By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: Tourists and operators found conducting unlicensed tourism activities in Sabah will face enforcement action, including fines, jail terms or deportation for foreigners.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal said such offences fall under Act 482 and are enforced by the federal government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac).
Upon conviction, individuals or companies may be fined up to RM500,000, jailed for up to 10 years, or both.
Action may also be taken under other relevant laws by agencies such as the Immigration Department, local authorities and other relevant bodies.
"For cases involving foreign tourists, measures such as cancellation of passes, deportation and blacklisting will be implemented by the relevant authorities," he said when replying to Samuel Wong Tszun Chuen (Warisan–Luyang) on enforcement action against foreign tourists operating without licences and affecting local operators.
The Tanjung Batu assemblyman said that last year, 47 investigation papers were opened, resulting in RM290,000 in compounds.
For this year, as of April 17, 24 investigation papers have been opened, resulting in RM86,000 in compounds, excluding ongoing investigations.
He said the state ministry has been working closely with Motac and other enforcement agencies to address the issue.
"As a proactive measure, the state government has mandated my ministry to establish the Sabah State Tourist Safety Committee, comprising various enforcement agencies including the police, the Immigration Department, ESSCOM (Eastern Sabah Security Command), the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department and other relevant parties.
"These firm measures are necessary to protect the rights of legitimate local operators, ensure tourist safety and maintain Sabah's tourism industry as sustainable and respected at the international level."
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