SEMPORNA: The Sabah Government has agreed, in principle, to allow tourism operators holding Temporary Occupation Licences (TOL) to apply for tourism licences in a move aimed at resolving licensing issues, here.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal said the decision was reached through collaboration between the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) and the Ministry of Local Government and Housing (KKTP).
Priority under the proposal would be given to identified existing operators to enable them to meet the requirements for obtaining licences from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
He said TOL status had previously been one of the main obstacles preventing some operators from obtaining licences despite having been in business for many years.
“Technically, together with KKTP, we have agreed that the proposed tourism TOL should be extended to existing tourism industry players in Semporna to enable them to obtain Motac licences,” he said.
He was speaking after officiating the Eighth Annual General Meeting of the Semporna Bumiputera Tourism Companies Association (PUSPABUMI) at Sky Resort on Saturday.
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On claims that more than 80 resorts in Semporna have yet to obtain full licences, he said the number was still being verified.
He said operators who had already been identified would be given priority when the proposal is implemented.
Meanwhile, Puspabumi Chairman Mad Zafar Mad Zahal said the state government’s decision offered encouragement to local operators who had previously faced difficulties obtaining licences because TOL status was not accepted as part of the application requirements.
“This decision gives local operators the opportunity to run their businesses legally and comply with the licensing requirements,” he said.
He said the association appreciated the efforts of the state government, particularly KePKAS, in helping to find a solution to the issue.
He added that more than eight PUSPABUMI members had obtained TOL approval, while applications from other members were still being processed.
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