MAH continues to engage directly with Government agencies on legislation, workforce policies and regulatory matters affecting Malaysia’s hotel industry.
For Malaysia’s hotel industry, changes in Government policy and regulation can have a direct impact on day-to-day operations, workforce management and business costs.
The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) therefore continues to maintain active engagement with Government agencies, ensuring that the perspectives and operational realities of the hotel industry are represented in discussions affecting the sector.
Throughout June and July 2026, MAH participated in several key engagements covering employment insurance, labour legislation, foreign-worker recruitment, tourism taxation and social protection.
Keeping Hotels Informed on Employment Policy
On 4 June 2026, MAH participated in the Engagement Session on the Employment Insurance System (EIS) Act 2017 Amendment at Zenith Hotel Putrajaya, organised by the Ministry of Human Resources.
The session provided an opportunity for MAH to receive updates on developments concerning the Employment Insurance System, workforce legalities and worker welfare.
MAH’s participation also supports its role in ensuring that relevant developments are effectively communicated to member hotels.
Representing Hospitality at the Labour Convention
On 18 June 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources invited MAH to represent the hospitality industry at the Konvensyen Perburuhan 2026 – “Pemerkasaan Undang-Undang Perburuhan: Mengimbangi Kebajikan Pekerja & Kepentingan Majikan”, held at Wyndham Acmar Klang.
The convention brought together stakeholders to discuss labour policies and updates to key legislation, including the Employment Act 1955, Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990, Industrial Relations Act 1967 and Trade Unions Act.
For the hotel industry, labour legislation has a direct bearing on workforce management and operational practices. MAH’s representation provides an important avenue for the industry’s perspectives to be brought into these discussions.
Understanding Changes to Foreign-Worker Recruitment
On 26 June 2026, MAH attended a briefing by PERKESO on its new The Universal Recruitment Advanced Platform (TURAP) at Menara PERKESO Putrajaya.
The briefing focused on the enhanced foreign-worker recruitment process through the new digital platform, including operational guidance and stakeholder feedback.
As workforce availability remains an important consideration for the hospitality sector, MAH’s engagement enables the Association to remain informed of changes that may affect member hotels.
Bringing Hotel Operations into Tourism Tax Discussions
On 14 July 2026, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) invited MAH and MAHO to an engagement session in Putrajaya to review the Tourism Tax framework.
The discussion covered practical issues including the interpretation of “rooms” and “nights”, hourly accommodation, long-term hotel stays, shared occupancy involving Malaysian and foreign guests, foreign diplomats and foreign nationals working in Malaysia.
These issues demonstrate the importance of ensuring that regulatory frameworks remain relevant to the realities of today’s accommodation sector.
MAH’s participation provides an opportunity for the practical considerations faced by hotels to be reflected in the review process.
Continuing Engagement on Social Protection
On 15 July 2026, MAH attended the Sesi Roundtable SKIM Kemalangan Bukan Bencana Kerja (SKBBK) & Pindaan Akta 800 Bersama Industri at PERKESO Ampang.
The engagement focused on the PERKESO Lindung 24 Jam initiative under the Non-Employment Injury Scheme (SKBBK) and developments relating to amendments to Act 800.
Together, these engagements demonstrate the breadth of policy issues affecting the hotel industry.
A Stronger Voice Through Engagement
Effective industry representation requires more than simply receiving information. It requires continued dialogue, understanding the operational implications of policy and ensuring that industry perspectives are heard by the relevant authorities.
Through its ongoing engagement with Government agencies, MAH continues to represent the interests of Malaysia’s hotel industry and contribute industry perspectives to discussions that shape the operating environment for hotels.
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