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SEMPORNA: The Semporna Local Bumiputera Tourism Operators Association (Puspabumi) appealed to the State Government to ease the application process for licences and support bumiputera tourism entrepreneurs in the district.

Its Deputy Chairman, Suffian Ahmad, said licensing and land matters remain key challenges, particularly for small and medium operators who face financial constraints and complex administrative procedures.

He said the association welcomed the establishment of a special task force by Sabah’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), but hoped the government would also simplify licensing and land applications so local operators are not overly burdened.

“Many bumiputera operators start on a small scale with limited resources, and lengthy processes make it difficult for them to compete, especially with the presence of many foreign operators in Semporna,” he said.