Penang’s plans regarding hotel fees have been a subject of recent discussion, with conflicting reports emerging on the matter. According to the Chief Minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow, there are currently no plans to raise the hotel fees in the state.
However, earlier reports suggested that Penang was considering an increase in hotel fees. The mayor had indicated that the fees could be raised by 50%, affecting visitors staying in hotels across the state. Currently, guests at four-star hotels and above are charged RM3 per night, while those in three-star hotels and below are charged RM2 per night.
Despite these considerations, the Chief Minister has clarified that no immediate hike in tourism fees is planned. This assurance was given to alleviate concerns that an increase could negatively impact the tourism sector.
The hotel levy charges in Penang are utilized for the development of basic infrastructure and to promote the tourism sector. According to the Chief Minister, these charges play a crucial role in enhancing the state’s amenities and attracting more visitors.
While there were initial discussions about a potential increase in hotel fees, the Chief Minister has confirmed that there are no current plans to hike these fees. This decision aligns with the state’s efforts to maintain a welcoming environment for tourists without imposing additional financial burdens.
Sources:
- http://malaysiansmustknowthetruth.blogspot.com/2025/01/penang-may-increase-hotel-fees-by-50.html
- https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/01/17/penang-cm-says-not-hiking-tourism-fees-for-now/163628
- https://ground.news/article/hotel-levy-charges-are-used-to-develop-basic-infrastructure-promote-the-tourism-sector-chief-minister
- https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2383932