SEMPORNA: The relevant authorities and related agencies are urged to assist operators here obtain the licensing necessary for their tourism operations.
Semporna Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, said this would support the continued growth of the industry here.
He said any enforcement action should be carried out with assistance and guidance, especially for long-standing local traders in the industry.
Shafie stressed that the authorities should go to the ground to have better understanding on the realities faced by local operators before taking any action.
“The authorities should conduct thorough assessments rather than focus solely on the absence of licence. Facilitate, if it’s true that they have been operating in the tourism sector, find ways to assist them instead of stopping them due to licensing matters.
“The local entrepreneurs should be advised and assisted through the licensing process, with procedures made more accessible so that local-grown businesses continue to play a central role in the area’s development,” he said, during the Breaking of fast and Tarawih prayers with the people in Masjid Ar Rahman.
Shafie also highlighted the importance of ensuring that local traders receive fair consideration alongside outside investors, as Sabah seeks to attract investment across the state while safeguarding opportunities for its own communities.
He called on all relevant agencies, including the district council, district office and the state tourism sector, to organise regulations and monitoring in a more coordinated and structured manner.
Recently, the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry said that of the 190 accommodation premises in Semporna, only 45 were licensed.
A total of 59 premises are in the process of applying for licences, while 86 have yet to secure approval and have been given three months to regularise their operations.
