Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is tightening enforcement against unlicensed tourism premises in Semporna, with strict action to be taken against operators who continue to flout regulations.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the Ministry takes seriously the issue of resorts and tourism premises operating without valid licences in the district, which is one of Sabah’s key tourism destinations.
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He said he chaired a Task Force meeting at the Semporna District Council on Thursday to review the latest enforcement status, compliance challenges and immediate measures required to address the matter.
He noted that based on current records, 190 operators of tourism premises have been identified in the district.
“However, only 45 premises hold valid licences.
“A total of 59 premises are still in the approval process, while 86 premises have taken no initiative to regularise their operations or are facing various compliance issues,” he said in a statement.
Among the key issues identified were the failure to obtain the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) or Occupation Certificate (OC), as well as problems related to land status.
In view of this, Jafry said the Ministry has instructed Local Authorities (PBTs) to immediately halt the issuance of temporary licences to any premises that do not meet existing regulatory requirements.
He stressed that strict action, including the cessation of operations, would be enforced against premises that continue to operate without legal compliance.
The Minister said the Ministry had previously granted operators an additional three-month period to apply for licences following the establishment of the Task Force in December last year.
“With less than two months remaining before the deadline, I urge all tourism operators to take immediate action and comply with existing regulations and laws,” he said, adding that compliance is essential to ensure visitor safety and protect the integrity of Sabah’s tourism industry.
Jafry said the move is crucial in upholding safety standards, regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability and Sabah’s tourism image.
“The State Government will not compromise with any party that jeopardises tourist safety or the reputation of the State’s tourism industry,” he said.
He added that the Ministry, together with relevant agencies, will continue to strengthen enforcement coordination while assisting committed operators to comply with regulations to ensure that Semporna’s tourism industry develops in an orderly, responsible and sustainable manner.
