Homestay operators in Malaysia are using income from hosting to help with the rising cost of living, according to a home rental platform. A majority of homestay owners surveyed by Airbnb said the money earned from hosting helps to cover the rising cost of food and other necessities. "As the pandemic saw businesses and livelihoods impacted and costs of living rise across Malaysia, income earned through hosting became an essential part of navigating these challenges. Airbnb said homestay owners are also using their hosting income to pay for their housing needs. Almost half of hosts surveyed said that hosting income has helped them stay in their home.
