KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will take firm action on unlicensed tourism operators, including foreign nationals misusing visitor passes to run illegal businesses.
State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Dr Andi Shamsureezal Mohd Saina said this is to protect local tourism industry players.
He added that the state government was working closely with the federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry's (Motac) enforcement to act against illegal operators.
This is because such enforcement falls under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 which is under federal jurisdiction, he told the state assembly on Wednesday (April 29) in response to Samuel Wong Tshun Chuen (Warisan-Luyang).
"Sabah will not compromise with any party conducting unlicensed tourism activities, whether foreign or local," he added.
Andi Shamsureezal also told the assembly that the Sabah Tourist Safety Committee – comprising the police, Immigration Department, Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and Sabah Ports and Harbours Department – has been set up to coordinate monitoring and enforcement.
A Semporna Tourism Task Force has also been set up under the state minister to address complex issues in Sabah’s premier tourism hub including safety, immigration, social and infrastructure concerns, he added.
"This integrated approach will serve as a blueprint for other districts," Jafry added.
He said regular integrated enforcement operations by Motac targeted individuals or operators who violate regulations, including those misusing visitor passes to run businesses illegally.
He said operating tourism businesses without a licence is an offence punishable by fines of up to RM500,000, jail of up to 10 years, or both, under the Tourism Industry Act.
Andi Shamsureezal said such strict measures were important to safeguard licensed local operators, ensure tourist safety, and uphold Sabah’s reputation as a sustainable and internationally respected destination.
