According to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, the claims that a concealed camera was installed within a wall socket at a homestay in Sabah is unacceptable.

The charges were published on the Shanghai-based social media site Xiaohongshu on September 14 and reported by Malaysian news portals, according to its Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (photo). He added that the Sabah government, the state Tourism Ministry, and relevant authorities had been urged to take harsh action.

"Stern and appropriate punishment should be imposed on any party found guilty because this kind of reprehensible act not only violates laws but also affects the image of the country's tourism industry," wrote Tiong on Sunday, September 24, in a Facebook post.

If it is discovered that any registered homestay operators or owners have broken the law, he continued, severe action, including revocation of their registration, will be taken against them.

Tiong continued by stating that owners and operators of homestays who have registered with Airbnb must pay close attention to employee discipline and background checks.

There is no doubt that incidents like this could occur as a result of careless homestay or Airbnb staff members' behavior, the man stated.