PUTRAJAYA: Sabah is continuing to pursue a proposal to place tourism under the Concurrent List of the Federal Constitution in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
Speaking after the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) Technical Committee Meeting on Monday, he said the move would strengthen Sabah's authority to regulate, manage and develop its tourism industry according to the State's needs and priorities.
Jafry said the proposal would improve tourism governance, licensing and regulation, protect Sabah's cultural and natural heritage, enhance visitor safety and support conservation through initiatives such as a Tourism Sustainability Levy.
He stressed the proposal was not intended to separate Sabah from the national tourism framework but to strengthen cooperation between the Federal and State Governments while recognising Sabah's unique geographical, environmental and socio-economic circumstances.
Jafry said tourism remained a key economic pillar for Sabah and the State Government would continue working with the Federal Government and stakeholders to implement the proposal through constructive engagement for the benefit of Sabah and Malaysia.
