Dive The World would like to keep all of our customers who’ve booked or are thinking of booking a dive trip to Malaysia informed on the situation in Sabah. Our “man on the ground” in Kota Kinabalu has assured us that life is proceeding as normal and the Sabah Tourism Board has released the below statement:
“The Sabah Tourism Board wish to assure our visitors and partners worldwide that the tourism industry, hotels, island resorts, river, jungle and mountain lodges and activities throughout Sabah including the east coast, are operating business as usual.
The various dive destinations of Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Pom Pom, Pandanan, Lankayanand Selingan (popularly known as Turtle Island) are open for business and visitors. In the past few years the Malaysian Government has installed armed national security personnel on these islands and this week, security are further beefed up. The National Security Council (NSC) confirmed there is no prohibition to visit the resort islands. All activities continue as usual.
The Malaysian security forces have cordoned the remote coastal village Kampung Tanduo areas where the intruders are holed in. The area is more than 150 km from Lahad Datu town and is NOT in the tourist route.
The state government and people of Sabah welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement of the setting up of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) along the entire east coast of Sabah from Kudat in the north to Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Tawau in the southeast. This is timely to prevent intrusions, illegal entry and smuggling from neighbouring countries. The mobilisation of additional battalions comprising the army, police and maritime to these areas including the islands enhance the safety and security of the whole east coast, boosting local and international confidence. With ESSCOM greater security measures, the Foreign Travel Advisories should be revised favourably.
Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar assured the public, visitors and tourists their safety. “I would like to assure tourists that it is safe to travel to Sabah.” Ismail said.
Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks
General Manager/Board Director
Source : Sabah Tourism Board
Website : sabahtourism.com
For further information contact Dive The World on +66 (0)94 582 7973 / (0)83 505 7794 or send us an email.