KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government welcomed the latest travel advisory issued by the United States, which affirms that all mainland areas of the state including the east coast are safe for visitors.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the classification of these areas under “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions” clearly reflects Sabah’s stability as a safe destination.
At the same time, he noted the advisory’s continued caution for certain islands and maritime zones off the eastern coast stressing that the government respects the US position on the matter.
“While Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) remains for the islands and maritime areas in east coast Sabah, it is important to highlight that this does not apply to mainland cities, major towns, or key tourism gateways,” he said.
“We respect the sovereign right of any country to issue travel guidance based on its internal assessments.
“However, we also wish to emphasise that the security situation in Eastern Sabah has significantly improved and remained stable for several years.
“There have been no kidnap-for-ransom incidents in Sabah’s east coast waters since January 2020, when criminal elements linked to the Abu Sayyaf were last reported in the region,” he said.
He said that security operations led by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) have been consistently strengthened through coordinated patrols, enhanced maritime surveillance, and close cooperation among Malaysian security agencies.
“These measures have proven effective in maintaining peace and protecting both residents and visitors,” he added.
He said tourism operators and island resorts in the region operate under strict safety protocols and continuous security monitoring.
Sabah remains one of Southeast Asia’s leading eco-tourism and high-value travel destinations, with growing international arrivals reflecting sustained global confidence, he said.
“The Sabah Government remains fully committed to ensuring that safety and security remain our highest priority.
“We will continue to work closely with federal and state security agencies to uphold Sabah’s reputation as a safe, welcoming, and world-class destination.
“Sabah is open, secure, and ready to welcome visitors from around the world,” Jafry said.
