Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing said firm action will be taken against anyone found guilty of misusing licences, including dive permits, tour guide credentials, and travel agency approvals.
In a Facebook post today, Tiong addressed public concerns following a viral video showing a clash between a diving instructor and a foreign tourist in Semporna, Sabah.
Initial findings suggest the incident began during a dive trip when an air tank was improperly placed on the boat deck, accidentally fell, and injured the instructor’s foot. A dispute ensued and escalated into a physical altercation.
“The case is now under formal investigation and the instructor has been arrested. Relevant enforcement agencies will work closely to uncover the full story and ensure the process is legal, fair, and transparent,” Tiong said.
He added that the ministry will continue monitoring the case and address any non-compliance in tourism activities.
Tiong urged tourism operators to strictly follow safety and operational guidelines to prevent similar incidents. He also stressed that tourists must cooperate with guides and instructors to ensure safety for everyone.
He reminded operators to uphold professionalism and treat guests with respect, with no violence, insults, or intimidation, except in clear cases of self-defense. When faced with rude behaviour, operators should remain calm and seek peaceful solutions.
“Malaysia is globally known as a friendly and welcoming destination. We take pride in our natural beauty and cultural diversity, and we welcome travellers from around the world,” he said.
With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, Tiong said all parties must help protect the country’s image by ensuring every visitor understands and respects Malaysia’s laws, culture and norms.
“I call on all tourism players to work together to create a safe, respectful, and professional environment so that both visitors and hosts can fully enjoy the best of Malaysia,” he added.
