Tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing has warned that Sabah’s tourism industry will be at risk if authorities fail to clamp down on unlicensed fee collectors at certain islands.
A video of a brawl between groups demanding illegal fees from visitors to Timba-Timba island, off the coast of Semporna, recently went viral.
Police detained three men to assist in their investigation. Initial findings indicated that the fight broke out over a dispute concerning “landing fees” on the island.
Tiong said that Timba-Timba island is state-owned land, and that imposing charges without the authorities’ approval is illegal.
He said although the authorities had previously issued notices stating that no fees were required, some groups continued to impose charges on tourists, at times resorting to threats against those who refused to pay.
“Tourists come to Sabah to enjoy the beauty of its islands and seas, not to face threats and intimidation,” Tiong said in a Facebook post.
“Weak enforcement has emboldened irresponsible parties to act without fear, as though no punishment awaits them. This ultimately undermines tourist confidence.
“Failure to resolve this issue will not only damage Sabah’s reputation but also harm Malaysia’s international standing. Tourist confidence and word-of-mouth promotion will suffer, directly impacting the nation’s tourism revenue.”
Tiong also asked if the groups were being protected by certain parties, noting that such incidents had been recurring.
In a statement last night, acting Semporna police chief Jaafar Hakim said police received a report on Wednesday from a local tour company manager who claimed he was attacked while accompanying a group of tourists to Timba-Timba island.
The complainant said his company had already paid a “landing fee” to one company, but that upon arrival, it was asked to pay again by another company which sparked an argument and the subsequent fight.
Jaafar said the incident triggered widespread negative reactions from the public after the video went viral, tarnishing Semporna’s image as a popular tourist destination and raising concerns over the safety of visitors in the district.
He said the case was being investigated for rioting under Section 147 of the Penal Code, and that firm action would be taken against those involved to safeguard public safety and order.
