KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s stance that Sabah's tourism industry should be on the Residual List, giving the state autonomy in the sector, has been lauded by PKR vice president Awang Husaini Sahari.
"Sabah must have full control of tourism, allowing the state to issue directives backed by its own legislation," he said in a statement on Monday (Aug 12), urging political parties, businesses and Sabahans to support the Chief Minister's stand.
Awang Husaini said Article 77 of the Federal Constitution stipulates that any matter not covered in the Ninth Schedule falls under the jurisdiction of the states.
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"It is timely that all tourism matters, including the Sabah Malaysia My Second Home (Sabah MM2H) programme, be returned to Sabah.
"Hajiji's decision is both right and wise, made in the best interests of the state," he added.
While tourism was not originally included in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), it was added to the Federal List in 1992 during the Parti Bersatu Sabah administration, a period marked by tensions between the federal and state governments.
Awang Husaini said it was important to rectify this shift to ensure state-level control over tourism.
He noted that Sarawak has recently pushed for tourism to be included under the Concurrent List of the Ninth Schedule, allowing for shared authority with Putrajaya.
However, Sabah has now taken a different approach by advocating for tourism to be moved entirely to the Residual List, granting the state exclusive jurisdiction.
It is learnt that the decision to make this call was reached at last week's state Cabinet meeting chaired by Hajiji.
"The positions of both Sabah and Sarawak will be further discussed at the MA63 Implementation Action Council Technical Committee.
"This follows an amendment aimed at granting greater autonomy to Sabah and Sarawak in tourism matters, including the regulation of the Tourism Tax, to prevent potential conflicts in the future," Awang Husaini said.
Reflecting on past challenges, he recalled the longstanding disputes over tourism regulation between federal and state authorities, particularly since 1994 when tourism was added to the Federal List.
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He reiterated that Sabah and Sarawak must have full control over their tourism sectors.
Awang Husaini also noted the significant role tourism plays in Sabah’s economy, with 2.6 million arrivals last year and over 80,000 jobs supported by the industry.
The state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry has set an ambitious goal for this year, aiming to attract 2.8 million visitors and generate close to RM2bil in revenue.
Awang Husaini expressed appreciation for the efforts of Minister Datuk Christina Liew and her predecessor and former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat, acknowledging their contributions to elevating the state's tourism sector.
"Both have done a tremendous job in pursuing the Sabah MM2H programme and have contributed significantly to the state's revenue," he said.
The former Putatan MP also welcomed the recent decision by the Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to grant Sabah and Sarawak full control over their foreign residency programmes.
"This decision affirms the states' authority to manage applications, enforce regulations, and license tourism agents," he said.
Federally licensed agents wishing to participate in the Sabah or Sarawak MM2H programme need to obtain special licences from the state authorities and adhere to local terms and conditions.
