Malaysia brings foreign ambassadors to Sabah’s east coast to boost security confidence, tourism

KOTA BHARU, Aug 12 — In a direct effort to rebuild international confidence in Sabah’s east coast, the government is hosting foreign ambassadors and representatives to personally assess the security situation since the 2011 Lahad Datu incident. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasized that this initiative was crucial, as the Lahad Datu event had impacted not only the local community but also the tourism potential of the region.

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), which oversees ten districts along Sabah’s east coast and unites three key agencies, is tasked with restoring the security environment. Saifuddin highlighted the area’s vast tourism potential, boasting islands, beaches, rivers, and forests that contribute to local economic activities.

After visiting the family of Corporal Mohamad Nur Hafiz Rahim, who died under mysterious circumstances in Beaufort, Sabah, Saifuddin underscored the need for an outreach program to restore foreign countries’ trust in the region’s security. This program involves a three-day, two-night visit to Sabah’s east coast, where foreign ambassadors and delegates explore the forests and islands to witness the security situation firsthand.

Saifuddin expressed hope that this approach would prompt the countries involved to reassess their travel advisories for their citizens. The programme, now in its third year, has seen several nations modify or revise their advisories. The United States and Japan are among those that have revised their advisories, while China leads in tourist arrivals to Sabah’s east coast, followed by European destinations like Germany and the United Kingdom, along with East Asian countries.

Saifuddin noted a significant rise in tourist arrivals to Sabah’s east coast after three years of implementing the program and following travel advisory reviews. This increase was also observed among visitors traveling via the Kuala Lumpur-Kota Kinabalu and Kota Kinabalu-Tawau routes, as well as direct flights to Tawau.