Semporna: The Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) has formed a special task force committee to strengthen enforcement and address key issues in Semporna's tourism industry. State Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin announced that Semporna will serve as a model for restructuring Sabah's tourism industry, focusing on licensing compliance, tourist safety, and infrastructure improvements.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Jafry Ariffin stated that KePKAS will not compromise with operators failing to comply with the law. In Semporna, of the 190 tourism premises identified, only 46 hold valid licenses. The ministry has set a three-month compliance period starting in January 2026, followed by an integrated operation known as Ops Bersepadu. To promote transparency and boost tourist confidence, the ministry has uploaded the list of the 46 licensed premises on its official website for public access.
For tourist safety, only three official jetties-Bangau-Bangau Jetty, Seafest Jetty, and Kapalai Resort Jetty-are authorized to operate. Illegal jetties will face enforcement actions, including demolition, ensuring that all tourist movements are systematically recorded to facilitate security and rescue operations if needed.
Minister Jafry emphasized that industry stakeholders must thoroughly understand and comply with the regulations to maintain the quality and safety of the district's tourism sector. Technical agencies, such as the Land and Survey Department, will continue to support operators committed to compliance through facilitating and coordinating application processes.
To further ensure safety, enforcement patrols will be intensified to ensure all boat operators have valid licenses. Controls over high-risk activities, such as diving at Sipadan Island, will be tightened with minimum experience requirements introduced as a safety measure. Additionally, the ministry aims to prevent the sale of protected wildlife and exotic foods, including turtles and pangolins, to tourists.
Long-term proposals, such as relocating settlements, are under review to create a cleaner, safer, and more organized tourism environment. Jafry underscored that these actions are intended not only to clean up the industry but also to convey Sabah's commitment to safeguarding tourist safety and the sustainability of its tourism industry.