Malaysia’s holiday island Penang has become the first major tourist destination in Southeast Asia to impose a sweeping ban on Airbnb.
It also outlaws other short-term rental services.
Penang is situated off the west coast and is one of Peninsular Malaysia’s top tourist destinations.
The local government had been debating the issue of a ban for over a year.
The issue is excessive noise and the bad behavior of tourists in some local neighbourhoods.
Local residents in some areas have complained for years.
The ban affects properties listed on Airbnb and other vacation rental sites.
It exempts existing serviced apartment buildings although there are some additional restrictions placed on these, such as maximum stays of three days per booking.
They must also be registered and pay annual fees.
In response, Airbnb said a recent study showed that three-quarters of Penang residents think ‘renting out homes through Airbnb has a positive impact on their community.’
