LETTER | We refer to the Malaysiakini report Unlicensed hotel, Airbnb operators urged to register with Tourism Ministry.

The announcement is not new and Airbnb has been working closely with the Malaysian government and multiple local stakeholders on registration.

While amendments were recently made to the Tourism Act to extend registration requirements to include all homes, there are currently no registration forms for hosts to register their properties with their local municipal authority.

Registration forms are now available only for hotels which do not apply for Airbnb properties.

Registration processes are currently being updated to reflect this expansion. Once Motac’s new registration process is in place, we will actively work to inform hosts of the registration requirements as we have done with the DBKL last year and in hundreds of jurisdictions around the world.

We understand that new rules are needed for new technology and we believe in regulations that are clear, fair and progressive. This means collaborating closely with key stakeholders to facilitate understanding of the growing short-term accommodation market, and identify opportunities where Airbnb can support the hospitality industry, local communities and tourism infrastructure.

As part of our memorandum of collaboration with the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), we have participated in feedback sessions and shared key policy recommendations with the working group that is studying short-term accommodation regulation.

We also continue to work with authorities on collecting and remitting a broad-based tourist tax at a national level.

Malaysia is one of Airbnb’s fastest growing markets and we continue to grow here because locals see home-sharing as a way to share their famous hospitality with guests while also earning important supplemental income.

We have worked with governments around the world to successfully craft and implement regulations that ensure respectful and responsible home- sharing and we are committed to doing the same in Malaysia.

The writer is Airbnb head of public policy for Southeast Asia.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.