SANDAKAN: The government has stepped up enforcement against foreign tourists found abusing social visit passes to engage in illegal economic activities in Sabah, particularly in Semporna.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said authorities had detected cases of foreign visitors entering the country as tourists but subsequently starting businesses, including owning or operating resort services, partnering with locals.
He said he had instructed agencies under the Home Ministry, including the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), to conduct joint enforcement operations with all relevant agencies in the area, including local authorities.
"This is an offence under the Immigration Act and we are taking action not only through the Home Ministry but also with the involvement of local authorities and other agencies, including by opening investigation papers, issuing compounds and prosecuting offenders.
"We want to send a clear message that while our country welcomes visitors, they must abide by our laws. If they enter as tourists but engage in business activities and we detect the offence, we will take action," he told a press conference here on Friday (Aug 7).
Earlier, Saifuddin Nasution visited several islands within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESS Zone) to inspect security arrangements together with a delegation of foreign representatives. Also present were Esscom commander Datuk Victor Sanjos and its chief executive officer Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali.
He was responding to a Bernama report highlighting how foreign investors had allegedly gained illegal control over parts of Semporna's tourism economic chain, posing security and economic threats to local communities.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution said international confidence in the security situation and tourism potential of the ESS Zone remained high and was moving in the right direction.
He said the ESS Zone recorded 129,492 tourist arrivals as of June, reflecting positive international perceptions and growing confidence in the area's security environment.
"I believe the number of tourist arrivals in the ESS Zone points to one conclusion – the international community has confidence in its security and tourism potential," he said. – Bernama
