KOTA KINABALU, Feb 13 — Sabah’s tourism authorities have halted the issuance of temporary licences to non-compliant operators while maintaining a deadline until April for businesses in the resort town of Semporna to legalise their operations.

Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin said local authorities have been instructed to immediately stop issuing temporary licences to premises that fail to meet regulatory requirements, warning that strict action — including closure — will be taken against operators who continue to operate illegally.

 “With the deadline approaching, I urge all tourism operators to take immediate action and comply with existing regulations and laws to ensure visitor safety and protect the integrity of Sabah’s tourism industry,” he said.

Jafry recently 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.

He said the three-month deadline was granted when a special task force was established in December last year, leaving operators with less than two months to comply.

According to current records, 190 tourism premises have been identified as operating in the district. Of these, only 45 hold valid licences, 59 are still undergoing the approval process, while 86 have either taken no initiative to comply or are facing regulatory issues.

Among the main problems identified were failures to obtain Certificates of Completion and Compliance (CCC) or Occupation Certificates (OC), as well as unresolved land status matters.

Jafry described the matter as one that directly affects safety standards, environmental sustainability and Sabah’s tourism image.

He said this followed a task force meeting he chaired at the Semporna District Council to review enforcement progress, compliance challenges and immediate actions required to address unlicensed tourism operations.

 “This step is crucial to uphold safety standards, regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability and Sabah’s tourism image. The state government will not compromise with any party that jeopardises tourist safety or the reputation of our tourism industry,” he said.

At the same time, Jafry said KePKAS, together with relevant agencies, will continue strengthening enforcement coordination while assisting committed operators to meet compliance requirements.

“Our goal is to ensure Semporna’s tourism industry grows in an orderly, responsible and sustainable manner,” he added.

Recently, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry also revealed that 81 accommodation premises in Semporna were operated by foreign companies and individuals, either wholly owned by foreign firms or through partnerships with local companies and investors.

Its Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali proposed that the state government and relevant agencies investigate the matter to ensure local interests are protected.

“While we welcome foreign investors, we must examine and study the actual outcomes. They may bring in tourists through their own networks, but we must look at the entire business chain,” he said.