By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government is committed to ensuring local communities remain the primary beneficiaries of tourism growth, particularly in Semporna, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said.
He said tourism development must be balanced and inclusive, with economic benefits directly reaching Sabahans and local communities.
Jafry was commenting on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call to ensure the benefits of tourism growth in Semporna are enjoyed more widely by local residents.
He said Semporna remains one of Sabah’s leading tourism destinations and continues to record strong visitor growth.
The district recorded 560,077 tourist arrivals in 2025.
Between January and April this year alone, Semporna welcomed 157,673 visitors.
“The growth of the tourism industry should not be measured solely by tourist arrivals or investment value, but also by how far the economic benefits generated are felt by the people of Sabah,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Jafry said tourism growth had been supported by investors, tourism operators, local communities and government agencies.
He said the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) welcomed legitimate and responsible investments that comply with the law.
Such investments help strengthen Sabah’s tourism competitiveness, improve tourism products and create business and employment opportunities, he said.
However, he stressed that local communities must be given greater opportunities to participate throughout the tourism value chain.
These include opportunities as entrepreneurs, business owners, service providers, skilled workers and strategic partners in destination development.
Jafry said KePKAS takes seriously concerns regarding participation and ownership in tourism-related sectors.
These include tourist transportation, accommodation, travel agencies, restaurants and other supporting services.
He said the State Government has consistently upheld the principle that Sabahans should remain the main beneficiaries of economic activities in the state.
In Semporna, monitoring and enforcement efforts are being strengthened to ensure tourism activities operate transparently and comply with existing laws.
He said the ministry would continue working with relevant agencies to identify weaknesses in current 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 enjoyed fairly, inclusively and sustainably by the people of Sabah,” he said.
Jafry added that KePKAS would continue collaborating with the Federal Government, relevant agencies and industry players to strengthen Sabah’s tourism sector while safeguarding the interests and well-being of local communities.
Jafry said tourism growth had been supported by investors, tourism operators, local communities and government agencies.
