By PAUL MU
PUTRAJAYA: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin has reaffirmed Sabah’s commitment to pursuing tourism under the Concurrent List of the Federal Constitution.
He said the proposal aligned with the spirit and principles of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Jafry said it would give Sabah greater authority to regulate, manage and develop tourism based on its needs, priorities and circumstances.
He said this after attending the Technical Committee Meeting under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63).
“Sabah is not asking for special treatment. Instead, it seeks to strengthen its capacity to manage a key economic sector in line with MA63,” he said.
He said placing tourism under the Concurrent List would strengthen governance, improve licensing and regulatory frameworks, and protect Sabah’s natural and cultural heritage.
It would also allow policies such as a Tourism Sustainability Levy to support conservation efforts and community-based tourism development.
Jafry stressed that the proposal was not intended to separate Sabah from the national tourism framework.
Instead, it aimed to create a more effective partnership between the Federal and State Governments.
“This proposal is about empowering Sabah to manage tourism more effectively while continuing to support the national tourism agenda,” he said.
He said Sabah’s tourism industry required policies tailored to its geographical, environmental and socio-economic realities.
These included its rich biodiversity, protected areas, island tourism, indigenous heritage and community-based tourism sector.
“A stronger role for Sabah in tourism governance will benefit the state and strengthen Malaysia’s tourism competitiveness,” he said.
Jafry added that tourism remained one of Sabah’s key economic pillars, creating jobs, supporting businesses and contributing to economic growth.
“MA63 is not merely a historical document. It is a constitutional commitment that should guide policy development and strengthen Federal-State cooperation,” he said.
He said the Sabah Government remained committed to working with the Federal Government and stakeholders.
“We are confident that cooperation, mutual respect and a shared commitment to MA63 will strengthen Malaysia’s tourism industry for everyone’s benefit,” he said.
‘Sabah is not asking for special treatment. Instead, it seeks to strengthen its capacity to manage a key economic sector in line with MA63’ – Jafry
