Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of the state’s growing tourism industry, particularly in Semporna, are more widely enjoyed by local communities, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
Jafry said the state government has taken note of concerns raised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding the need for tourism-driven economic growth to directly benefit Sabahans.
He noted that Semporna remains one of Sabah’s key tourism destinations, recording 560,077 tourist arrivals in 2025. From January to April this year alone, the district welcomed 157,673 visitors, reflecting its continued popularity among both domestic and international tourists.
“The growth of the tourism industry should not be measured solely by tourist arrivals or investment value, but also by how much of the economic benefits are directly felt by local communities,” he said in a statement.
Jafry said the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) welcomes legitimate and responsible investments that comply with existing laws, as such investments help strengthen Sabah’s tourism competitiveness, enhance tourism products and create employment and business opportunities.
However, he stressed that tourism development must be balanced and inclusive, with greater opportunities for Sabahans to participate across the industry’s value chain, including as entrepreneurs, business owners, service providers, skilled workers and strategic partners in destination development.
The Minister said the state government remains committed to ensuring that local communities are the primary beneficiaries of economic activities in Sabah, including within the tourism sector.
He added that KePKAS takes seriously issues relating to local participation and ownership in tourism-related sectors such as transportation, accommodation, travel agencies, restaurants and other support services.
In Semporna, monitoring and enforcement efforts are being strengthened to ensure tourism operators comply with regulations, operate transparently and contribute to sustainable local economic development.
Jafry said the Ministry would continue working with relevant agencies to identify weaknesses in existing policies and implement necessary improvements.
“Sabah remains open to quality investments that comply with the law and contribute to the state’s economic development.
“At the same time, we want to ensure that the benefits of tourism growth are shared fairly, inclusively and sustainably among Sabahans,” he said.
He added that KePKAS would continue collaborating with the federal government, relevant agencies and industry players to further develop Sabah’s tourism sector while safeguarding the interests and wellbeing of local communities.
