IPOH: Malaysians who are planning to travel and vote for the 15th General Election (GE15) are encouraged to book their hotel accommodations now.
Zamari Muhyi, the chairman for the Perak chapter of the Malaysia Budget Hotel Association (MyBHA) said he had been getting more calls from visitors booking long-haul stays throughout the GE15 campaigning period.
"Based on my observation, after the nomination day (Nov 5), we can expect to see more hotels getting booked because those involved in GE activities in the area will be staying for at least 10 to 20 days," he said.
Zamari operates three hotels in Sungkai, Slim River and Tapah. He is concerned that some hotel operators may end up double-booking guests due to overwhelming demand.
"Guests who are planning to 'balik kampung' and vote and those hoping to walk-in to get a room may be affected.
"This is why I hope Malaysians who need to travel to vote will sort out their hotel stays soon. But we Malaysians like to leave it to the last minute," he said.
Due to hotels being fully booked, Zamari added that people might resort to paying for illegal homestays or unlicensed short-term rental accommodation.
"I would encourage people not to do so because if any unwanted incidents were to happen, guests may not be able to get the help they need from local councils as these accommodations are not regulated," he said.
Meanwhile Nana, a hotel supervisor at Golden Roof Hotel in Ulu Kinta, is also encouraging people to book their hotels early.
"For polling day on Nov 19, half of our rooms are already booked. Based on my experience, people usually walk-in to get rooms.
"But I hope they will book early to avoid disappointment," she said.
