THE Sabah Government is gathering data and coordinating with multiple enforcement agencies over concerns involving Chinese entrepreneurs allegedly operating tourism-related businesses in the State.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the Ministry is aware of the issue and is conducting field assessments together with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), district offices and local authorities before submitting its findings to the State Cabinet.
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“The Ministry is aware of the matter and is currently collecting data while conducting field visits with MOTAC, district offices and local authorities so that appropriate action can be taken.
“The issue involves several agencies, each with its own jurisdiction, and therefore requires proper coordination before I submit the matter to the Cabinet,” he said during question time in the State Legislative Assembly on Monday.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Senallang), who raised concerns over reports that hundreds of Chinese entrepreneurs were operating tourism businesses and resorts in Sabah, with some allegedly using China’s Alipay payment platform instead of international payment systems.
Shafie also questioned whether some operators were conducting business without complying with immigration and financial regulations.
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In his written reply to the original question from Datuk Alex Thien Ching Qiang (Tanjong Papat), Jafry said the State Government currently has no plans to establish official Sabah Tourism Board branches in Sandakan and Tawau.
He said tourism promotion, coordination and development on the east coast continue to be managed by the Sabah Tourism Board headquarters in Kota Kinabalu in collaboration with relevant agencies, local authorities, District Tourism Action Committees (JTPD), tourism associations and industry players.
However, Jafry said the Ministry and MOTAC are planning to establish an office in Semporna to strengthen service delivery and improve the management of tourism-related applications in Sabah’s east coast region.
