KOTA KINABALU: Sabah remains firm on its position to pursue the proposal to place tourism under the Concurrent List of the Federal Constitution, in line with the spirit and principles of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the proposal will provide Sabah with the legislative authority to regulate, manage and develop its tourism industry in accordance with the state’s own needs, priorities and unique circumstances.
“Sabah is not asking for special treatment. Sabah is seeking to strengthen its capacity to manage one of its most important economic sectors in a manner that reflects the spirit of MA63,” he said in a statement after attending the Technical Committee Meeting under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) in Putrajaya yesterday.
He said placing tourism under the Concurrent List will enable Sabah to strengthen tourism governance, improve licensing and regulatory frameworks, safeguard its rich cultural and natural heritage, as well as enhance visitor safety.
The state would also be able to introduce policies such as a tourism sustainability levy to support conservation efforts and community-based tourism development,” he added.
Jafry stressed that the proposal was not intended to separate Sabah from the national tourism framework, but rather to establish a more effective partnership between the federal and state governments.
“This proposal is about empowering Sabah to manage its tourism industry more effectively while continuing to contribute to and support the national tourism agenda,” he said.
He said Sabah’s tourism industry possesses unique characteristics that require policies tailored to the state’s geographical, environmental and socio-economic realities, particularly given Sabah’s rich biodiversity, extensive protected areas, island tourism, indigenous cultural heritage, and community-based tourism sector.
“A stronger role for Sabah in tourism governance will not only benefit the state but will also strengthen Malaysia’s overall tourism competitiveness.”
Jafry added that tourism remains one of Sabah’s key economic pillars, creating employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, and contributing significantly to the state’s economic growth.
“MA63 is not merely a historical document. It is a constitutional commitment that should continue to guide policy development and strengthen the partnership between the federal government and the states.”
He reiterated that Sabah remains committed to working closely with the Federal Government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the proposal is implemented through constructive engagement and in the best interests of both Sabah and Malaysia.
“We are confident that through cooperation, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the spirit of MA63, we can further strengthen Malaysia’s tourism industry for the benefit of all.”
