Security boosted on Sabah's east coast marine tourist spots

Cops boost security on Sabah’s east coast
The Star 21 Jan 10;

SEMPORNA: Tourists continue arriving at Sabah’s east coast, an area that is known for its rich marine heritage and home to one of the world’s top diving spots, Sipadan Island.

The United States recently issued an advisory against travel to eastern Sabah due to possible attacks on foreigners by terrorists.

Increased security surveillance, however, has helped restore confidence among tourists, many of whom are repeat visitors attracted by the beauty and tranquillity of the area.

Zeina Itaoui, 26, from Australia, has been visiting Mabul Island near Sipadan with her husband.

When met at Mabul recently, she said it was their third visit and they had no problems with security. “We are well taken care of,” she said, adding that she and her husband would spend nine days this time compared to only a few during their previous visits.

Carla Yodueno of Italy, who was in Semporna to study marine life over the past six months, said she had not encountered any tense situations.

“I have never felt my safety under threat,” Yodueno said.

Meanwhile, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim said that security in the state’s east coast was under control.

Nevertheless, he said that police would increase patrols to face any eventualities following the issuance of the US advisory on the possibility of criminals targeting foreigners there.

“We are giving priority to areas frequented by tourists. They have asked the police to ensure there is no repeat of the kidnapping incident of the year 2000,” he said during a recent dialogue with tour operators in Mabul Island in the wake of the issuance of the notice.

Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Adlin Zainal Abidin said the increased surveillance had restored confidence over the area’s security.

A total of 25 representatives from 15 tour operators in Semporna participated in the dialogue. — Bernama

Review travel alert, US urged
Alang Bendahara, New Straits Times 20 Jan 10;

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States has been asked to review the warden notice and travel alert on Sabah that it issued through its embassy here, as it could create a “wrong, misleading and negative impression” on the security situation in Malaysia.
Foreign Affairs Ministry deputy secretary-general I Datuk Mohd Radzi Abd Rahman registered the government’s concern and reaction to the warden’s notice with US ambassador James R. Keith at a meeting here on Monday.

The US embassy had issued the notice on Jan 15, advising travellers to avoid travelling to the east coast of Sabah, particularly Semporna and the islands of Mabul and Sipadan.

The notice was upgraded to a travel alert the same day by the US State Department’s Bureau of Consumer Affairs. The alert expires on April 15.

Radzi said the alert had generated anxiety, confusion and surprise among government leaders and the public about the alleged security situation in eastern Sabah.

In a statement released yesterday, Radzi emphasised the government’s full commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors.

“Foreign travellers and tourists need not be unduly worried when coming to Sabah as the situation there is peaceful,” he said.

The US State Department said American citizens should consider the risks associated with travel to eastern Sabah because
of the threat from terrorist and criminal groups.

It said there were indications that both groups were planning acts of violence against foreigners in eastern Sabah “notwithstanding the government of Malaysia’s increased ability to detect, deter and prevent such attacks”.

It made a reference to the Abu Sayyaf group, based in the southern Philippines, which had kidnapped foreigners in eastern Sabah in the past.

Criminal elements were also responsible for kidnapping and piracy committed against foreigners.

It also encouraged Americans in Malaysia to register with the consular section of the US embassy here through the State Department’s travel registration website in order to obtain updated information on travel and security.

This would make it easier for the embassy to contact US citizens in an emergency.

On Saturday, New Straits Times quoted National Security Council secretary Datuk Mohamed Tajudeen Abdul Wahab as saying that military and police intelligence had not indicated any imminent attacks against any part of the country.

Since the last travel warning was issued in the area, security and intelligence there had been tightened and there had been no reported attempts or acts of terror, including against foreigners.