By PAUL MU
SEMPORNA: The Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) is working to address licensing issues affecting tourism premises in Semporna.
Its Minister, Datuk Jafry Ariffin, said he had taken note of concerns raised by operators facing difficulties in obtaining tourism premises licences.
This follows recent discussions with several premises operators whose applications are still pending due to incomplete documentation, failure to meet licensing requirements and technical issues, he said in a statement.
He added that premises operating under Temporary Occupation Licences (TOL) could not be licensed under current regulations.
Jafry said the Semporna District Council was reviewing its coastal zoning plan, including proposed rezoning, to ensure alignment with current tourism development needs.
He said the ministry would engage Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Arif to seek practical solutions while ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations.
He urged operators to continue cooperating with the authorities by completing all required licensing documentation.
The ministry would continue to act as facilitator in coordinating discussions with relevant ministries, local authorities and agencies to address the matter.
Jafry said the objective was to ensure Semporna’s tourism industry continues to grow in a lawful, orderly and sustainable manner, while strengthening local participation in Sabah’s tourism economy.
Jafry (sixth left), with Semporna tourism premises operators.
