SEREMBAN: Property owners operating homestays in Negri Sembilan may need to apply for a license soon, says Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
The Mentri Besar said this was part of plans by his administration to regulate the homestay business following complaints from the public.
"I have received many complaints, especially in Port Dickson and Seremban, about guests leaving their garbage strewn all over the place, parking their cars indiscriminately, causing congestion in neighbourhoods and for being noisy.
"Guests need to be sensitive and respectful when they come to a neighbourhood and it is probably time for us to come up with the 'dos and don'ts' for renting out their dwellings to others," he said after chairing the state exco meeting here.
Aminuddin was asked to comment on complaints from property owners in Port Dickson of the disturbances caused by those renting out bungalows, apartments and houses in residential areas in the resort town.
"We are also thinking if local councils should put such dwellings under a special category as it's a business operation. Owners may also be required to pay a higher assessment," he said, adding that these owners may also be given larger rubbish bins to allow guests to properly dispose of their rubbish.
Aminuddin said all local councils in the state have been asked to work on this to formulate a standard set of guidelines.
"We need some rules and restrictions because we do not want a situation where guests play loud music till late and cause a nuisance to neighbours, for example.
"We also cannot have too many cars in one area as some homestays are also used for wedding parties and kenduri," he said, adding that it may also be improper for guests to openly drink alcohol in certain neighbourhoods.
He said at present, the public can only call the police to complain if the guests become rowdy or cause a nuisance.
Aminuddin said licensing was also a good idea as local councils would be able to contact owners immediately if there are complaints.
"This is also for security purposes and to protect consumers' rights or of those renting the homestays," he said.
On another matter, Aminuddin said all dams in Negri were at full capacity despite the dry weather.
"All our dams are at 100% capacity. All is good," he added.
