Support the continuation of Rusukan Besar Island operations by Labuan Rusukan Besar Resort to protect Labuan’s marine tourism, local livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.

Labuan’s marine tourism is at a critical turning point.

Rusukan Besar Island has long been a key destination for:

Island hopping
Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Access to Labuan’s famous BIG 4 Wreck Dive sites

Today, the only active marine tourism operator on the island faces uncertainty due to an ongoing open tender process by Labuan Corporation.

Malaysia is preparing for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, a national initiative to boost tourism.

At such an important time, many in the tourism industry are asking: How can Labuan promote itself as a marine tourism destination when its only active marine operator faces disruption?

This situation risks:

Affecting tourist confidence
Disrupting ongoing tourism activities
Weakening Labuan’s position in national tourism campaigns

For years, operations at Rusukan Besar Island have been sustained by a locally-run tourism operator, supported by local staff and deeply connected to the Labuan community.

This operator has:

Continued operations even during the COVID-19 crisis
Supported local tourism businesses (boat operators, guides, suppliers)
Maintained tourism activities despite financial challenges

Their efforts have also been recognised nationally through the: Malaysia Tourism Quality Assurance (MyTQA) Silver Award (2025–2028)

They are also the initiator of the: Labuan Diving Festival (now entering its 4th year in 2026) — an event that has helped bring divers and tourism attention to Labuan.

Many tourism players are concerned that:

Current visitor numbers are still modest (~50–60 visitors per month)
Investment costs for new operators are high
Transition to a new operator may result in delays or operational gaps

This raises a real possibility that:

Tourism activities may be disrupted
The island may become temporarily inactive
Local tourism businesses may be affected

This is not just about one operator.

It is about:

Protecting Labuan’s tourism ecosystem
Supporting local livelihoods
Maintaining continuity of tourism activities
Safeguarding the island’s natural marine environment

There are also concerns that:

External investors may prioritise short-term commercial returns over long-term environmental sustainability.
Rusukan Besar Island is part of a sensitive marine environment that requires responsible and experienced stewardship.

We respectfully call on Labuan Corporation to consider:

Allowing interim continuation of current operations
Exploring a performance-based or revenue-sharing model
Ensuring no disruption to ongoing tourism activities
Preserving the island while longer-term solutions are evaluated

This petition represents the voice of:

Tourism operators
Visitors
Divers
Local residents
Supporters of sustainable tourism

By signing, you are supporting:

Tourism continuity
Local community efforts
Environmental protection
A stable future for Labuan tourism

Sign This Petition
Help ensure that Rusukan Besar Island remains:

Active
Protected
Sustainable

Support continuity. Support Labuan.