SEMPORNA: The special task force established to address, monitor and regulate tourism in Semporna should have proper policy and discussions and coordination before implementation.
Chairman of the Semporna Local Bumiputera Tourism Operators Association (Puspabumi), Mad Zafar Mad Zahala, said a thorough discussion is needed, especially involving the relevant ministries, as tourism-related matters do not fall solely under the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry.
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He said issues involving accommodation premises also come under the Sabah Local Government and Housing Ministry, which has authority, particularly in licensing matters.
“Policy and implementation coordination is an important step to ensure that any decision made does not conflict,” he said in a statement.
Mad Zafar said close coordination among all parties would not only ensure smoother implementation but also guarantee that any action taken is comprehensive and fair.
“This is important to ensure that local operators who have long been operating and contributing to the tourism sector in Semporna are not adversely affected,” he said.
He urged the State Government to simplify the process of applying for licences and land matters, which have a significant impact on small and medium operators.
The association also hopes that a Sabah Lands and Surveys Department office can be opened in Semporna to make applications easier and faster.
