KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin held a formal meeting with Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to address strategic issues affecting the State’s tourism sector on Friday.
The discussion, which also involved Sabah Assistant Minister Dr Andi Rizal, focused on matters with direct implications for visitor safety, welfare and overall travel experience in Sabah.
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Among the key concerns raised were tourist safety standards, including compliance with operating procedures for boat transport, scuba diving and water sports, as well as ageing public tourism infrastructure that could pose risks to visitors.
Both sides also examined licensing and approval issues, including unlicensed tour operators and guides, misuse of licences, unauthorised package promotions and uncertainty surrounding approvals for hotel and resort developments.
The federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) expressed readiness to work closely with Sabah authorities Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (Kepkas) to strengthen enforcement, streamline licensing and safeguard Sabah’s reputation as a safe and credible tourism destination.
