KUALA LUMPUR (March 8): A new survey has found that over half of all respondents are likely to stay at short-term rental accommodation when they travel domestically and more than two thirds (68%) of Malaysians surveyed are likely to use Airbnb when they next travel.

In a poll released Monday (March 7), online marketplace for lodging, primarily homestays for vacation rentals, Airbnb said 44% of respondents are also likely to host on Airbnb in the next 12 months.

The firm said the results indicated a strong local consensus that short-term rental accommodation benefits local communities.

It said over two thirds agree that it creates an economic boost in neighbourhoods, and 62% of respondents believe overall that short-term rental accommodation drives benefits not only for hosts but also businesses in the community.

Of those surveyed, over 60% of Malaysians support allowing residents in their city to rent out their homes on Airbnb, and believe that residents renting out their homes has a positive impact on Malaysia and local communities.

The poll showed that 80% believe that Malaysians should be allowed to use surplus vacant apartments as short-term rentals in order to combat the ongoing property overhang, especially in states like Penang, Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Airbnb Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia Mich Goh short-term rental accommodation has been a key contributor to the Malaysian economy over the years.

“Hosting has already empowered thousands of Malaysians who welcome guests into their homes every day, with many more considering taking it up in the near future,” she said.

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