KOTA KINABALU: The state government is looking into claims that 81 accommodation premises in Sabah’s East coast diving haven in Semporna were under foreign ownership.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the assessment must be carried out as tourism development must balance foreign investment with local participation.
“Sabah welcomes foreign investment, as global networks and market access are important drivers of tourism growth.
“However, investment must deliver clear benefits to Sabah – strengthening local participation, creating jobs for Sabahans and ensuring meaningful economic spillover to the community,” he said Sunday (Feb 8).
Jafry was responding to Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali's statement that 81 accommodation premises in Semporna were operated by foreign companies and individuals.
Armizan urged the state government and relevant agencies to investigate the matter to ensure local interests are protected, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises, as well as provide local employment and not be sidelined.
Jafry said the state government established a Special Task Force on Semporna Tourism Industry Monitoring two months ago.
The task force involves state agencies, local authorities, industry players and community representatives,” he said.
“The primary objective of this Task Force is to resolve Semporna’s tourism issues comprehensively, not reactively, through a systemic approach that aligns roles, jurisdiction and enforcement among relevant agencies,” he said.
He noted that issues related to illegal business activities and operations fall largely under the jurisdiction of the state's Local Government and Housing Ministry.
However, he said the state government would coordinate closely with the ministry and relevant authorities to ensure proper governance, effective enforcement and orderly tourism development in Semporna.
“Our approach is evidence-based and solution-driven. Tourism must not evolve into an enclave economy where profits leave, but local benefits remain minimal. Sabah must remain competitive globally while ensuring Sabahans are the primary beneficiaries in their own state,” Jafry added.
He said that the state government would continue to work closely with the Federal Government, including the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, to ensure clear governance, coordinated enforcement and sustainable tourism development for Semporna was in place.
