Task force to address tourism issues in Semporna

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 22): The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) has decided to establish an Integrated Task Force to comprehensively address tourism-related issues in Semporna that have had a direct impact on the state’s tourism industry, including its image, safety and sustainability.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the task force will be overseen by Assistant Minister Dr Andi Rizal, with progress reports to be submitted to him every two weeks to ensure that actions taken are focused, phased and accountable.

“The main objective of this task force is to resolve Semporna’s tourism issues thoroughly and conclusively, not merely through reactive measures, but via a systemic approach that aligns roles, jurisdictions and enforcement among the relevant agencies,” he said in a statement on Monday.

Jafry said the formation of the task force was crucial, as among the key challenges identified were the lack of alignment in authority between the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), local authorities and the District Office, as well as issues involving unlicensed or illegal structures, safety, cleanliness and the management of tourism infrastructure.

He said the approach adopted is guided by the principle of “sit down together, we can work together”, with the involvement of key agencies including MOTAC, enforcement agencies, the Malaysian Marine Department (Sabah Region), Sabah Ports and Harbours Department, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, ESSCOM, Tourism Malaysia Sabah, the Semporna District Office, Sabah Parks and other relevant agencies.

“Our intention is clear, we want to solve the problem. This task force is established to build a more structured, safe and integrity-driven tourism governance system, while ensuring that at the very least, MOTAC has a strong foundation to uphold its regulatory role in the tourism industry,” he said.

Jafry stressed that failure to address the issues would have significant repercussions on Sabah’s tourism sector as a whole, and called on all parties to give their full commitment to ensure the issues are resolved in the interest of the industry and the people.

As an immediate measure, he said ad hoc actions by the task force began on Monday, including engagement sessions with tourism industry players in Semporna.

“I will personally go on the ground to ensure these issues are properly organised and addressed practically,” he said.

As the minister responsible, Jafry said matters that had previously been delayed would now be pursued through a more integrated, firm and solution-oriented approach to ensure that Semporna’s tourism industry returns to a stable and sustainable footing.