Following a recent debate over shrinking check-in windows, Malaysia’s tourism ministry is encouraging hotels to provide at least 23 hours between check-in and check-out to improve value and competitiveness.
Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) has urged hotels to consider offering guests a minimum 23-hour stay, positioning the move as part of its broader strategy to strengthen Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
The recommendation follows public criticism in recent years over what some travellers describe as “compressed stays” – late afternoon check-ins paired with late morning check-outs that effectively trim usable room time to 18 or 19 hours. In a competitive regional tourism market, that detail has not gone unnoticed.
In a written parliamentary reply dated February 26, tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, the ministry stated: “We urge hotel operators to offer a 23-hour stay. For example, guests could check in at 2pm and check out at 1pm the following day.
“This also improves tourists’ experience, making Malaysia’s hospitality offerings more competitive at the international level.”
While the language stops short of mandating change, the signal is clear. As Malaysia prepares to ramp up international arrivals under VM2026, perceived value for money – particularly in accommodation – is back under the spotlight.
A QUESTION OF VALUE
The issue of check-in and check-out timing has become more visible globally since the pandemic. Many hotels shifted to later check-in times, commonly 3pm or even 4pm, citing enhanced cleaning protocols and staffing pressures. At the same time, standard check-out times of 11am (sometimes 12pm) remained largely unchanged.
For guests arriving on early flights, the gap can feel significant. A traveller landing in Kuala Lumpur at 9am may find themselves waiting hours before accessing their room, unless they pay for early check-in. On short leisure trips, that lost time can shape perceptions of overall value.
MOTAC’s suggestion of a 23-hour window is designed to address precisely that friction. A 2pm check-in paired with a 1pm check-out, for example, restores a sense of balance without – it is hoped – fundamentally disrupting operational schedules.
However, the ministry was careful to note that check-in and check-out policies remain a commercial decision, with policies set at the discretion of the hotel itself. Of course, it’s also imperative that businesses clearly state those policies and that consumers pay heed to them.
“Check-in and check-out hours remain a business decision determined by hotel operators,” the ministry said, adding, “The public is also urged to always study and understand the terms and conditions set by their respective accommodation providers before making any reservations.
“Tourism is a competitive industry, and users have the right to choose.”
INDUSTRY REALITIES
From the hotel perspective, turnaround time is not arbitrary. Room cleaning, maintenance checks, and unpredictable departure patterns all factor into scheduling. In high-occupancy periods, particularly in resort destinations or during major events, those operational buffers can be tight.
Malaysia’s hotel sector has been rebuilding steadily since borders reopened. Industry data shows occupancy rates in key urban markets recovering strongly through 2024 and 2025, supported by regional travel and domestic demand. In resort destinations such as Langkawi and Kota Kinabalu, peak periods often approach pre-pandemic levels.
Against that backdrop, operators must balance guest expectations with staffing realities and cost pressures.
Yet it’s also fair to note that guest perception matters. Southeast Asia remains one of the most competitive tourism regions in the world. Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam continue to invest heavily in marketing and infrastructure. For Malaysia, differentiation does not always hinge on new attractions alone. Sometimes it lies in the finer details of the experience. A friendly smile. A helping hand. Or, in this case, a couple of extra hours in a day’s stay.
A 23-hour stay is, in effect, a symbolic recalibration. It signals attentiveness to traveller concerns without imposing rigid regulation.
LOOKING TOWARDS VM2026
Visit Malaysia 2026 has been positioned as a flagship national tourism campaign, aimed at boosting arrivals, length of stay, and overall visitor spending. Service standards at hotels, airports, and attractions will inevitably come under scrutiny as the campaign gains momentum.
Encouraging more guest-friendly room policies aligns with the broader narrative of hospitality and competitiveness. It also reflects a recognition that today’s travellers are increasingly vocal. Online reviews frequently reference check-in delays, early check-outs, and perceived “lost hours.”
Whether the industry adopts the proposed 23-hour model widely remains to be seen. Larger international chains may evaluate the suggestion against brand standards, while independent properties could see flexibility as a competitive advantage.
For now, MOTAC’s position is advisory rather than prescriptive. But as VM2026 approaches, the conversation about value, fairness, and delivering a positive guest experience is unlikely to fade.
