KOTA KINABALU: The operating licence of a tour company in Sabah has been suspended following the arrest of a fishing group comprising Chinese nationals and Malaysians for illegal entry into Philippine waters.
The Tourism, Culture and Arts Ministry said it viewed seriously the matter that took place in the Tugayo Hunasan waters, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, in southern Philippines last Sunday (Sept 1).
“We took the immediate action to deal with this issue by suspending the company’s licence while the investigations are on-going to find out if they were involved in the matter,” the ministry said, in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 4).
“The suspension will stay until the probe is complete and it is proven the said company is not involved in any illegal activity.
“If the probe finds any violation on the company or other entities involved, appropriate action will be taken, including permanent suspension of their licences,” the ministry added.
It was reported that 11 individuals, comprising eight Chinese nationals and three Malaysians, who were on holiday in the East coast Semporna district, were fishing on two motorised speedboats in Malaysian waters when they allegedly crossed into international waters last Sunday.
The ministry said initial reports indicated that 11 Chinese nationals and four Malaysians had been detained by Philippine authorities in the incident.
However, it said that a check with the Foreign Ministry confirmed that there were only eight Chinese nationals and three Malaysians who were arrested.
“The individuals were detained because they entered Philippine waters illegally.
“But after further checks, the Philippine authorities found they were legitimate tourists who had gone to the location to fish and without any criminal intention,” the ministry said.
As such, the ministry reminded all tour agents nationwide to ensure their tour packages or itinerary abided by the law.
“This is important so we are not involved or are promoting illegal business practices.
“Packages that promote visits to two or more countries in one day is a serious violation besides being a confusing advertisement and against the law.
“The ministry urges all tour agents to follow the rules and ethics in their operations,” it said.
On Tuesday (Sept 3), Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said they were monitoring the case.
He said their next course of action would include investigating the tour company involved in the incident.
