allow Airbnb and homestay services to operate in order to meet the city’s accommodation needs.
Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said his team is always open and takes the initiative to hold meetings to find the best solutions.
He said the discussions were important as the tourism sector also contributed to the economic recovery of the state and country in particular.
“MBI takes a stand from all aspects, and not to mention that Ipoh is now visited by international tourists who definitely have their own hotel preferences.
“Even the statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) shows over 300,000 international tourists visited Perak last year and that the demand for four- and five-star hotels is high. MBI understands the concern voiced by the Perak MyBHA and on these matters we will have a meeting soon,” he said in a press conference here today after chairing the MBI full board meeting for Feburary 2024 at the MBI here.
Earlier, Perak MyBHA chairman Zamari Muhyi disagreed with the MBI’s decision to allow Airbnb and homestay services for the sake of the sustainability of the registered and licensed hospitality industry.
The Perak MyBHA also confirmed that hotel rooms around Ipoh city were still sufficient to accomodate tourists especially during the weekends.
Elaborating on the current status of the development of the RM500,000 grant offered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) to upgrade the drainage system and change the turf of the Perak Stadium field, Rumaizi also said discussions have been held with the state government and the outcome will be announced later on the selection of the turf.
“Whether the Zeon Zoysia or Bermuda type grass is to be used, this will be decided after discussions with Perak FC as it may its own assessments,” he added.
— BERNAMA