Nine in ten Malaysians say they're good homestay guests and the data backs them up
Key takeaways:
- 85% of Malaysians say being a respectful homestay guest is highly important - and 4 in 5 feel a sense of responsibility to surrounding communities
- Many say good guest behaviour is common sense and rooted in Malaysian values of respect and consideration
- Two thirds (66%) treat homestays as their own: washing dishes, taking out rubbish - with some even going the extra mile and leaving thank-you messages for hosts
- Since It's Durian Season: Nearly 8 in 10 would ask first, step outside, or skip it entirely rather than bring durian into a shared space without permission
- Over 97% of stays made in Malaysia on Airbnb in the past year completed without any complaints or reported issues
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 July 2026 - Most Malaysians practice the same unspoken rules: take off your shoes at the door, keep the noise down after 10pm, ask for permission if you are bringing durian into someone else's house, and whatever you do, don't be the reason the neighbour complains. A new survey by YouGov, commissioned by Airbnb, suggests these habits don't stay home. For most Malaysians, they travel.
The survey of 1,000 Malaysians who had stayed in a homestay in Malaysia within the past year found that 85% consider being a respectful homestay guest to be highly important, and 9 in 10 describe themselves as good or excellent guests*. But what sets Malaysian travellers apart isn't just their attitude - it's the reason behind it. The top motivators for good behaviour are common sense (61%), respect for the host (60%), and personal values (59%)*.
Malaysians also link their behaviour to something larger - seeing considerate guesting as a natural extension of Malaysian values of respect and consideration for others*. 82% say they would genuinely feel bad if their behaviour disturbed a neighbour during a stay, and 4 in 5 feel a sense of responsibility towards the surrounding community*.
Malaysians are not just polite, they go above and beyond
Good intentions, it turns out, translate into action. Around 60% of respondents surveyed stated that they consistently exhibit considerate behaviours during stays - keeping noise down after dark, parking without blocking others, following house rules, and disposing of rubbish properly. Two-thirds of those surveyed treat homestays like how they would treat their own homes, doing things beyond basic house rules. During their recent homestays, the majority of guests surveyed reported that they washed all the dishes before checking out, took out the rubbish, and tidied up the space — with some going even further to leave thank-you notes, water plants, or tidy beyond anything they'd touched. And 77% say they regularly check house rules before or at the start of a stay, not because they have to, but because they want to get it right.
Together, these everyday actions show that many Malaysians see short-term rentals and homestays as more than just one-off accommodations but an invitation into someone else's home and community.
The durian dilemma
That same care also shows up in sticky, durian-sized situations. Durian season is here, prices are at an all-time low, and so is the age-old question of how to enjoy it without upsetting the neighbours in shared spaces. The report shows that Malaysians are mindful about strong-smelling food in shared buildings. Notably, rather than risk inconveniencing their host, 8 in 10 respondents say they would either ask the host first, eat durian outside or in the car park, or avoid bringing it altogether*. It's a small gesture, but it captures something real: Malaysians don't need a rule for every situation. They already know how to read the room.
A familiar way for Malaysians to travel
Short-term rentals are now part of the fabric of how Malaysians travel and of the neighbourhoods they travel through.
Among respondents, 60% say they choose short-term rentals or homestays for better value for money, 46% cited home-like amenities such as kitchens and laundry facilities, and 44% the ability to stay together as a group*. The survey also suggests that home-sharing has become a familiar part of many Malaysian neighborhoods. Among respondents who say that there are short-term rentals or homestays in their neighbourhoods, 96% have no objections - with 71% even expressing that they're comfortable having one next door - reflecting growing familiarity with home-sharing across communities.
Where host standards meet guest expectations
Airbnb's internal data reflects the same picture. From March 2025 to March 2026, over 97% of stays made in Malaysia on Airbnb were completed without any complaints or reported issues**. Guest Favourite listings in Malaysia - homes recognised for consistently delivering outstanding guest experiences - grew by over 40% between March 2024 to March 2026***. When guests arrive as good neighbours, the whole ecosystem benefits.
For Airbnb, the data tells a consistent story: a community that takes pride in the experience, on both sides of the door.
Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb's Country Head for Southeast Asia and India, said, "At Airbnb, the most meaningful travel experiences happen when guests feel connected not just to a place, but to the people and communities around them. That comes down to small acts of consideration and kindness — neighbourly traits that come naturally to many Malaysians. As more people choose home-sharing for group trips and shared experiences, we want to continue fostering a culture of respectful travel, helping domestic and inbound travellers understand local customs, community expectations, and what it means to be a thoughtful guest. Together, we can ensure the benefits of travel are felt not just by guests and hosts, but by the neighbourhoods that welcome them."
Helping travellers stay like good neighbours
Malaysians Say Being Good Neighbours When Travelling Is "Common Sense Je", New Airbnb Survey Shows
As part of its commitment to responsible travel, Airbnb has launched the Good Guest Guide - a practical resource offering tips on how to enjoy Malaysia like a local while being a respectful guest and neighbour. The guide builds on Airbnb's existing platform measures, including reservation screening technology, a global disruptive party ban, and the Guide to Responsible Hosting in Buildings, which provides hosts, guests, and strata communities with a Code of Conduct, a Neighbourhood Support Line, and reference by-laws for short-term rental activity in Malaysian buildings. From August 2026, the guide will be available for hosts to feature in their listings and will be emailed to all first-time guests booking in Malaysia.
*Based on a survey conducted by YouGov between 22 May - 8 June 2026, commissioned by Airbnb, of 1,000 Malaysian citizens aged 18–45 who had travelled domestically and stayed in a short-term rental or homestay within the past 12 months.
**Based on internal Airbnb data for stays booked in Malaysia from March 2025 to March 2026
***Based on internal Airbnb data for listings in Malaysia from March 2024 to March 2026
Hashtag: #Airbnb
https://news.airbnb.com/ms
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Airbnb
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5.5 million hosts who have welcomed 2.5 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.
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Actively Integrating into China's Dual Circulation Development Strategy:Junfa–New Luosiwan and SF International Form Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Yunnan's Role as China's Gateway to South and Southeast Asia
KUNMING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 July 2026 - On July 20, 2026, Junfa–New Luosiwan and SF International have officially entered into a strategic partnership to jointly develop an Integrated Trade and Logistics Service Platform, marking an important step toward enhancing cross-border trade services and supporting Yunnan's development as China's gateway to South and Southeast Asia.
Junfa–New Luosiwan and SF International Form Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Yunnan's Role as China's Gateway to South and Southeast Asia
The signing ceremony, themed "Integrated Trade and Logistics, Connecting the World," was held at the Conference Hall on the second floor of the Central Lake Building of New Luosiwan Commercial Group.
Officials from the Yunnan Provincial Department of Commerce, the Yunnan Provincial Postal Administration, the Kunming Municipal Bureau of Commerce, the Kunming Port and Logistics Office, the Guandu District People's Government, and other relevant government agencies attended the event. Also present were Mao Zhenwei, Head of the International Business Group of SF Express Group; Li Jun, Founder of Junfa Group; Li Zhenting, Executive Vice President of Junfa Group; as well as representatives of the New Luosiwan Chamber of Commerce and members of the media, who witnessed the signing of the strategic cooperation agreement.
Through the partnership, the two companies will leverage their respective strengths in commercial resources, logistics networks, supply chain services, and digital capabilities to jointly build an integrated trade and logistics service platform. The platform will support merchants in expanding into international markets while extending services to local communities, creating a new commercial ecosystem that integrates domestic and international trade.
Building an Integrated Service Platform to Empower Global Business Expansion
At the ceremony, Shi Fei, Deputy District Governor and Member of the Leading Party Members Group of the Guandu District People's Government, highlighted the significance of the partnership, describing it as an important example of collaboration between a major commercial marketplace and a global logistics leader. He noted that the cooperation will contribute to the high-quality development of Guandu District's commercial sector.
Shi said the Guandu District Government will continue providing proactive support and efficient public services to facilitate platform development, industrial growth, market operations, and enterprise development.
Mao Zhenwei, Head of the International Business Group of SF Express Group, said that SF International will leverage its global logistics infrastructure, including 69 international air routes, customs clearance resources across 94 international gateways, freight forwarding and supply chain services covering 95 countries and regions, and an overseas warehouse network totaling 2.55 million square meters, to provide Junfa–New Luosiwan merchants with integrated supply chain solutions.
These services will cover domestic pickup, international transportation, customs clearance, overseas warehousing, and international delivery, helping merchants reduce logistics costs, improve cross-border circulation efficiency, and accelerate global market expansion.
Li Zhenting, Executive Vice President of Junfa Group, said that Yunnan is continuously advancing its role as China's gateway to South and Southeast Asia, while the China–Laos Railway continues to strengthen regional connectivity and trade cooperation.
As Junfa–New Luosiwan accelerates its transformation from a traditional commercial marketplace into a comprehensive trade service platform, the partnership with SF International will further enhance its cross-border service capabilities and provide merchants with more efficient and convenient one-stop solutions for expanding into international markets.
Developing a Comprehensive Platform Through a Phased Strategy
Witnessed by government officials, business representatives, and industry partners, Junfa–New Luosiwan and SF International officially signed their strategic cooperation agreement.
Centered on merchants' cross-border business needs, the two parties will adopt a phased implementation approach to continuously enhance the platform's supply chain service capabilities.
Phase One: Building a Digital Logistics Service Platform
The first phase will focus on establishing a digital logistics service platform featuring online quotations, intelligent rate comparison, transportation capacity matching, real-time shipment visibility, and unified cargo insurance services.
The platform will improve logistics resource allocation, enhance shipping efficiency, increase supply chain transparency, and gradually develop return cargo matching capabilities to improve logistics resource utilization.
Through digital solutions, merchants will gain access to more efficient logistics coordination, greater shipment visibility, and optimized cross-border transportation services.
Phase Two: Creating an End-to-End Cross-Border Trade Service Platform
The second phase will further integrate key services, including product trading, customs declaration and inspection, cross-border payments, overseas warehousing, and international fulfillment.
By building a comprehensive platform covering the entire cross-border trade process, Junfa–New Luosiwan will provide merchants with more convenient and efficient one-stop services, enabling businesses to connect with global markets more effectively through digital solutions.
The platform will help merchants enhance their international operational capabilities and strengthen their competitiveness in global markets.
Expanding Platform Services to Local Communities
While continuing to strengthen cross-border trade services, the platform will further expand into local consumer markets.
During the event, Junfa Qicai Services Group and SF Yunnan signed a separate cooperation agreement.
Having operated in Yunnan for 28 years, Junfa has established an extensive community ecosystem covering more than 100 residential communities. By leveraging Qicai Services' community resources and SF's efficient delivery network, the two companies will jointly improve last-mile delivery capabilities and explore a new service model that delivers quality products directly from suppliers to communities.
The initiative will provide merchants with more stable local sales channels while offering residents more convenient and efficient consumption experiences, further enriching the platform's service ecosystem.
Building a Sustainable Platform Ecosystem to Support Yunnan's Opening-Up
The strategic cooperation represents an important practice for Junfa–New Luosiwan in improving its modern commercial service system, while also reflecting SF International's continued commitment to developing cross-border supply chain services in Yunnan.
Moving forward, the two parties will continue deepening cooperation by enhancing the Integrated Trade and Logistics Service Platform, strengthening cross-border trade service capabilities, expanding merchandise circulation channels, and promoting deeper integration of commercial flows, logistics flows, and information flows.
By leveraging Yunnan's strategic geographic advantages and actively integrating into China's Dual Circulation development strategy, the partnership will promote two-way connectivity between domestic and international markets, supporting both global expansion and international business cooperation.
The collaboration will further enhance merchants' ability to access domestic and overseas markets, contribute to Yunnan's development as China's gateway to South and Southeast Asia, and support the establishment of a modern commercial circulation system.
Hashtag: #JunfaNewLuosiwan
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
