KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 13 -- Hotel prices in Malaysia are expected to rise between 10 per cent and 30 per cent due to the recent increment in the Sales and Services Tax (SST) to 8 per cent, effective from March.

Sinar Harian quoted Malaysian Hotel Association (MAH) president Datin Christina Toh saying that despite this, Malaysia boasts some of the lowest hotel room rates in the Southeast Asian region.

"In terms of prices within the Asean countries, Malaysia is among those with the lowest hotel room rates in the market.

"For instance, in Laos, we have to pay US$130, equivalent to RM619, for a five-star hotel room, while for a four-star hotel room, it's US$100, approximately RM476. When compared to our country, it is still more affordable," ...