Liew, who is also state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, said the move was necessary as the state is currently faced with more challenges and demands in the industry due to the changes in the needs of travellers.
“Once the Sabah Government has been given the power to issue tourism licences, then we can have the power to regulate and carry out enforcements in relation to licence holders,” she said in her speech during the 12th Sabah Tourism Awards 2019, here, last night. “In short, my request for devolution of power in this respect has been put on hold subject to the finalisation of devolution of power based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 which is still under negotiation. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hope it bears fruit.”