KOTA KINABALU: A total of 23 tourism operators in Sabah have been detained for offering illegal tourism packages this year.
Sabah Tourism and Culture Ministry office (Motac) director Ag Ahmad Zaki Abu Bakar said the offenders were caught following inspections conducted on 200 tourism operators since the start of the year.
“We found there are licensed local agencies working with operators from outside including those from China, South Korea, Brunei and Taiwan, where they offered tour bus and tourism services to these oversea operators, which are against the procedures.
“We will also continue to identify those who operate without a license in this state,” he said after Sabah Tourism Industry Enforcement Issues seminar here, adding that they will be working with various parties including Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
At the same time, Ahmad Zaki said their office has been given the power to revoke any licenses of those who went against the rules and regulations, and warnings have been given to tourism operators to halt such dealings.