Improved security in eastern Sabah boosts Japanese tourist arrivals by 18.9%, prompting airport upgrades and optimism
PETALING JAYA: Tourist arrivals from Japan to Sabah have risen by 18.9%, following improved security conditions in eastern Sabah and the downgrading of travel advisories previously imposed by foreign governments, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said eastern Sabah was previously placed under strict travel warnings by around 25 countries due to widespread kidnap-for-ransom incidents and piracy, but sustained security operations had since led to a marked improvement in the situation.
“In the past four to five years, there have been no reported incidents of kidnap-for-ransom. There are no reports of pirates attacking islands or land areas in eastern Sabah.
“As a result, many countries have reduced their travel advisory levels from Level 3 to Level 2, which allows travel with caution. For land areas in eastern Sabah, it is effectively as though no travel advisory remains,” he added.
Mohamad said the improved security environment was the result of coordinated enforcement efforts by the authorities, including the establishment of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM).
He said the stabilisation of security conditions had translated into rising tourist arrivals, particularly from Japan.
“The increase in tourists from Japan is particularly significant, with an 18.9% rise in arrivals, including visitors from South Korea and other countries.
“Because of this increase, airports such as Tawau now require upgrading as passenger numbers continue to grow,” he added.
The question was raised by Kudat MP Datuk Verdon Bahanda, who highlighted the impact of travel advisories on tourism in Kudat and sought clarification on government efforts to fully lift remaining warnings.
Responding to the supplementary question, Mohamad said Malaysia continued to engage foreign governments through bilateral and multilateral channels to demonstrate the improved security situation.
“We bring foreign representatives based in Kuala Lumpur, especially from countries that issued travel advisories, to eastern Sabah every year so they can see for themselves that the situation is no longer as it was before.
“Local fishermen are now able to return to sea safely without fear.”
