Tell workers to look after their conduct, Sabah CP tells tourism players

Comm Jauteh (seated middle) advising tourism operators to ensure their workers abide by the code of conduct when dealing with tourists.

KOTA KINABALU: All tourism operators in Sabah have been told to ensure their workforce abide by the code of ethics when dealing with guests.

Sabah Commissioner of Police Datuk Jauteh Dikun issued the advice following the arrest of a local divemaster who had allegedly kissed a tourist from China in the east coast Semporna district.

Comm Jauteh said employers must make it a point to remind and make sure their workers followed the standard operating procedures while on duty.

ALSO READ: Divemaster nabbed for molesting tourist in Semporna

"The number of tourists coming into the state is going up because they have confidence that Sabah is a safe place," he said to reporters at the state police contingent headquarters in Kepayan here on Monday (May 8).

"As such, do always monitor your workers and take the approach to remind and advise them to look after their conduct to prevent inappropriate behaviour," he added.

Semporna police confirmed on Monday (May 8) that they arrested a 27-year-old freelance divemaster who was alleged to have kissed a China tourist on her cheek while underwater.

ALSO READ: Kissing incident mars Sabah's tourism reputation, says Liew

The divemaster was alleged to have molested her in waters off Semporna at about 1pm on May 5. The woman lodged a report on May 6 before returning to China.

The suspect was arrested on May 7 and was being remanded until May 11 to facilitate investigations for using criminal force to outrage the modesty of the woman under Section 354 of Penal Code.

ALSO READ: Sabah dive club calls for code of behaviour following molest allegations

The incident went viral when it was shared on Facebook, with alleged screenshot conversations between the victim and the accused as well as a picture of the woman being kissed by the accused.

Following the alleged incident, Sabah Dive Squad Club president Sim Fui Dive said dive centre operators should hold "refresher" courses on the proper code of conduct.

He said that it was important for divemasters to remain professional and maintain a high level of professionalism.