Masterminds behind Sabah, Sarawak secession identified

The masterminds behind the alleged Sabah, Sarawak secession move have been identified by authorities, State Special Functions Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang said.

He said the Government viewed the issue, sparked by a small irresponsible group, seriously and that if left unchecked, it could threaten national harmony and security.

Teo was replying to questions by Jeremy Malajad (Independent-Kadamaian), Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail (BN-Pantai Manis) and Limus Jury (BN-Kuala Penyu), at the State Legislative Assembly, Thursday.

On an unrelated matter, State Tourism, Culture and Environment assistant minister Datuk Kamarlin Ombi said based on the Federal Tourism and Culture Ministry's report, the number of unlicensed tourist guides in Sabah is minimal.

“An unlicensed tourist guide could be fined up to RM7,000 or sentenced to up to two years’ imprisonment if found guilty,” he said in response to a question from Datuk Samsudin Yahya (BN-Sekong).

On permit compliance by tourist boat operators, Kamarlin said the licences are issued through the Port and Wharf Department and Marine Department, but enforcement is carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.