Kota Kinabalu: A total of 71 cases involving unlicensed tourism operators have been uncovered in Sabah since last year, as the state government intensifies its crackdown on illegal activities in the sector.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal said 47 investigation papers were opened in 2025, with fines amounting to RM290,000.
“As of April 17 this year, a further 24 cases have been recorded, involving RM86,000 in fines, excluding those still under investigation,” he said during the State Legislative Assembly sitting when responding to a supplementary question from Luyang Assemblyman Samuel Wong Tshun Chuen.
He said there is currently no consolidated data on arrests linked to these offences, but stressed that enforcement remains firm, particularly against foreigners misusing social visit passes to conduct business.
Andi said such offences are handled under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482), which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
Despite this, the Sabah Government continues to work closely with federal agencies and enforcement bodies to curb illegal tourism activities.
“The State Government will not compromise with anyone operating without a licence, whether locals or foreigners,” he said, adding that integrated enforcement operations are conducted regularly to address violations.
To strengthen coordination, the state has established the Sabah Tourism Safety Committee, involving the police, Immigration Department, Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and port authorities.
He added that a special task force had also been set up in Semporna to tackle complex issues in the key tourism district, including safety, immigration, and infrastructure, with plans to use it as a model for other areas.
Under Act 482, those found guilty of operating tourism businesses without a licence, including providing transport and related services, face fines of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. Foreign offenders may also face visa cancellation, deportation, and blacklisting.
In a related development, authorities recently arrested 80 individuals at a resort in Tawau for allegedly posing as tourists while operating an online scam syndicate.
The suspects, aged between 17 and 46, included 78 Chinese nationals, while the others were from Myanmar and Laos.
They have since been charged at the Tawau Magistrate’s Court with criminal conspiracy, for allegedly impersonating Chinese police officers and carrying out scams via phone and video calls.
