KOTA KINABALU: Mainland areas of eastern Sabah are generally safe according to the latest United States travel advisory for Malaysia.
However, the advisory maintains caution specifically for islands and maritime areas off the coast of eastern Sabah, from Kudat in the north to Tawau in the south.
The inclusion of eastern Sabah under “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions” reaffirms Malaysia as generally safe for visitors with a cautionary note specifically for the islands off eastern Sabah, that was placed under Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
US embassy Kuala Lumpur Chargé d'Affaires David H Chip Gamble said the latest travel advisory places all mainland areas including eastern Sabah under Level 1, but maintains Level 2 for the islands and maritime areas off the coast of eastern Sabah.
"I encourage Americans and other travellers to check out our updated US travel advisory for Eastern Sabah, which is now at Level 1 ("Exercise Normal Precautions")," he said.
Noting that the advisory remains at Level 2 for the islands and maritime areas off the coast of Eastern Sabah, he said; “This change reflects our assessment that the security situation in eastern Sabah has been improving for years."
The last reported kidnap-for-ransom incident in Sabah’s east coast waters occurred on Jan 15, 2020 by southern Philippines-based criminal groups linked to the militant Abu Sayaff group.
Intensified security operations under the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) at tourist resorts and maritime areas along the southern Philippines sea borders to check criminal elements over the years are widely credited for the success in security against kidnap groups.
In the latest advisory, the US State Department warns that kidnappings-for-ransom have occurred in this region, targeting island resorts and maritime activities.
US government employees require special authorisation to travel to these areas. Due to their remote location, the US government has a limited ability to provide emergency services, it said in its latest travel advisory.
