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Semporna’s cleanliness is job of Council and DO: Liew
Published on: Monday, August 21, 2023
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“On Friday (Aug. 18), the Semporna District Council issued a report in response to the issues raised by the Federal Minister,” Liew said.
Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is taking a serious view of the warning by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing that it will issue a “red notice” warning visitors not to go to Semporna, as a last resort, if tourist complaints are not resolved.
State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew said aspects of public cleanliness, health and safety in the town area are within the jurisdiction of the Semporna District Council and the District Office, while Tun Sakaran Marine Park and Sipadan Island Park (located far from town) are under Sabah Parks (one of the agencies under the Ministry) and kept as clean as possible.
“We are taking the necessary action. I immediately reported the case to the Chief Minister who has directed the relevant authorities to take remedial action.
“On Friday (Aug. 18), the Semporna District Council issued a report in response to the issues raised by the Federal Minister,” she said.
The report contained explanations and touched on the real situation that needs to be given attention so that the problems highlighted by the Federal Minister would not jeopardise tourism activities in Semporna as a whole.
According to Tiong, tourist complaints centred around poor hygiene, unsatisfactory cleanliness (rubbish strewn in various places), cases of food poisoning, pest infestation and poor hospitality services.
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He also requested Motac Sabah, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) and relevant parties involved to submit proposals and action plans to resolve the complaints within three days.
The Semporna District Council’s report stated that the issues raised do not reflect the true situation as the incidence of food poisoning is considered an isolated case.
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Furthermore, positive feedback from visitors indicated that the standard of cleanliness in the district has greatly improved compared to in the past.
The Council attributed the floating rubbish around the offshore islands to indiscriminate waste disposal by water villages in the coastal areas, adding that plans are afoot to increase the frequency of marine clean-ups.
Presently, steps are being taken to move the squatters with the aim of minimising the risk of dumping garbage in the waters, the Council said.
An engagement session would be held for island residents to educate them on the importance of maintaining cleanliness of the waters in Semporna.
Based on the report, the Council would intensify efforts to ensure cleanliness of business premises and the environment through its external operation units.
A circular would be distributed to all business premises such as eateries and accommodation facilities (hotel, resort and homestay) to upgrade their level of cleanliness.
There will be an engagement session with all business owners today (Monday), involving 200 to 300 participants.
To date, the District Health Officer had inspected 397 eating establishments, and issued compound notices for various offences, according to the report.
Meanwhile, Parti Bersatu Sabah Api-Api Division Information Chief Yee Tsai Yiew said the red notice warning should not be restricted to Semporna but all tourist spots statewide.
“The state tourism authorities and players need to view Tiong’s warning as constructive criticism and acknowledge the need to improve and alleviate Sabah’s tourism standard to be on par with the best in the region,” said Yiew.
Yiew said Liew must ensure a balance between tourism promotion and tourism infrastructure development.
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