KOTA KINABALU: Gone are the bad and dangerous days of kidnappings, especially in the dive havens of Sipadan and the other islands near Semporna.
This is the message that the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry wishes to tell the world, specifically countries that still have a danger alert issued for the state.
Its minister Datuk Christina Liew said over 20 years ago, the world was shocked with news that 21 tourists were kidnapped from Sipadan Island, followed by further incidents along Sabah's east coast.
“This happened 10 to 20 years ago and we are no longer there. Sabah is now safe to visit with the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in place, with security forces, locals and other government agencies working together to safeguard the state,” she said.
She said this after the launching of the MITM (Malaysia International Travel Mart) Fair at the Sabah International Convention Center (SICC) here, Saturday (July 27).
Liew hopes countries which have since blacklisted or put an travel advisory alert on Sabah, would consider lifting them by now.
To show that Sabah has really stepped up on its security measures, a visit to three islands namely Sipadan, Kapalai and Mabul was arranged recently with representatives from these countries as well as Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
During this visit, Liew had brought along ambassadors and representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, Japan, Korea, Germany, France, Canada and Finland, among others.
“We want to show them that Sabah is safe. These islands are safe and it is not what it was like 20 years ago here,” she said.
Asked whether security forces were still present in hotspot areas along the east coast and if
tour operators there were happy with the presence, if any, she said yes.
“From what I see, they are happy with the security,” Liew said, adding that what needed to be emphasised more on might be on how tour guides advise their customers on the safety measures or do’s and don’ts when visiting islands or carry out activities in the state.
Citing an example, she said some tourists who come from countries with no seas or islands might be excited when they are mesmerised by the beauty of the sea in Sabah, and would act rashly.
“Maybe they do not know how to swim or they overlook the fact that the waters are deeper so that could cause accidents, so guides must work on telling them and reminding them for their safety,” she said.
Liew said it was also the guide's responsibility to make sure that their customers are in a right state of mind or of sufficently good health before carrying out any extreme activities.
On related issues, she said Sabah has several new tourism products in the pipeline, including the wildlife corridor in Kinabatangan, Sandakan and the development of the Tawau Hill Park.
Announcements will be made once these products are ready to roll, she said.
Earlier during the launch, Liew invited tourism players from in and out of the country to explore Sabah and hold more partnerships which benefits both parties.
She said there are endless avenues to explore in terms of the tourism industry, and this is a growing market that Sabah can continue to expand on.
The MITM fair ends on Sunday (July 28), and features some 76 exhibitors from within and outside Malaysia.
