Ministry warns of action after tourists detained
News Date: September 3, 2024
Media : The Borneo Post
KOTA KINABALU (Sept 3): The State Government will not hesitate to take stern action against perpetrators of unauthorised cross-border activity.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew issued the warning on Tuesday in the wake of reports of unauthorised entry into Philippine waters involving a tour operator and tourists visiting Sabah.
It was alleged that an unlicensed fishing tour operator from Semporna took tourists on a fishing trip to Philippine waters.
“Tour operators should be aware that it is illegal and unlawful to encroach into another country’s territory. We (Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment or KePKAS) will request the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) to revoke the licence of tour operators who are found to have violated the laws,” Liew said in a statement on Tuesday.
The minister denounced the action of tour operators who unnecessarily exposed tourists to danger, putting their safety at risk.
She said KePKAS will fully cooperate with enforcement agencies such as the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and marine police in taking the necessary action against errant tourism players.
Eight China nationals and three Malaysians have been detained by the Philippine authorities for illegal entry into the state’s waters on September 1.
The nine men and two women were on holiday in Semporna when they reportedly went fishing on two motorised speedboats in Malaysian waters and allegedly crossed international waters.
They were apprehended near Tugayo Hunasan, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi in the southern Philippines.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said they are monitoring this case and getting more information from the Philippines.
He said they would also investigate the tour company involved in crossing the borders illegally.
“For now, we wait for the investigation updates from our neighbouring counterparts, and will give our fullest cooperation when needed,” Jauteh said.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Datuk Victor Sanjos said they are ready to assist Sabah police in the follow up actions including raids, upon request.
