“Airlines can also carry leaflets on board, listing the dos and don’ts, for people visiting Sabah.”
The Sabah Government and industry players have been spending a lot of time and money selling the state,” pointed out Leong. “It would be a shame if the tourists go elsewhere after all their efforts.”
“There’s much competition in the tour trade these days. There are many countries which can give Sabah a run for its money.”
The illegal tour operators and guides, continued Leong, can be seen at airports and jetties and allegedly peddle their trade through the social media as well. “They claim to offer cheaper tour packages. In fact, they are just out to make a quick buck. Their main aim is to make money and disappear. The authorities seem unable to deal with these people who disappear by the time enforcement officials arrive at the scene.”
“These kind of activities, carried out by illegal or unlicensed operators and managed by unscrupulous people, should be curbed to keep the industry healthy. Otherwise, they will damage Sabah’s reputation as a popular holiday destination.”
Leong, in fact, wanted to extend an apology to Armella Ali Hassan’s family for describing her as an illegal tourist guide. Armella, who has been missing at sea off Balambangan Island, Kudat, since last Monday with three other persons, has since been identified as the staff of a resort. “We truly regret making the statement,” admitted Leong. “The misunderstanding arose when it was reported that she was a tourist guide. However, we have since obtained clarification.”
“We hope that Armella and the others with her would be found soon.”
Leong also wanted to comment on several tourists from China lodging a police report that they had been cheated by someone who offered them a purported island tour.
Tourists from the UK, according to the STGA, have also reported similar attempts being made to lure them with seemingly attractive offers. “Some of the tourists from the UK have in fact had some bitter experience with illegal tour operators and guides,” said Leong. “It would be surprising if they want to visit Sabah again after their time here having to put up with illegal guides and operators.”