KOTA KINABALU: Tourism stakeholders in Sabah hope foreign missions will reconsider the longstanding travel advisories against visiting Sabah’s eastern districts, as they believe these warnings are hindering tourism in the region. Countries like Australia and the United Kingdom have maintained travel warnings for the east coast of Sabah - including Sandakan - citing security concerns. However, local leaders argue that the situation has significantly improved.
“Sabah’s east coast, including Sandakan, is safe. We have implemented comprehensive security measures to ensure the highest level of safety for both residents and visitors. No untoward incidents have occurred over the years,” said Datuk Joniston Bangkuai ( pic ).
The Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister said this during a Welcoming Dinner for Sandakan Day 2024 on Wednesday (Aug 14) Among those present at the dinner were Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke and Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia Tom Shepherd. Bangkuai, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board, said that lifting the travel advisory would unlock the region’s tourism potential and with this, more tourists would explore the natural beauty and rich wildlife of areas that were previously deemed off-limits. Before the dinner, Bangkuai chaired an engagement session with Sandakan tourism stakeholders and elected representatives on Wednesday to discuss issues related to the industry.
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