By Olivia Miwil
SEMPORNA: More than half of the 190 tourism premises in Semporna are operating illegally, with less than two months remaining for operators to regularise their businesses before enforcement action is taken.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said only 45 premises hold valid licences.
Of the remainder, 59 are in the approval process, while 86 have either taken no initiative or face significant compliance issues.
"The ministry granted an additional three-month period for operators to apply for licences since the task force was established in December last year.
"With less than two months remaining before this deadline, I urge all tourism operators to take immediate action and comply with existing regulations to ensure visitor safety and the integrity of the tourism industry," he said in a statement.
Jafry yesterday chaired a task force meeting at the Semporna district council office to review enforcement status and compliance challenges.
He added that the ministry has instructed local authorities to stop issuing temporary licences to any premises that fail to meet regulatory requirements.
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