Travellers staying in Johor overnight can expect to pay at least RM3 (S$0.95) more per trip beginning Jan 1, 2026, as the state government moves forward with a new hotel tax.
According to MalayMail, the fee is introduced under the Johor Hotel Enactment 2025, which also strengthens enforcement against unlicensed hotels and establishments that fail to meet safety standards.
Tax funds will be used to upgrade public facilities
According to Johor housing and local government committee chairman Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, all collections will be placed into a special trust account.
The funds will be used to upgrade public facilities, improve tourism infrastructure, and support initiatives for the upcoming Visit Johor Year campaign, Bernama wrote.
He added that the enactment is expected to help Johor develop its tourism sector more progressively.
Hotel operators seeking clarity
The Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association’s Johor Chapter chairman Jarod Chia said the association is currently seeking clarification from Tourism Johor regarding the details of the new fee.
This includes understanding which types of accommodation will fall under the tax and whether the charges will differ based on traveller categories.
Other states already implementing similar fees
Johor is not the first state to introduce such a charge.
Melaka, Pahang, Perak, Penang and Kedah already impose similar fees on travellers.
Selangor will also begin collecting a sustainability fee from Jan 1, ranging from RM2 (S$0.63) to RM7 (S$2.20) depending on the type of accommodation, according to Free Malaysia Today.
The new Johor hotel tax is expected to generate additional revenue to support tourism growth while standardising regulations across the state’s hospitality sector.
