KePKAS Steps Up Crackdown for Spotless Semporna Tourism

18 April 2026

SEMPORNA: The Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) is strengthening decisive and comprehensive action to tackle critical issues in Semporna's tourism industry through the implementation of a special Task Force committee.

KePKAS Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin, emphasised that Semporna is now serving as a reference model for restructuring the tourism industry across Sabah, particularly in licensing compliance, tourist safety, and infrastructure improvements.

“KePKAS will no longer compromise with any operator failing to comply with the law. This is about safety, the state's image, and the future of Sabah's tourism industry,” he stressed.

According to him, of 190 identified tourism premises, only 46 hold valid licences, a situation demanding immediate and integrated action.

Accordingly, KePKAS has granted a three-month compliance period from January to March 2026, after which integrated operations will be enforced without compromise against non-compliant operators.

To boost transparency and tourist confidence, KePKAS has proactively uploaded the list of 46 licensed tourism premises on its official website for public reference.

In efforts to reinforce control and tourist safety, the meeting also decided that only three official jetties are permitted for tourism operations, Bangau-Bangau Jetty, Seafest Jetty, and Kapalai Resort Jetty.

Illegal jetties operating without oversight will face strict action, including demolition.

“This enforcement is vital to ensure every tourist movement is properly recorded, thereby facilitating safety measures and rescue operations in the event of any incidents,” he said.

At the same time, KePKAS stressed that all tourism operators must fully understand and comply with existing development requirements and regulations, which are mandatory to guarantee industry quality and safety.

“No new requirements are being imposed. All guidelines are already in place, and it is every operator's responsibility to comply fully. This is not optional, but a basic necessity to keep our tourism industry competitive and safe,” he reiterated.

Accordingly, technical agencies including the Department of Lands and Surveys (JTU) will continue to streamline and coordinate all related application processes to assist committed operators in complying with regulations.

Safety issues are being addressed seriously after authorities revealed the use of unregistered boat crews by some operators.

Enforcement patrols will therefore be intensified to ensure all boat handlers hold valid licences.

Additionally, controls on high-risk tourism activities such as diving at Sipadan Island will be tightened with minimum experience requirements to ensure divers' safety is always guaranteed.

Commenting on social issues, he also touched on challenges in the water villages, identified as factors damaging Semporna's tourism image. KePKAS is examining long-term proposals, including resettlement, to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more orderly tourism environment.

In related developments, enforcement actions will be expanded to eradicate the sale of protected wildlife to tourists, including exotic foods like turtles and pangolins.

“All these measures aim not only to clean up the industry but to send a clear message that Sabah is serious about safeguarding tourist safety and the sustainability of our tourism sector,” he added.

He also called on all agencies and industry players to fulfil their responsibilities with full integrity to ensure the tourism sector remains the state's key economic driver.