Sabah to Crack Down on Unlicensed Tourism Premises in Semporna

13 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government is stepping up enforcement against unlicensed tourism premises in Semporna, with firm action to be taken against operators who fail to comply with existing regulations.

State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Jafry Ariffin, said the Ministry views the matter seriously and has moved to tighten enforcement following a review of the situation in the district.

Speaking after chairing a Task Force meeting at the Semporna District Council yesterday, he said the session assessed the latest enforcement status, compliance challenges and immediate measures required to address the issue of illegal tourism operations.

According to official records, 190 tourism premises are currently operating in Semporna. Of these, only 45 hold valid licences. A further 59 premises are in the process of obtaining approval, while 86 have either failed to initiate the licensing process or are facing various compliance issues.

Among the key concerns identified were the failure to obtain the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) or Occupation Certificate (OC), as well as unresolved matters relating to land status.

In response, the Ministry has instructed local authorities to stop issuing temporary licences to premises that do not meet regulatory requirements. Operators who continue to function without proper legal compliance may face strict enforcement action, including closure.

The Ministry had earlier granted operators an additional three months to regularise their licences following the establishment of the Task Force in December last year. With less than two months remaining before the deadline, Datuk Jafry urged tourism operators to act without delay.

He stressed that compliance is vital to ensuring visitor safety, maintaining environmental sustainability and protecting Sabah’s tourism reputation.

“The State Government will not compromise with any party that jeopardises tourist safety or undermines the image of Sabah’s tourism industry,” he said.

The Ministry, together with relevant enforcement agencies, will continue to strengthen coordination efforts while assisting operators who are committed to meeting regulatory standards.

The move is aimed at ensuring that Semporna’s tourism industry develops in an orderly, responsible and sustainable manner amid growing visitor numbers to the popular east coast destination.