KUALA LUMPUR: Several tour companies in Tawau, Sabah, believed to be locally owned, have instead been found to be controlled by Chinese investors and involved in a range of illegal operations.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said investigations uncovered that some of these operators had constructed overwater chalets without permits, set up aquaculture farms without approval, and run unlicensed homestays on agricultural and livestock land.
The discovery was made during a joint enforcement blitz involving the ministry’s Tourism Licensing and Enforcement Division, the Immigration Department, police and other agencies.
Tiong said he had received numerous complaints about questionable practices and illegal operations at tourist sites, warning that such activities could damage Malaysia’s reputation for safety and professionalism. He stressed that operating without proper certification not only breaches the law but also poses serious safety risks that could end in tragedy.
While the government welcomes foreign investment, Tiong said it must be conducted within the bounds of Malaysian law. “Welcoming investors does not mean turning a blind eye. Whether they are from China or anywhere else, those involved in illegal activities, malpractice or misusing rental licences will not be tolerated,” he said.
During the operation in Tawau, authorities inspected buses, boats, tourism businesses, jetties and tour counters, issuing summonses for various offences. Sea patrols found some vessels overloaded and operating without valid permits, while roadblocks revealed unlicensed buses and tour vehicles.
Tiong, who personally joined parts of the enforcement exercise, said those found breaking the law risked losing their operating licences permanently. He also reminded local tourism players not to jeopardise their livelihoods by leasing or lending their licences to unqualified parties.
“The tourism sector is a vital pillar of our economy, and we must safeguard its safety reputation without compromise,” he said.
