KOTA KINABALU: About 16,000 hectares of land from the concession of the now-defunct Sabah Forest Industries Sdn Bhd (SFI) have been excised and gazetted as village reserves.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai told the state assembly that the move is aimed at providing long-term benefits for rural communities in the area.
“This follows an earlier excision of 44ha in 2023. Together, the total land released amounts to 16,022ha,” he said in reply to Yusri Pungut (Warisan–Sindumin).
Joniston said the decision was made after a careful study by the Sabah Forestry Department, which engaged with community leaders, village heads and local residents.
“Several areas of forest reserve were degazetted specifically to ensure villagers can benefit from secure land tenure and future development opportunities.
“This reflects the government’s commitment to balancing conservation with community needs, ensuring rural populations have access to land for housing, livelihoods and village expansion,” he said.
Responding to a supplementary question about whether former SFI workers living in company housing would be allowed to remain, Joniston said the state government is looking into the matter as it prioritises public welfare.
To a question from Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan–Senallang) on the status of remaining timber resources within the former SFI concession, he said the state is studying the issue.
Meanwhile, state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal said firm action is being taken against unlicensed tourism operators, including foreign nationals, who are misusing social visit passes to run illegal businesses.
He said the state government is working closely with enforcement authorities under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, as well as other agencies, to curb such activities.
Responding to a question from Samuel Wong Tshun Chuen (Warisan–Luyang), Dr Andi said Sabah will not compromise with any party conducting unlicensed tourism operations, whether foreign or local.
He added that the Sabah Tourist Safety Committee, comprising the police, Immigration Department, Eastern Sabah Security Command, and Sabah Ports and Harbours Department, has been set up to coordinate monitoring and enforcement.
A Semporna Tourism Task Force, chaired by the state minister, has also been established to tackle complex issues at Sabah’s key tourism hub, including safety, immigration, social and infrastructure concerns.
“This integrated approach will serve as a blueprint for other districts,” he said.
