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.
The group collectively urged him to convey their appeal for lifting the travel advisories to the Australian and British diplomatic representatives attending Sandakan Day, saying that the advisories are a significant deterrent for potential tourists.
Speaking on the significance of Sandakan Day, Bangkuai said it is a day of remembrance and a celebration of enduring friendships between Australia, Britain, and Sabah.
He added that while the day honours the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, it also showcases Sandakan and Sabah as destinations of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
"The relationships between our nations show that from conflict can come lasting peace, and from sorrow, the determination to build a better future," Bangkuai added.
The dinner was also attended by Sandakan MP Vivian Wong, Sandakan Municipal Council Deputy president Wilson Terence @ Thomas, STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Boyup Brook Shire Council (Western Australia) president Richard Walker, and Honorary Consul of Australia in Sabah, Datuk Andrew Sim.
