Johor bahru: The state government of Johor is set to implement a Travel Charge beginning January 1, 2026, as part of the Johor Hotel Enactment 2025, according to Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor. This enactment will also enhance enforcement powers, encompassing investigation, inspection, and the closure of unlicensed hotels, alongside actions against premises failing to meet safety requirements or obstructing enforcement officers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the enactment aims to ensure orderly hotel operations, compliance with standards, and to sustain Johor's reputation as a safe and quality tourism destination. The initiative is expected to bolster professionalism in the hospitality sector, enhance consumer safety, and increase the competitiveness of Johor's tourism industry. Mohd Jafni expressed confidence that this comprehensive legal framework positions Johor for progressive tourism development ahead of Visit Johor Year 2026.
To facilitate understanding of the enactment, a stakeholder engagement session took place on October 24, involving 16 Local Authorities, Tourism Johor, the state chapter of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), NGOs in the hospitality sector, tourism associations, and industry players. The enactment outlines detailed requirements for license applications, validity periods, operational standards, safety compliance, and financial reporting to improve professionalism and transparency in the industry.
The Travel Charge revenue will be directed into a special trust account dedicated to funding improvements in public facilities, tourism infrastructure, and initiatives aligned with Visit Johor Year. Johor's tourism sector has recorded positive growth, with 10,397,810 hotel guests statewide, as noted by official Tourism Malaysia statistics. This figure signifies an 8.5 percent increase from the previous year, underlining the sector's rapid growth and the necessity for robust and modern industry regulation.
For context, other states have implemented similar charges, such as a heritage charge in Melaka, a sustainability charge in Pahang, a local service charge in Perak, hotel fees in Penang, and an administration charge in Langkawi, Kedah.