Sabah tourism players want crackdown on illegal operators, unauthorised homestays

KOTA KINABALU: Illegal tour operators and unauthorised accommodation providers are jeopardising the state's tourism industry, says Sabah Tourism Federation (STF).

Its president Tonny Chew wants the government to set up a panel to tackle the woes faced by the industry and act against these illegal operators.

He said these issues were raised during a recent meeting with Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.

"We want authorities to put a stop to the illegal use of 'white vans' by certain quarters to transport tourists from one place to another.

"They are not only flouting the law but are a danger to public safety, given these vehicles are not registered with the authorities," Chew said.

He added illegal tour operations as well as unregulated accommodation providers like AirBnB and illegal homestay are affecting licensed tours, hotels and homestay operators.

STF comprises 11 tourism-related organisations.

The organisations include the Sabah Tourist Association (STA), Malaysia Budget Hotel Association (MyBHA- Sabah Chapter), Persatuan Pemandu Pelancong Berlesen Bumiputera and Negeri Sabah (PBB Sabah)

Other organisations included are the Sabah Tourist Guides Association (STGA), Persatuan Homestay Sabah (PHS), Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (MICA- Sabah chapter), Sabah Backpacker Association (SBA), Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH-Sabah Chapter), Malaysia Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA-Sabah Chapter) and Sabah Hotel Association (SHA).

Chew said that their discussions with Liew were fruitful.

"Liew was very open when we deliberated on ways to overcome the challenges faced by member organisations," Chew said.

Chew also assured the minister that STF will be receptive to any ideas or suggestions for industry players to take up for the good of the tourism industry.

Among other requests made by STF was for help with water supply disruptions to hotels operating at the KK Times Square area here.

He said they also asked the Government for a 30% rebate on electricity bills from July 2021 and a special discount for future bills.

Chew said the state government should also consider a free city bus service from the city centre to 1Borneo Hypermall and other parts of Kota Kinabalu for tourists.