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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 47312, member: 636"]
Malaysia's hotel sector prepares for tougher times as new electricity rates and expanded sales tax take effect July 1. Rising operational expenses will pressure businesses already struggling with recent minimum wage increases to RM1,700. Haziz Hassan leads the Negeri Sembilan Hotel Association and warns about mounting financial strain. The combination of these policy changes arrives within months of each other. Hassan expressed particular concern about higher electricity costs hitting the industry.

Hotel room rates could jump 10 to 15 percent as businesses pass costs to customers. This price increase may drive away guests and reduce bookings across the sector. Hassan acknowledged the difficult balance between covering expenses and maintaining affordable rates. The industry faces declining demand as consumers cut travel spending. Government bookings at hotels have also decreased significantly.

Hotels combat rising costs through various cost-cutting measures. Many properties limit new employee hiring to control payroll expenses. Management teams freeze overtime payments for existing staff members. Properties also work to reduce electricity usage wherever possible. The hospitality sector struggles to maintain operations amid these economic pressures.
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