Malaysian hotel forced to close after advertising itself as ‘gay friendly’

Malaysian authorities have raided and shut down a 37‑room hotel in the state of Melaka after it promoted itself online as a “gay‑friendly” establishment, prompting a multi‑agency enforcement operation.

The hotel was raided on 13 January by officers from the Melaka Religious Affairs Department and the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council, acting under provisions of the Syariah Criminal Offences (State of Melaka) Enactment. Authorities said the action was taken following social‑media complaints, including from a local Christian influencer, who drew attention to the “gay‑friendly” description on the hotel’s website.

During the raid, inspectors found that only one room appeared recently occupied. The bed was unmade and condoms were discovered in a bin, though no guests were present at the time. The remaining 36 rooms were empty. Despite the absence of evidence of illegal activity, the municipal council revoked the hotel’s operating licence, ordering it to close until the owner provides an explanation for the online branding. 

Officials noted the investigation relates to suspected breaches of Syariah laws covering sodomy, attempted sodomy and “unnatural sexual relations”, offences which can carry penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment. Same‑sex conduct remains illegal in Malaysia under colonial‑era legislation, and Muslim citizens can also face additional Syariah penalties. 

The closure has taken place against the backdrop of what rights groups describe as an intensifying crackdown on LGBTQ+ spaces and events in the country. Recent months have seen a series of raids, including the detention of more than 200 men at a venue in Kuala Lumpur alleged to be a gay sauna, and a separate raid in Kelantan that mistakenly targeted a Ministry of Health‑approved HIV education event. In another incident, a television cartoon episode featuring two gay fathers was pulled from broadcast. 

Business groups have criticised the authorities’ actions. The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta) warned that shutting down a business based on online allegations - before concluding investigations - could damage Malaysia’s reputation ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and create an unpredictable environment for investors and tourism operators. Samenta urged officials to return the hotel’s licence and follow due process.