PETALING JAYA: Japan and several European countries have revised their travel advisories for Sabah following government efforts to provide foreign representatives with a clearer picture of security conditions in the Esszone.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail described the changes as among the positive outcomes since the government began bringing foreign representatives into Esszone to assess the situation on the ground.
“Japan, for example, has changed its travel advisory. During yesterday’s meeting, we were also informed that several European countries had revised their advisories.
“I do not remember all the countries presented yesterday, but Switzerland was among them,” he said during the press conference.
Saifuddin said it was the third such programme organised to allow foreign representatives to observe the security situation and provide their governments with accurate, factual and balanced information.
A total of 14 diplomats and foreign representatives from countries and organisations, including the UK, Finland, Italy, Belgium, Austria, France, the Czech Republic, the European Union, Switzerland, Slovakia and the US took part.
The programme allowed representatives from countries that issued travel advisories following the Lahad Datu incident 13 years ago to assess the current situation objectively.
“They can then help explain the actual situation,” he added, noting that the programme would strengthen confidence in Esszone’s security among local and international communities.
The foreign representatives visited Pulau Bakungan Kecil and Pulau Selingan, both located within Esszone, where military and police personnel are stationed to maintain security.
They also visited the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Agnes Keith House.
The itinerary covered islands, forests, beaches and environmental conservation areas.
Saifuddin said Esszone had recorded 129,492 tourist arrivals as of June, with figures from July onwards not yet available.
“If this trend continues, the increase in tourist arrivals to Esszone will demonstrate that international confidence in the area’s security and tourism potential is moving in the right direction,” he said.
He stressed that the government respected every country’s right to determine its own travel advisory.
“Our responsibility is to provide accurate information and a true and comprehensive picture of Esszone. The rest is left to the consideration of the respective countries.”
Saifuddin said the government would continue working with the Sabah government and relevant federal and state agencies to strengthen security and build confidence in Esszone.
The whole-of-government approach involves the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and other agencies. – by T.C. KHOR
