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Kota Kinabalu: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin (pic) said he had taken note of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s views on ensuring the benefits of tourism industry growth, particularly in Semporna, are more widely enjoyed by local communities.

He said Semporna recorded 560,077 tourist arrivals in 2025, while 157,673 visitors were recorded between January and April 2026, reflecting its continued role as one of Sabah’s key tourism destinations and a major contributor to the State’s tourism industry.

Jafry said the Ministry welcomed lawful, responsible and compliant investments that strengthen Sabah’s tourism competitiveness, improve tourism products and create employment and business opportunities, while stressing that industry growth must be balanced and inclusive.

He said the Ministry viewed seriously concerns raised regarding participation and ownership in tourism-related sectors, and believed local communities should be given greater opportunities throughout the tourism value chain as entrepreneurs, business owners, service providers, skilled workers and strategic partners.

Jafry said Sabah remained open to quality investments that complied with the law and contributed to economic development, while the Ministry would continue working with the Federal Government, relevant agencies and industry players to ensure tourism growth generated fair, inclusive and sustainable benefits for the people.