SEMPORNA, Oct 19 — The issue of foreigners abusing social visit passes to engage in illegal economic activities in Semporna has been raised and discussed in the Federal Cabinet, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
He said the federal government takes the situation seriously and is actively carrying out enforcement action through integrated operations, particularly on popular tourist islands in the waters off the district.
“Action is being taken on this issue, with operations conducted particularly against business activities on the islands.
“The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) has also discussed this issue and will take appropriate action,” he told reporters after an official working visit today to assess border control preparedness at Pulau Ligitan, Pulau Sipadan and Pulau Mabul.
He was commenting on a special report series by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) published in August, which highlighted how foreign investors were illegally gaining control of the district’s tourism economic chain, posing a serious threat to the security and livelihoods of the local population.
According to the reports, the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) also exposed how foreigners used illegal partnerships or local proxies in “Ali Baba” arrangements to control services, resorts, and tourism facilities, creating opportunities for various criminal activities, including operating scam centres.
Commenting on the same reports, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he had directed ESSCom to conduct joint enforcement operations with all relevant parties in the area, including local authorities. — Bernama