Sabah Government to Address Semporna Tourism and Accommodation Issues Through Special Task Force

8 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government will address concerns over tourism accommodation operations in Semporna through a comprehensive and coordinated approach, said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin.

Jafry was responding to a statement by Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali regarding reports that 81 accommodation premises in Semporna are largely operated by external companies. He said the issue must be assessed carefully based on verified facts and Sabah’s long-term economic interests.

While Sabah remains open to foreign investment, Jafry stressed that such investments must bring tangible benefits to the state, including stronger local participation, job creation for Sabahans and meaningful economic spillover to local communities.

“Global networks and market access are important drivers of tourism growth, but tourism development must benefit Sabahans first,” he said.

He revealed that the Ministry has already established a Special Task Force on Semporna Tourism Industry Monitoring, involving relevant state agencies, local authorities, industry players and community representatives.

According to Jafry, the task force aims to address tourism-related issues in Semporna comprehensively and systematically, rather than through reactive measures. The approach is intended to ensure clear alignment of roles, jurisdiction and enforcement among the relevant agencies.

He noted that matters involving illegal business activities and operations fall largely under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Local Government, adding that the State Government, through the task force, will work closely with the ministry and other relevant authorities to ensure proper governance, effective enforcement and orderly tourism development in Semporna.

“Our approach is evidence-based and solution-driven. Tourism must not evolve into an enclave economy where profits flow out while local benefits remain minimal,” he said.

Jafry emphasised that Sabah must remain globally competitive while ensuring that Sabahans are the primary beneficiaries of tourism growth in their own state.

He added that the State Government would continue to work closely with the Federal Government, including the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), to strengthen governance, coordinate enforcement and promote sustainable tourism development in Semporna.