On March 2 to 3, Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan was on a field trip to monitor safety and cleanliness in Semporna as a measure to empower the Tourism industry.
The field trip exercise was a joint effort with the Semporna District Office, Semporna District Council, Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment (KePKAS), Semporna District Police Headquarters, Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), Semporna District Health Office, Semporna Community College, other government agencies, industry activists and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
Among the activities carried out is a voluntary program held at the Youth Arena Hall involving approximately 150 volunteers consisting of IPTA students, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and domestic and international tourists to carry out hygiene activities and excitement around the Semporna Tourism Jetty area.
This program had a positive impact in improving personal skills, fostering cross-cultural communication skills, strengthening collaborative relationships with the community, and building the volunteers’ teamwork skills.
Semporna is a preferred destination for domestic and international tourists especially from China and Korea because of the beauty of the island and its treasures.
In addition, MOTAC together with IPD Semporna has intensified enforcement of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 [Act 482] and the Tourism Vehicle Licensing Act 1999 [Act 594] to ensure the safety of tourists.
The Special Operation held on March 3, from 9:00 am until 11:30 am targets individuals/companies who misuse vehicles other than sightseeing vehicles to bring tourists and do not use the services of tourist guides as well as other offenses under Act 482 and Act 594.
If found guilty, may be fined a maximum of fifty thousand ringgit or imprisoned for a maximum of five (5) years or both.
