Airbnb is urging the government to introduce clearer and more practical regulations for short-term rental accommodation (STRA) and expand support for home-sharing businesses under Budget 2027, scheduled to be tabled on Oct 9.
In its Budget 2027 wishlist, Airbnb Southeast Asia Head of Public Policy Shanta Arul said the government should establish national STRA guidelines that provide greater regulatory certainty while avoiding excessive compliance burdens on individual hosts and small businesses.
The company called for greater consistency across states, with standards that local authorities can implement effectively.
Airbnb also welcomed the ongoing review of the Tourism Industry Act 1992, urging the government to adopt a regulatory framework that strengthens consumer protection while supporting innovation and competition in the tourism sector.
Airbnb proposed expanding existing government grant and financing programmes, including GAMELAN and TEKUN Nasional, to help more Malaysians participate in the home-sharing economy.
The proposed support would cover digital literacy, safety compliance, sustainable hosting and entrepreneurship, particularly among women, youth and micro-entrepreneurs.
The company also called for greater investment in promoting secondary cities, heritage districts and rural destinations to distribute tourism spending beyond established tourist hotspots.
It urged stronger public-private partnerships to support accommodation demand during major events, including the 2027 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games.
According to an economic impact analysis commissioned by Airbnb using the IMPLAN model, Airbnb-related activities contributed approximately RM8.3 billion to Malaysia’s GDP in 2025, supported 108,300 jobs and generated RM3 billion in labour income.
Shanta said Airbnb hopes Budget 2027 will strengthen Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem while providing a practical regulatory environment that allows more Malaysians to earn income through home sharing.
