KOTA KINABALU, Jan. 7 -- Sabah's tourism authorities have identified 86 accommodation premises in Semporna operating without licences, prompting the state government to issue a three-month ultimatum for operators to regularise their status or face enforcement action.

The state's Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal said the deadline was set following the ministry's special task force meeting aimed at addressing tourism-related issues in the east coast district.

"Based on current findings, a total of 190 accommodation premises is operating in Semporna. Of these, only 45 are fully licensed, 59 are in the process of applying, while 86 have yet to take any action to obtain licences," he ...