KOTA KINABALU, Dec 20, 2025 – Sabah’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Datuk Jafry Ariffin, has officially acknowledged a troubling rise in illegal tourism activities across the state, warning that these "shadow operations" pose a direct threat to the safety of visitors and the region's global reputation.
The admission follows a high-level strategic meeting held yesterday in Kuala Lumpur between Jafry and the Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. The talks were aimed at harmonizing enforcement efforts between federal and state authorities to sanitize the industry.
During the briefing, Jafry highlighted a comprehensive list of regulatory breaches currently plaguing the sector. These include:
Unlicensed Operators: A surge in tour guides and companies operating without valid permits or misusing existing licenses.
Safety Violations: Widespread non-compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for passenger boats, scuba diving, and water sports.
Illegal Infrastructure: The use of unauthorized jetties and the emergence of resorts with unclear land-use or building approvals.
Visa Abuse: Foreign nationals misusing social visit passes to work as tour coordinators or business operators.
Financial Irregularities: Unofficial collection of "island entry fees" and the promotion of travel packages by uncertified entities.
"The use of illegal jetties and unlicensed transport is not just a regulatory issue—it is a life-and-death safety concern for our guests," Jafry stated.
Federal-State Joint Action
In response to these findings, MOTAC has committed to working "hand-in-glove" with the Sabah Ministry (KEPKAS) to intensify ground-level enforcement. The collaboration will focus on license synchronization, intelligence sharing, and joint inspection operations to root out "bad actors" who evade taxes and safety protocols.
Jafry also stressed the need to address dilapidated public tourism infrastructure, which he noted could further compromise visitor safety if left unmaintained.
Moving Forward
The state government remains optimistic that a unified front with the Federal Government will restore confidence in Sabah's tourism brand. Jafry reiterated that while Sabah welcomes investors and tourists, there will be "no compromise" on Malaysian laws and safety standards.
The meeting was also attended by Sabah's Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Dr. Andi Rizal.
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