Sabah establishes an integrated task force to resolve Semporna’s tourism issues, focusing on power, safety, and illegal structures with bi-weekly progress reports.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) has formed an Integrated Task Force to address pressing tourism issues in Semporna.
Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the team is crucial as the district’s problems directly impact the state’s tourism image, safety and sustainability.
Key challenges include inconsistent power sources between federal and local agencies, illegal structures, and safety and cleanliness issues.
The task force aims for a systemic resolution, coordinating roles and enforcement among all relevant bodies.
“The team will be overseen by Assistant Minister Dr Andi Rizal, and progress reports will be submitted to me every two weeks,” Jafry said.
This periodic reporting ensures all actions are focused, phased and highly accountable.
He emphasised a collaborative “sit down together, we can work together” approach involving agencies like ESSCOM, the Marine Department and Sabah Parks.
The initiative seeks to build a more structured, safe and integrated tourism governance system.
It also aims to strengthen the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s foundation as the industry regulator.
Immediate ‘ad hoc’ actions begin today, including engagement sessions with Semporna industry players.
Jafry will also go on the ground to organise the relevant issues in practical ways.
“As the responsible minister, matters that were previously delayed will be continued with a more integrated, firm, and solution-oriented approach,” he added.
This is to ensure Semporna’s tourism industry returns to stability and sustainability.
