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Kota Kinabalu: Local Bumiputera tourism operators in Semporna urged the local authority to simplify the approval processes and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) to expedite licensing.

One of the operators, Dayang Resort owner Noor Sharlisa Dawi, said several pressing issues require urgent attention.

“The local authority must implement continuous marine clean-up and coral reef restoration projects in Semporna’s tourism zones,” she said.

She also called for upgrades to public infrastructure, including roads, jetties, waste management systems and clean water supply.

“Local operators should be roped in to participate in the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign as champions of sustainable tourism.

“We are ready to work with the Government, NGOs and the community to protect Semporna not only for tourists but for future generations,” she said.

Sharlisa said Semporna is beautiful but poorly managed.

“As a local Bumiputera entrepreneur who has invested fully here, I see great potential held back not by a lack of tourists, but by lagging infrastructure.

“There are piles of rubbish on beaches and in the sea, and the roads leading to the jetty are damaged.

“Most heart-breaking of all, our coral reefs, once among the most beautiful in the world, are now badly damaged due to waste, indiscriminate boat anchoring and the absence of an integrated waste management system,” she said.

As a diver who deeply cherishes Semporna’s sea, she said love alone is not enough without support.

“I am not asking for subsidies, but for equal opportunities: smooth local authority approval processes, Motac licensing without delay and basic infrastructure such as clean water, safe jetties and recycling centres on the islands.

“If the Government is serious about making Sabah a leading destination, do not allow our nature to be sold without protection,” she said.