KOTA KINABALU: Strengthening tourist safety and restoring integrity within Sabah’s tourism industry were the focus of discussions between State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing on Friday.
The meeting, also attended by State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Dr Andi Rizal, addressed issues affecting the experience, safety, and welfare of both domestic and international visitors.
Key concerns included compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for tourist boat transport, scuba diving, and water sports, as well as the condition of ageing public tourism infrastructure that could pose safety risks.
Other topics discussed were licensing and approval issues with unlicensed tour operators and guides, unauthorised operations, misuse of licences, and illegal activities such as unregistered jetties, unauthorised island fee collection, and prohibited tour guiding.
Motac expressed readiness to collaborate with the State Tourism Ministry (Kepkas) to strengthen enforcement, improve licensing coordination, enhance information sharing and implement strategic promotions to boost Sabah’s tourism.
Jafry said structured collaboration between Motac and Kepkas would positively impact Sabah’s tourism management, ensuring safe, sustainable and competitive development while protecting the state’s international reputation.
