By PAUL MU
muvitet@gmail.com
SEMPORNA: Panglima Lauhari was one of five Bajau warriors from Pulau Bum Bum who fought against British colonial rule in the 1800s.
The battle between the warriors and the British was recorded in the British North Borneo Herald, a copy of which hangs on the wall of Panglima Resort in Kampung Gelam-Gelam.
“To remember my great-grandfather’s bravery, I decided to name this resort after him — Panglima Resort,” said owner Mahadir Kassim, who is Panglima Lauhari’s great-grandson.
Visitors to the resort, which faces the Sulawesi Sea and overlooks Tun Sakaran Marine Park, are first introduced to the history behind the name Panglima, which often sparks curiosity.
“The resort, which offers chalet-style beachfront accommodation, was opened about three and a half years ago,” said Mahadir.
Panglima Resort was one of the sites visited by members of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Sabah, led by chairman Mohd Azlan Abd Salem, during their networking session and site visit programme in Semporna from May 20 to 22, 2026.
Mahadir said the resort adopted a community-based tourism concept to promote local culture, cuisine and handicrafts.
Pulau Bum Bum is accessible by boat from the mainland and has about 22,000 residents under the Sulabayan constituency.
The island has been developed with infrastructure and roads.
Despite alluring location, Mahadir said most of their tourists are international visitors from Europe, accounting for about 99 per cent, while 10 per cent are from China.
Activities offered include island hopping, cultural experiences, diving, traditional food and handicraft activities.
Despite its turquoise waters and relaxing atmosphere, he said rubbish and cleanliness remain major issues affecting the beauty of Semporna.
“It is difficult to control because most people in Semporna live along the coastal areas and by the sea,” he said.
Mahadir suggested that the government strengthen civic awareness campaigns for villagers.
“Enforcement used to exist, but it was not strict enough. It must start from the grassroots level, involving village heads, JKKK committees and the local community,” said Mahadir.
“Yes, fines would help. Rewards or incentives for residents who keep the island clean could also help improve the situation. Otherwise, it is difficult to control,” he added.
On tourism licensing, which remains a major issue in Semporna, Mahadir said many local operators do not have tourism licences because of land and Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) issues.
“Most of them applied for TOL under fisheries, but later used the land for tourism activities, so technically it does not meet tourism conditions,” he said.
“The government needs to find a way to legalise or convert the status.
“The main condition is that the TOL must be for tourism purposes.
“Many of these applications were made years ago, and operators now have to wait for the TOL period to expire before they can renew and change the title,” he said.
Mahadir said strict enforcement could affect tourism in Semporna.
“There is a lot of competition now among local operators, so we need to cooperate with one another so that the tourism industry is not affected, especially in terms of pricing. Prices should be controlled reasonably,” he said.
On environmental pressure from increasing tourist arrivals, he said cooperation among all parties, including the Fisheries Department, Sabah Parks and tourism operators, is essential.
“Everyone must work together.
“However, the biggest issue comes from fish-bombing activities, which can damage the marine ecosystem.
“So far, the reefs are not badly damaged, but cooperation is the most important thing,” he said.
Mahadir (second left), receives a certificate of appreciation from Azlan (centre).
Panglima Resort is located along the beachfront of Kampung Gelam-Gelam.
A craftswoman (right), promotes her handmade handicrafts to Matta members.
The resort offers beautiful sunset views overlooking the Sulawesi Sea and Tun Sakaran Marine Park.
