Christina Liew
KOTA KINABALU: 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 (Tourism, Culture and Environment or KePKAS) will request the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) to revoke the licence of tour operators who are found to have violated the laws,” Liew said in a statement, 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.
