Foreign minister says several countries have downgraded Sabah east coast travel warnings to level two, reflecting restored confidence after years of improved security
KUALA LUMPUR: Several countries have downgraded their travel advisories for the east coast of Sabah from level three to level two.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said this positive development reflects restored foreign confidence in the area’s security situation.
He noted that about 25 countries had previously issued a level three “do not go” advisory due to kidnapping-for-ransom cases.
“However, as a result of the government’s security measures, involving the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), the police and the Ministry of Defence, there have been no such incidents over the past four to five years,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Verdon Bahanda (Independent-Kudat) regarding efforts to revise the advisory status.
Mohamad said the development has positively impacted tourism, with foreign tourist arrivals increasing by up to 18.9%.
The increase is particularly notable from Japan and South Korea.
On efforts to have the advisory completely lifted, Mohamad said the government continues to engage with concerned countries.
Engagement is conducted through the Foreign Ministry, Home Ministry and Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.
“We take the initiative to bring foreign representatives based in Kuala Lumpur, particularly from countries which have issued travel advisories, to visit the area,” he said.
This allows them to see for themselves that the security situation is stable.
