KOTA KINABALU, Feb. 13 -- Sabah's tourism authorities have halted the issuance of temporary licences to non-compliant operators while maintaining a deadline until April for businesses in the resort town of Semporna to legalise their operations.

Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin said local authorities have been instructed to immediately stop issuing temporary licences to premises that fail to meet regulatory requirements, warning that strict action - including closure - will be taken against operators who continue to operate illegally.

"With the deadline approaching, I urge all tourism operators to take immediate action and comply with existing regulations and laws to ensure visitor safety and protect...