Semporna District Council kicks into action after red notice warning

KOTA KINABALU: The Semporna District Council is working to prevent a red notice from affecting the tourism industry in the district, with District Officer Alexander Liew stating that the financial consequences would extend beyond tourism players to other sectors such as transportation and food and beverage operators. Liew emphasized the need for all industry players to collaborate in order to combat the problem and made this statement during a meeting between local authorities, government agencies, and tourism players in Semporna on August 21.

Liew mentioned several measures being taken, including conducting monthly clean-up activities involving all stakeholders, organizing cleanliness competitions, issuing closure notices to establishments that fail to comply with hygiene regulations, and implementing recycling initiatives. He emphasized the importance of implementing the changes proposed by the federal tourism ministry to ensure Semporna remains a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists. Liew expressed concern that if complaints from tourists are not addressed, a red notice will be issued, resulting in a decline in visitors to the district. He also highlighted the impact this would have on Sabah since Semporna is a top destination, particularly for Chinese tourists.

Last week, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing warned that he might issue a red notice against travel to Semporna following a tourist’s complaint of food poisoning at a resort. Tiong listed other complaints from tourists, including poor hygiene, uncleanliness, pest infestation, and unsatisfactory hospitality services. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew stated that the state has taken the necessary steps in response to Tiong’s warning, emphasizing that Sabah is taking the matter seriously.

During the same engagement session, Semporna health officer Dr Sahrol Nizam Abu Bakar reported receiving only two complaints of food poisoning among tourists in Semporna. However, these complaints, which were submitted through the Public Complaints Management System (Sispaa), involved domestic tourists who experienced diarrhea after leaving Semporna in May. According to Dr Sahrol, these cases were isolated, and there have been no recent complaints of food poisoning among foreign tourists.