By JOHN TAMBANAN
TAWAU: The Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) takes seriously the issue of tourism premises and resorts operating without licenses in the Semporna district.
According to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Jafry Ariffin yesterday, he chaired a Task Force meeting at the Semporna District Council to review the latest enforcement status, compliance challenges, and immediate actions required to address unlicensed tourism operations in the district.
“Based on current records, a total of 190 tourism premises have been identified as operating; however, only 45 premises hold valid licenses, while 59 premises are still in the approval process, and 86 premises have been found to have taken no initiative or are facing various compliance issues,” he said.
Jafry said, the key issues identified include failure to obtain the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) or Occupation Certificate (OC), as well as problems related to land status.
In view of this, he said, his Ministry has instructed the Local Authorities (PBT) to halt the issuance of temporary licenses to any premises that do not meet existing regulatory requirements.
“At the same time, strict actions, including the cessation of operations, will be enforced against premises that continue to operate without legal compliance,” he added.
Jafry said, KePKAS had granted an additional three-month period for operators to apply for licenses since the Task Force was established in December last year.
“With less than two months remaining before this deadline, I urge all tourism operators to take immediate action and comply with existing regulations and laws to ensure the safety of visitors and the integrity of the tourism industry.
“This step is crucial to uphold safety standards, regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, and Sabah’s tourism image,” he added.
Japry said, the State Government will not compromise with any party that jeopardizes tourist safety or the reputation of the state’s tourism industry.
“KePKAS, together with relevant agencies, will continue to strengthen enforcement coordination while assisting committed operators to comply with regulations, ensuring that Semporna’s tourism industry grows in an orderly, responsible, and sustainable manner,” he added.
Japry chairing a Task Force meeting at the Semporna District Council.
