KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tourism Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin (pic) demands that tourism be transferred to the Federal Constitution's Concurrent List to give the state legislative authority under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Jafry stated the proposal allows Sabah to regulate, manage, and develop its tourism industry according to state needs following an MA63 technical meeting in Putrajaya on Tuesday (Aug 4).
“This proposal is about empowering Sabah to manage its tourism industry,” he said.
He said that the constitutional change enables Sabah to strengthen governance, improve licensing, safeguard cultural heritage, enhance visitor safety, and introduce a Tourism Sustainability Levy for conservation efforts.
“A stronger role for Sabah in tourism governance will strengthen Malaysia’s overall tourism competitiveness,” said Jafry.
He added that tourism remains one of Sabah’s key economic pillars.
Jafry emphasised the move builds an effective federal partnership rather than separating Sabah from the national framework, maintaining commitment to constructive engagement with federal authorities.
