By Sabah Media Editor

KOTA KINABALU: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has been urged to strengthen enforcement against unlicensed tourism operators and illegal resorts in Semporna amid growing concerns over uncontrolled development and mounting pressure on marine ecosystems in key tourism destinations such as Mabul and Kapalai.

The call follows concerns raised by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who stressed that tourism development in the area should not be driven solely by short-term profits at the expense of environmental sustainability and the long-term future of Sabah’s tourism industry.

Recently, Hajiji highlighted issues related to congestion and rapid development in Semporna, warning that uncontrolled expansion could place increasing pressure on the area’s tourism carrying capacity and environmental sustainability.

At the same time, official state records indicate that the issue of unlicensed operations in Semporna has reached an alarming level.

Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif revealed that 190 accommodation premises, including hotels, resorts and chalets, were identified operating in Semporna, but only a small portion possessed valid licences.

Of the total:

•⁠ ⁠68 premises are located in island and marine areas, with only nine holding valid licences while 59 were found operating illegally;
•⁠ ⁠122 premises are located on the mainland, of which only 37 possess valid licences while 85 were operating without approval.

Overall, 144 accommodation premises in Semporna were found to be operating without valid licences or registration.

Meanwhile, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Jafry Ariffin previously disclosed that only 46 out of 190 identified resorts possessed valid tourism licences, while around 80 resorts had yet to submit any licence applications.

Media reports also stated that several resorts and accommodation operators in Semporna had been fined and ordered to temporarily cease operations for operating without licences. Enforcement operations were carried out jointly by local authorities and the Semporna District Office to monitor compliance with existing regulations.

The situation has raised serious concerns regarding tourist safety, operational standards, environmental protection, and control over tourism-related activities in the district.

Industry observers believe that regularisation exercises alone are no longer sufficient unless accompanied by aggressive on-ground enforcement.

Among the measures proposed are:

•⁠ ⁠integrated enforcement operations against illegal operators,
•⁠ ⁠periodic licence audits,
•⁠ ⁠stricter control of tourism jetties,
•⁠ ⁠monitoring of boat activities,
•⁠ ⁠and immediate closure orders against operators failing to comply with licensing requirements.

The government has also been urged to establish an integrated digital database system allowing tourists and enforcement agencies to verify the licensing status of tourism operators transparently.

Semporna remains one of Sabah’s most valuable tourism assets and is internationally recognised for its marine tourism appeal.

However, without continuous enforcement and proper development controls, the district risks facing overtourism, marine pollution and biodiversity degradation that could eventually damage Sabah’s global tourism reputation and long-term economic value.

KOTA KINABALU: All their bags are packed and they are ready to go.

And although they are not taking the jet plane, Kelvin Shau Yek Fui and wife Valerie Tseu have another reason to be happy being away from home this Christmas.

When the couple tied the knot in June 2019, they planned a romantic getaway. But, unfortunately, Covid 19 happened.

An inbound guide focusing on Chinese tourists, Kelvin, 26, said life was challenging during the pandemic, especially in his line of work with all doors closed for travellers.

Fast forward four years and two children later, and with Covid-19 having now been declared as endemic, the Kelvins decided to take out their passports to good use.

“I’d consider this as a delayed honeymoon, but most of all, this is my way of showing appreciation towards my wife who has been taking good care of us all these while,“ he told Sabah Media when met at one of the shopping malls here.

Both Kelvin and Valerie, a 25-year-old freelance manicurist, are expected to fly for Taiwan on Christmas day, leaving their sons, four-year-old Elon and nine-months-old Eson, at the good hands of their grandmother.

“I’m really excited about finally having some quality time with my wife, just the two of us, without the children. It is a chance for us to rest and rejuvenate while we travel.

“We picked this festivity to travel because Christmas is usually less busy for us. It feels like the perfect opportunity to travel with my wife.

“My wife and I revived the plan (to travel) this year. She has been helping me and has been very much occupied after the birth of our second son.

“So I bought tickets to travel during Christmas and spend New Year abroad. Taking care of both children at once is tough, and since we want Eson to get the attention he needs during his first few months, we decided to delay the plan slightly later. It feels right to focus on our family before embarking on any travels, “

He said although the regulations on Covid-19 has been relaxed of late, both Kelvin and Valerie are not taking any chances and took extra precaution when abroad.

“I noticed that many people are beginning to travel abroad as well. We are almost back to normal. Even shopping complexes are packed,” he said.

In a survey at shopping complexes, public, regardless of their age and religion, were taking advantage of the discounts offered by most outlets.

Among them were Maria Aloi, 53, and husband, Acong Limbakut, 62, who travelled from Ranau to be with their children, now residing here.

The couple, who took the advantage to do their Christmas shopping in the city, disclosed that it will be a simple celebration this year.

“Since the fund is a bit tight, so this year’s Christmas will be celebrated moderately. But that is secondary, because, what’s more important is that we are all together,” said Maria, adding they will be heading home to Kampung Kemburongoh together for the festivity.