KOTA KINABALU: Within the next three months, all unlicensed accommodation operators in Semporna have been ordered to regularise their status as the state moves to tighten tourism safety and compliance, said Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Dr Andi Rizal.
He said the directive followed a special task force meeting chaired by him earlier on Tuesday to address tourism-related issues in Semporna, aimed at strengthening security standards and restoring confidence among domestic and international visitors.
According to the findings, 190 accommodation premises were identified in Semporna, of which only 45 are licensed, 59 are in the process of applying, and 86 have yet to take any steps, prompting the ministry to set a three-month deadline for full legal compliance.
Andi said failure by the 86 operators to submit licence applications and comply with prescribed safety standards and operating procedures within the timeframe would result in enforcement action by authorities through coordinated measures.
He added that the Ministry will consolidate and publish tourism safety standard operating procedures on its official website and conduct integrated enforcement operations with relevant agencies to ensure Semporna remains a safe, orderly and competitive destination.
