KOTA KINABALU: April 29, 2026
The Sabah government will not compromise against unlicensed tourism activities, including those carried out by foreign tourists, to safeguard local operators and ensure industry integrity.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said enforcement against such activities falls under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482), which is under the jurisdiction of the federal government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac).
He said the state government, through his ministry, continues to work closely with Motac and other enforcement agencies to address the issue, maintaining a firm stance against any party operating without licences.
Jafry said this during the question and answer session at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, responding to a question from Luyang Assemblyman Samuel Wong Tshun Chuen on enforcement actions against foreign tourists operating illegally.
He said the state government has established the Sabah tourist safety committee, comprising agencies such as the police, Immigration Department, Esscom and the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department, to coordinate enforcement and monitor compliance within the tourism industry.
In addition, he said the ministry has set up a task force to address tourism-related issues in Semporna, which he chairs, given the district’s status as a key tourism hub facing challenges in security, immigration, social and infrastructure aspects.
“The task force adopts an integrated approach involving multiple agencies and will serve as a blueprint for implementation in other districts across Sabah,” he said.
Jafry added that Motac, in collaboration with state and federal agencies, also conducts integrated enforcement operations regularly to target individuals or operators violating regulations, including foreign tourists misusing social visit passes for illegal business activities.
He said those found guilty of operating without licences under Act 482 could face fines of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.
“Additional actions, including cancellation of passes, deportation and blacklisting, may also be taken by relevant authorities, particularly in cases involving foreign tourists,” he said.
He stressed that firm enforcement is crucial to protect legitimate local operators, ensure tourist safety and sustain Sabah’s tourism industry at the international level.
