KOTA KINABALU – Sabah is taking a proactive stance towards federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s warning that he may issue a red notice to deter tourists from travelling to Semporna, one of the world’s best diving destinations, due to cleanliness problems.
State Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said public cleanliness, health, and safety within the town area fall under the jurisdiction of the Semporna District Council and district office.
“We are taking prompt action. I immediately reported the situation to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor, who has instructed the relevant authorities to take corrective measures,” she said during an interview held at the Asia Dive Expo Sabah Ocean Partnership Summit 2023 at the Sabah International Convention Centre recently.
She said the Semporna District Council has issued a report in response to the concerns raised by Tiong recently to explain and address the actual circumstances highlighted by him.
She said the report from the Semporna District Council argued that the raised issues do not accurately represent the overall situation, adding that the food poisoning incidents were isolated cases.
“Furthermore, they pointed out that positive feedback from visitors indicates a significant improvement in cleanliness compared with the past,” she said.
Regarding the floating rubbish around offshore islands, the council attributed it to indiscriminate waste disposal by water village residents in coastal areas, she said.
“They have plans to increase marine cleanup activities to address this issue.
“Steps are also being taken to relocate squatters to reduce the risk of garbage dumping into the waters, with educational sessions planned for island residents about the importance of maintaining cleanliness in Semporna’s waters,” she said.
She said the local government will also distribute circulars to all business operators, including eateries and accommodation facilities (hotels, resorts, and homestays) to elevate their cleanliness standards.
“An engagement session involving 200 to 300 participants with all business owners is scheduled for tomorrow.”
As per the report, the district health officer has conducted inspections on 397 eating establishments and issued compound notices for various offences, she said.
Liew had also called upon her ministry and relevant parties to propose and implement solutions to these complaints within three days.
She clarified that, in contrast, matters related to Tun Sakaran Marine Park and Sipadan Island Park, located away from the town, are the responsibility of Sabah Parks, an agency under the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry.
These park areas are maintained with a strong focus on cleanliness, she said.
Tiong had relayed complaints from tourists revolving around inadequate hygiene, unsatisfactory cleanliness (including scattered rubbish), cases of food poisoning, pest infestations, and poor hospitality services. – The Vibes, August 20, 2023
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