Kota Kinabalu: The Special Task Force on Semporna Tourism Industry Monitoring established two months ago will look into concerns on tourism-related issues, including claims that 81 accommodation premises in the world-renowned diving haven were operated by foreign companies or individuals.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the assessment must be carried out as tourism development must balance foreign investment with local participation.
“Sabah welcomes foreign investment, as global networks and market access are important drivers of tourism growth.
“However, investment must deliver clear benefits to Sabah – strengthening local participation, creating jobs for Sabahans and ensuring meaningful economic spillover to the community,” he said.
Jafry was responding to Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali's statement that 81 accommodation premises in Semporna were operated by foreign companies and individuals.
Armizan urged the State Government and relevant agencies to investigate the matter to ensure local interests are protected, especially micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as provide local employment and not be sidelined.
Jafry said the primary objective of the Task Force is to resolve Semporna’s tourism-related issues through a comprehensive and systematic approach rather than reactive measures, while aligning enforcement roles and jurisdictions among relevant agencies.
“I take note of the statement by Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali in regards to the 81 accommodation premises in Semporna operated by external companies.
“We will comprehensively assess the accommodation premises to ensure tourism investments benefit Sabah and its people,” he said.
On Saturday, Armizan was reported as saying that the State Government needs to conduct a comprehensive study on the growing number of foreign-managed resorts and chalets in Semporna to ensure local businesses and workers are not sidelined in the tourism value chain.
He said initial reports indicated that about 81 resorts and chalet operators in Semporna are either managed through joint ventures between foreign investors and local companies or fully operated by foreign firms.
Jafry said issues involving illegal business activities and operations fall largely under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing,
“The State Government, through the Task Force, will coordinate closely with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing and relevant authorities to address illegal business operations, and to ensure proper governance, effective enforcement and orderly tourism development in Semporna.
“The State’s approach would be evidence-based and solution-driven to prevent tourism from becoming an enclave economy where profits leave the State while local benefits remain limited,” he said.
Jafry said Sabah must remain globally competitive while ensuring Sabahans are the primary beneficiaries of the industry.
“The State Government will also continue to work closely with the Federal Government, to strengthen governance, enforcement coordination and sustainable tourism development in Semporna.”
