Kota Kinabalu: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin (pic) has welcomed the United States’ recognition of Sabah’s improved security situation and its encouragement for international travellers to visit the State.
He said the statement by US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires David Gamble noting Sabah's more relaxed travel status is a positive and timely development as the state prepares for Visit Sabah 2027.
The US placed most of Sabah under a Level 1 advisory in February, while maritime areas off the east coast remain at Level 2, following a similar move by Japan in June to ease its travel warnings for eastern coastal districts and islands.
Jafry attributed the eased advisories to the consistent security efforts of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), the police, the armed forces, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
He expressed hope that the move would encourage other nations to reassess their travel advisories based on current ground realities, thereby boosting international arrivals and supporting local operators.
