KUCHING: Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, mulled future legislation to ensure all homestays in Sarawak are properly registered.
He said while only 65 homestays were officially registered under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), many more operated informally.
He noted that the state ministry does not register homestays but assists operators with training and hospitality-related guidance to improve services.
“I do know there are hundreds of homestays which are not registered. One day, the government may legislate registration.
“Registration of homestays is done by MOTAC. We only monitor and provide training for operators in the hospitality industry.
“But at the moment, a lot of these homestays are not registered, though we try our best to assist them,” he told a press conference after officiating the DayakDaily’s ‘Homestay Odyssey’ Writing Competition 2025 award ceremony at Waterfront Hotel today.
Earlier, Abdul Karim congratulated DayakDaily for organising the ‘Homestay Odyssey’ Writing Competition, which he described as complementing efforts to promote homestays statewide.
He said the initiative encouraged future homestay operators to consider the economic benefits, while recognising the role homestays play in boosting community income.
“DayakDaily’s decision to centre its competition around homestays is in line with our goal to promote homestays in Sarawak,” he said.
He told participants that their essays vividly captured the essence of homestay experiences, from local cuisine to enduring friendships forged between hosts and guests.
“You have reminded us that tourism is not merely about places. It is, above all, about people.
“To our homestay hosts, you are the unsung heroes of tourism. Your warmth, your authenticity, and your hospitality define the experiences that visitors remember most.
“I pledge our continued support to grow and promote this sector. We believe in the power of storytelling to shape perceptions, and we believe in the power of homestays to build bridges between cultures,” he added.
