Sabah Has Banned All Airbnbs And Here’s Why

In Malaysia, we can also find tonnes of houses or residential units that have been converted into cool, hipster Airbnbs. However, if you’re planning to look up on any Airbnb accommodations in Sabah, there will be a problem – the state government has banned all Airbnbs in Sabah.

According to Assistant Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Datuk Pang Yuk Ming, the move was to “prevent people from taking advantage of the influx of tourists, especially at the state capital.” Besides that, the state has also considered the safety of its people.

“Airbnb is (considered) a business, but if an apartment is built as residential property, it cannot be used for commercial purposes,” Pang told the New Straits Times.

Another justification following the ban is due to the government’s desire in protecting the hotels’ interests especially international hotel chains. It is said that these international hotels have important roles in the development of the state tourism.

“They can help in marketing Sabah. If those branded (hotels) move away due to the mushrooming of illegal accommodation providers (Airbnb), it will affect the reputation of the state,” Pang told the English daily.

The Land Below the Wind has recorded a staggering amount of 1.62 million international visitors as of August 2017.

A quick check on Airbnb by Rojak Daily revealed that over 300 Airbnb listings are still available in Sabah at the time of posting. Not sure if the ban has come to effect since the announcement or the government is planning to implement the ban starting a certain date.