Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has expressed its readiness to work closely with the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KEPKAS) to strengthen the state's tourism sector. Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin stated that the matter was discussed during his meeting with Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Tiong King Sing in Kuala Lumpur.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the discussion centered on issues affecting the experience, safety, and welfare of domestic and international tourists visiting Sabah. Key topics included tourist safety, compliance with Standard Operating Procedures for tourist boat transport, scuba diving, and water sports activities, as well as the condition of ageing public tourism infrastructure.

The meeting also addressed licensing and approval issues, such as unlicensed tour operators and guides, licence misuse, operations without valid approval, and the promotion of tourism packages by unauthorised parties. Jafry mentioned that MOTAC is ready to work closely with KEPKAS to strengthen enforcement, licensing coordination, information sharing, and strategic promotional initiatives to boost Sabah's tourism sector.

Jafry emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the Federal Government and the State Government in addressing issues related to domestic and international tourists visiting Sabah. Safeguarding Sabah's reputation as a high-quality, internationally recognized tourism destination is also a priority.