Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai flanked by Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke (left) and acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Tom Shepherd (right).
Tourism growth hindered as foreign embassies cite security concerns in east coast
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism stakeholders in the state hope foreign embassies would reconsider using travel advisories warning their citizens against visiting Sabah’s eastern districts, which they believe are hindering tourism growth.
Countries like Australia and Britain 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.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Sabah’s east coast 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,” he said during a welcoming dinner for Sandakan Memorial Day 2024 on Wednesday.
Among those present at the dinner were members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Malaysia, including 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 (STB), said lifting the travel advisory would unlock the region’s tourism potential, allowing more tourists to explore the natural beauty and rich wildlife of areas that were previously deemed off-limits.
He had chaired an engagement session with Sandakan tourism stakeholders and elected representatives on Tuesday to discuss tourism-related issues, during which they urged him to convey their appeal to the Australian and British diplomatic representatives to lift their countries’ travel advisories.
Meanwhile, Bangkuai said Sandakan Memorial Day is a day to celebrate the enduring friendship between Australia, Britain and Sabah.
The day honours the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and also showcases Sandakan and Sabah as destinations of natural beauty and cultural heritage, he added.
“The relationship between our nations shows that from conflict can come lasting peace, and from sorrow, the determination to build a better future,” Bangkuai said.
The dinner was also attended by Boyup Brook Shire Council (Western Australia) president Richard Walker, Honorary Consul of Australia in Sabah Datuk Andrew Sim, Sandakan MP Vivian Wong, Sandakan Municipal Council deputy president Wilson Terence @ Thomas and STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
