Latest news with #Semporna
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Malay Mail
Tiong King Sing warns of firm action over misuse of dive, tour, travel licences after Semporna clash
KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 — Firm action will be taken against the misuse of licences, including dive permits, tour guide credentials and travel agency approvals if found guilty, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said. In a post on his Facebook yesterday, Tiong said this was in response to a video showing a clash between a diving instructor and a foreign tourist in Semporna, Sabah, which has gone viral and sparked public concern. Initial findings suggest that the incident began during a dive trip when an air tank was improperly placed on the boat deck and accidentally dropped, injuring the instructor's foot. A dispute ensued, which later escalated into a physical confrontation. 'The case is now under formal investigation and the instructor has been arrested. Relevant enforcement agencies will work closely to uncover the full story and ensure the process is legal, fair, and transparent,' 'While investigations continue, MOTAC will monitor the case and address any non-compliance in tourism activities,' he said. Tiong urged tourism operators to strictly adhere to safety and operational guidelines to prevent similar incidents, while also stressing the importance of tourists cooperating with guides and instructors to ensure their safety and that of others. He also reminded operators to uphold professionalism and treat guests with respect, ensuring that there is no violence, insults or intimidation involved, except in clear cases of self-defence and to respond calmly and strive to resolve issues peacefully when faced with rude behaviour. 'As Malaysia is known globally as a friendly and welcoming destination, we take pride in our natural beauty and cultural diversity, and we welcome travellers from around the world,' he said. He added that with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, all parties must play their part in protecting the country's image, ensuring that every visitor better understands and respects Malaysia's laws, culture and norms. 'I call on all tourism players to work together to create a safe, respectful, and professional environment, so that both visitors and hosts can fully enjoy the best of Malaysia,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Malay Mail
Tiong warns of firm action over misuse of dive, tour, travel licences after Semporna clash
KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 — Firm action will be taken against the misuse of licences, including dive permits, tour guide credentials and travel agency approvals if found guilty, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said. In a post on his Facebook yesterday, Tiong said this was in response to a video showing a clash between a diving instructor and a foreign tourist in Semporna, Sabah, which has gone viral and sparked public concern. Initial findings suggest that the incident began during a dive trip when an air tank was improperly placed on the boat deck and accidentally dropped, injuring the instructor's foot. A dispute ensued, which later escalated into a physical confrontation. 'The case is now under formal investigation and the instructor has been arrested. Relevant enforcement agencies will work closely to uncover the full story and ensure the process is legal, fair, and transparent,' 'While investigations continue, MOTAC will monitor the case and address any non-compliance in tourism activities,' he said. Tiong urged tourism operators to strictly adhere to safety and operational guidelines to prevent similar incidents, while also stressing the importance of tourists cooperating with guides and instructors to ensure their safety and that of others. He also reminded operators to uphold professionalism and treat guests with respect, ensuring that there is no violence, insults or intimidation involved, except in clear cases of self-defence and to respond calmly and strive to resolve issues peacefully when faced with rude behaviour. 'As Malaysia is known globally as a friendly and welcoming destination, we take pride in our natural beauty and cultural diversity, and we welcome travellers from around the world,' he said. He added that with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, all parties must play their part in protecting the country's image, ensuring that every visitor better understands and respects Malaysia's laws, culture and norms. 'I call on all tourism players to work together to create a safe, respectful, and professional environment, so that both visitors and hosts can fully enjoy the best of Malaysia,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
05-07-2025
- Malay Mail
Saifuddin says travel warnings on Sabah east coast outdated, urges diplomats to see security progress first-hand
SEMPORNA, July 5 — Travel advisories against Sabah's east coast no longer reflect the reality on the ground, where enhanced security measures and a tourism boom have taken root, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said today. He said Malaysia is actively engaging with foreign governments to correct these perceptions — including through site visits such as this weekend's tour of islands off Semporna, which were once plagued by kidnapping incidents over a decade ago. 'The doubt stems from perception, so how do we change that? That's why we bring them here — there's no substitute for first-hand experience,' he told reporters during his visit to the islands here. Saifuddin said data showed that tourist arrivals in Sabah's east coast have been rising — even from countries that once issued travel warnings. In 2022, 64,470 tourists visited the area, with a healthy spread of nationalities including a significant number from Europe. As global travel resumed, the numbers surged to 313,128 in 2023 and 319,479 in 2024. As of May 31 this year, 107,412 tourists have already been recorded. 'These aren't just any tourists — many of them are from countries that had previously issued travel advisories, whether from Europe, the US or East Asia. They're proof that people are coming, even from countries that once issued warnings,' Saifuddin said. He added that Japan was currently reviewing its advisory following similar engagements last year. 'While Japanese arrivals are still relatively low compared to China, we're seeing progress,' he said. Saifuddin said Malaysia's strategy was to invite diplomats and foreign officials to witness the on-ground situation for themselves, followed by engagement through diplomatic channels. 'While Sabah is doing its part with tourism promotion, we are focusing on engagement and improving the perception of security — because ultimately, travel advisories carry a lot of weight. 'Instead of doing nothing and relying on second-hand sources — which isn't ideal — we take proactive steps. We brought them here so they can engage directly with us and we can explain things clearly. 'This is the approach I believe in. There is no substitute for physical, face-to-face engagement,' he said. Saifuddin said the goal is to see travel warnings revised or lifted by countries that still advise against visiting Sabah's east coast. 'Looking at the visitor numbers, I believe we are moving in the right direction. We're doing the right thing,' he said. Countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia currently maintain travel advisories against the east coast of Sabah due to past kidnappings linked to insurgent groups from southern Philippines. The zone covers coastal areas from Sandakan to Tawau, including offshore islands and popular dive sites around Semporna. This weekend's engagement programme involved 15 foreign diplomats from 10 countries — Belgium, Canada, China, Australia, Ireland, the United States, Spain, New Zealand, South Korea and Germany — who engaged with local security and government authorities. The delegation, accompanied by security officials and media, visited Omadal island — home to local and Bajau Laut communities — as well as scenic destinations like Sibuan, Bohey Dulang and Mataking, where security operations are stationed. US ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan said there has been 'tremendous progress' in Sabah's east coast security since his previous visits between 2014 and 2017. 'It's been 11 years since I first came here, but the transformation is very, very impressive. Coming offshore today and seeing how much development there's been — the resorts, the increase in tourism — I think it's extremely impressive. 'It really speaks to the tremendous effort that has gone into ESSCOM, from all the different parts of the Malaysian government involved,' he said. Kagan said it was evident that there has been significant improvement in the past decade, backed by supporting data. 'Coming here and seeing this first-hand is incredibly valuable,' he said, adding that he would report his observations and the data back to Washington. 'I don't want to get ahead of ourselves, because this is obviously a complex process. But I think it is very clear that there has been significant progress that reflects a real commitment by the government of Malaysia,' he said. Kagan also acknowledged longstanding US-Malaysia cooperation in the area, including radar systems supplied by Washington, training efforts and support in establishing ESSCOM, as well as other assets and assistance provided. 'It's clear the resources are being put to good use, so I'm very confident there's been improvement. We will have to make the appropriate reports to the deciding authorities in our capital,' he said.
Malay Mail
10-06-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Croc alert: Sabah Parks closes popular island off Semporna for four days after sighting
KOTA KINABALU, June 10 — Authorities have closed Bohey Dulang Island in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park for four days from today, following a crocodile sighting in its waters. Sabah Parks announced the closure from June 10 to 13 to carry out risk mitigation efforts. 'The closure is to facilitate crocodile risk mitigation operations by Sabah Parks, Wildlife Department, and the police. 'This closure is necessary to ensure smooth operations and public safety during the period,' the agency said in a Facebook post. Bohey Dulang is a popular island-hopping stop known for its panoramic views and hiking trail. It is the second largest island in the park and located about 30 minutes by boat from mainland Semporna. Sabah has recorded a rise in crocodile-human conflict in recent years, including fatal attacks between 2020 and 2022 in Kinabatangan, Semporna, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kota Belud, and Tawau. Even Tanjung Aru beach in the state capital was briefly closed off for water activities due to a crocodile sighting. Although crocodiles are protected under wildlife laws, they may be captured or culled if they pose an imminent threat. Wildlife experts say the spike in encounters is less about overpopulation and more about habitat loss, including riverbank development, mangrove clearing, and dwindling prey.
Free Malaysia Today
15-05-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
2 JPN staff get 12 months' jail, RM10,000 fine for taking bribe
According to the charge sheet, Yuliana Saat and Azmi Amir Lunji had obtained a RM2,000 bribe from a woman at the Semporna JPN branch on April 26, 2017. (Pexels pic) PETALING JAYA : Two national registration department (JPN) personnel were sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment and a RM10,000 fine each by the sessions court in Tawau, Sabah, after it found them guilty of receiving a bribe eight years ago. Judge Jason Juga sentenced Yuliana Saat, 50, and Azmi Amir Lunji, 48, on charges under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, Harian Metro reported. Juga said both accused failed to dispel the statutory presumptions under Section 50 of the Act, based on the balance of probabilities. 'As such, the prosecution has proven the charges against both the accused beyond reasonable doubt. 'Should both the accused fail to pay the fine, they are to serve an additional six months in prison,' he said. According to the charge sheet, Yuliana and Azmi had obtained a RM2,000 bribe from a woman known as Sufiah Said at the Semporna JPN branch on April 26, 2017. The bribe was given in return for receiving and processing identity card applications for Sufiah's 12-year-old twins. The prosecution was led by MACC prosecutor Rekhraj Singh. Yuliana was represented by lawyer Datu Baginda Datu Laja, and Azmi by lawyer Jakariya Ab Jalil. The court allowed for their sentences to be postponed for 14 days as the accused are appealing to the High Court. However, they paid their fines.
