Sabah seeks devolution of power to improve state's tourism industry

KOTA KINABALU 01 DECEMBER 2019. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Christina Liew during 2019 Sabah Tourism Awards in Kota Kinabalu. NSTP/COURTESY OF KEPKAS. 

By Olivia Miwil - December 1, 2019 @ 12:40pm

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is hoping that the devolution of power from the Federal government to the state will materialise soon to allow for better management of the tourism industry, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew.

Liew, who is also state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, said the move was necessary as the state is currently faced with more challenges and demands in the industry due to the changes in the needs of travellers.

She said to be more effective, the industry has to revisit and update the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as well as the present laws and policies.

“The only solution I can see is the devolution of power in issuing tourism-related licences from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) to Sabah.

“Once the Sabah Government has been given the power to issue tourism licences, then we can have the power to regulate and carry out enforcements in relation to licence holders,” she said in her speech during the 12th Sabah Tourism Awards 2019, here, last night.

Liew was referring to five types of licensing - entry and exit licence for tourism agents, licence for tourist guides, licence for tourism vehicles, ticket licensing and licence to manage tourism training schools or institutions.

By granting the issuance rights, she said the move would boost tourism and enhance the efficiency of the industry's service delivery system.

“In short, my request for devolution of power in this respect has been put on hold subject to the finalisation of devolution of power based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 which is still under negotiation. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hope it bears fruit.”

At the function, the state government also presented the Minister’s Special Awards to four individuals.

One of them was Tham Yau Kong for his commitment and strong belief in the preservation of Sabah’s historical stories by assisting with the identification process of the Sandakan-Ranau death march route which is significant during World War II.

The second recipient was Clement Lee, for his efforts as a dive ambassador spreading the importance of protecting and conserving Sabah’s marine world.

Albert Teo was recognised for developing social entrepreneurship through community and environmental initiatives and projects.

The state government also acknowledged efforts by Guangzhou Asian World International Travel Co in promoting and assisting the development of tourism industry in Sabah for the past 10 years.