SEMPORNA: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has detected foreign tourism operators using local nominees for the operation of resorts, including accommodations, in Semporna.
Its Commander, Datuk Victor Sanjos said that the survey and initial information obtained involved operators among Chinese nationals investing here, and this is detrimental to the country’s economy and poses a security threat.
“Improper methods will pose a threat to the safety of tourists, as there are tourists from foreign countries. There have been tourists staying at resorts or unregistered homestays.
“The existence of these accommodations is unknown to the security forces, so imagine if something happens, we (the security) do not know where they are. Another reason is also to prevent the centre from becoming a hub for scammers,” he said.
He said this to reporters after officiating the Esscom engagement session with operators of resorts and accommodations in Semporna here.
Victor emphasised that there would be no compromise in taking action against tourism operators here who bring tourists or even fishermen into neighbouring countries through unauthorised entry points.
He also said that the engagement session held with Esscom and tourism operators provided exposure to the community so that tourism centres operating illegally could be registered.
“A few months ago, Esscom, together with other enforcement agencies, conducted a joint operation by inspecting illegal resort operations, those without licences, and involving ownership by foreign nationals from China,” he added.
Meanwhile, Luyang Assemblyman Samuel Wong, said a pressing question was whether tourism revenue was genuinely circulating within Sabah’s economy.
“Are our licensed travel agencies, tour guides, tourism attraction operators, tourism transport providers, hotels, homestays, restaurants, cafés, handicraft entrepreneurs, cultural performers and local SMEs genuinely benefiting from these millions of visitor arrivals? “Or is a significant portion of the economic benefits leaking out through illegal operators?” he asked.
Samuel said stricter enforcement against illegal operators was necessary to protect legitimate local businesses from unfair competition, and proposed a broader framework to measure the campaign’s success beyond visitor arrival numbers, including tourism receipts, average tourist spending, length of stay and local business participation.
He urged the government to create an inclusive platform giving SMEs, licensed operators and community-based tourism businesses from every district equal access to promotional opportunities, marketing assistance, digital promotion and training programmes.
“When local tourism players are given greater opportunities to participate and grow, the economic benefits of tourism will circulate within Sabah, creating more jobs, strengthening local SMEs and ensuring that Visit Sabah Year 2027 delivers meaningful and sustainable benefits for the people of Sabah,” he said.
Samuel said he fully support efforts to promote Sabah internationally but pointed out that infrastructure, product quality and enforcement had to be in place first.
“Only then will Visit Sabah Year 2027 become more than just another slogan,” he said.
