'Kissing incident tarnishes Sabah's image' - Sabah Tourism Minister

KOTA KINABALU - The recent harassment case involving a Chinese tourist should not have happened in the Sipadan Islan Park and Tun Sakaran Marine Park areas under the management of Sabah Parks (TTS).

Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said the incident will affect the image of tourism in the state.

"The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry was shocked by the incident that happened during the scuba diving activity by the tourist in the waters around Semporna.

"Although it did not occur in the island area under TTS management, such an incident can affect the tourism image in Semporna, especially in Sabah.

"This is crucial as the tourism sector is attempting to gain its footing after the Covid-19 pandemic," she said in a statement on Monday.

She said this following the recent harassment case committed by a scuba diving assistant during a dive in the waters near an island in the district on Friday.

A report has been lodged with the police that the woman was kissed on the cheek while diving with the assistant scuba instructor, Liew said.

"The ministry regrets this incident and urges all travel agents in the state to play a role in providing quality services and to be more responsible in ensuring such incidents don’t repeat," she said.