A ‘plague’ on Sabah’s tourism industry

KOTA KINABALU: Illegal tour operators and unauthorised accommodation providers are continuing to pose a risk to Sabah’s tourism industry, according to the Sabah Tourism Federation (STF).

Its president Tonny Chew described such illegal activities as a plague that could pose a danger to the overall health of the state’s tourism industry.

He urged the state government to set up a panel to tackle the woes faced by the industry, and called for stricter action against such illegal operators.

He said STF raised the issue with Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew during a recent courtesy call.

“We want the 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 also posing a danger to public safety, given that the vehicles are not registered with the authorities,” Chew said.

He added that such illegal tour operations as well as unregulated accommodation providers and illegal homestay facilities were affecting licensed tour operators, including hotels and homestay businesses.

STF comprises 11 tourism-related organisations that include the Sabah Tourist Association, Malaysia Budget Hotel Association (Sabah chapter), Sabah Tourist Guides Association, Sabah Homestay Association, Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (Sabah chapter), Sabah Backpacker Association and Malaysian Association of Hotels (Sabah chapter).

Saying the discussions with Liew had been fruitful, Chew added that the latter was open to ways to overcome the challenges faced by STF members.

He also said he assured the minister that STF would be receptive to ideas and suggestions for industry players to adopt for the good of the tourism industry.

Among the other issues raised by STF was the water supply disruptions in its member hotels operating at the KK Times Square area here.

Chew said STF also requested that the state government include a 30% rebate on electricity bills from July 2021 and a special discount on future bills.

He also suggested that the state government consider a free city bus service from the town centre to 1Borneo Hypermall and other parts of Kota Kinabalu.