Selangor to Introduce Guidelines for Homestays on Agricultural Land to Ensure Compliance and Sustainability
The Selangor government is set to roll out comprehensive guidelines to regulate the construction of homestays on agricultural land, ensuring compliance with laws while safeguarding vital agricultural resources. This initiative comes amid the rising popularity of homestays in areas such as padi fields, particularly in the northern and southern regions of the state.
Datuk Ng Suee Lim, chairman of the State Local Government and Tourism Committee, emphasized the need for regulation to prevent the indiscriminate development of agricultural land. Speaking during a state assembly sitting, he said, “While we support the growth of the tourism industry, the state government cannot allow operators to build on agricultural land indiscriminately. Operators must adhere to regulations to safeguard agricultural resources vital for food security.”
Clear Guidelines for Sustainable Development
Local authorities in Selangor have been tasked with formulating the guidelines, which will provide a structured approach to homestay development in areas like padi fields. These guidelines aim to:
- Regulate development on agricultural land to prevent unchecked exploitation.
- Preserve agricultural resources, ensuring food security is not compromised.
- Assist operators in understanding and complying with regulations, particularly in rural and agricultural zones.
Ng encouraged local councils to prioritize the creation of these guidelines to support both tourism growth and sustainability.
Mandatory Registration for Operators
In addition to the new guidelines, Ng urged homestay operators to register with the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry (Motac) and Tourism Selangor. Registration ensures:
- Insurance coverage for operators.
- Adherence to safety standards for premises, promoting a safer experience for guests.
- Legal compliance and support for homestay businesses to compete effectively with the hotel industry.
“This initiative ensures that homestay businesses operate legally and adhere to established standards, creating a win-win for operators, guests, and the state’s tourism industry,” Ng added.
Supporting Tourism While Preserving Agriculture
The new guidelines reflect Selangor’s commitment to balancing tourism growth with agricultural preservation. By regulating homestay developments on agricultural land, the state aims to foster a sustainable tourism industry that respects the importance of agriculture for food security and local livelihoods.
For homestay operators, these measures not only provide clarity but also create opportunities to build safer, more competitive, and legally compliant businesses.
