Special Task Force on Semporna Tourism Industry Monitoring to be set up

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah government will be setting up Special Task Force on Semporna Tourism Industry Monitoring to oversee over the operation of accommodation premises in Semporna. 

In a statement on the Semporna tourism and accommodation issue,  State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the state government has taken note of remarks by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali regarding reports that 81 accommodation premises in the district are largely run by external companies.

“The primary objective of this task force is to resolve Semporna’s tourism issues comprehensively — not reactively — through a systemic approach that aligns roles, jurisdiction and enforcement among the relevant agencies,” he said.

Jafry noted that matters involving illegal business activities and operations largely fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Local Government. 

Nevertheless, the state government will coordinate closely with the ministry and other authorities to ensure proper governance, effective enforcement and orderly tourism development in Semporna.

He added that the state’s approach is evidence-based and solution-driven, emphasising that tourism development should not become an “enclave economy” where profits flow out while local communities receive minimal benefits.

“Sabah must remain competitive globally while ensuring Sabahans are the primary beneficiaries in their own state,” he said.

The state government will also continue working with the federal government, including the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), to strengthen governance, coordinate enforcement efforts and support sustainable tourism growth in Semporna, one of Sabah’s key tourism destinations.