LAHAD DATU: International sailors taking part in the “Sail Malaysia: Passage to the East 2025” felt at ease during their journey along Sabah’s east coast, crediting the strong security measures by our security forces.
Sail Malaysia 2025 Fleet Commodore or Team Leader, Simon Hunt, said the Malaysian Government and Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) are doing a fantastic job and very helpful.
“We feel safe and we have always seen you (security forces) and corresponded. It’s been clear, fantastic and helpful.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“You could not have done a better job for us and we very much appreciate that. You have a beautiful place in Sabah, the people are wonderful,” he said.
According to Simon, they enjoyed visiting the villages and seeing the children as well as communities here.
They are also looking forward to getting down further south east of Sabah and enjoy some diving.
Simon said this while delivering his speech, representing the participants, during the flag-off programme officiated by Esscom Commander DCP Datuk Victor Sanjos, Saturday.
Victor, in his speech, welcomed the participants to Sabah’s east coast.
He said the participants’ yearly presence is truly a blessing, as it proves that the east coast of Sabah is secure, in fact very safe.
“The Madani Government under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Esscom are committed to ensuring the security level is at the highest and thus it is one of the Government’s priorities; and for reference since Esscom was formed, we recorded zero kidnapping incident since January 2020.
“I hope this will give you peace of mind to sail and enjoy ‘this paradise’ of our spectacular Sabah,” he said.
According to Victor, Sabah, “The Land Below the Wind”, especially east coast area, is more than just a geographical reference; it is a symbol of the State’s serene beauty, rich cultural tapestry and commitment in preserving its natural treasures.
For travellers seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a peaceful retreat, Sabah offers a unique destination that lives up to its poetic name.
“I really hope, through this programme, you can experience the safety while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Bring back the good memories to your country and let your people experience the same, enjoying ‘this paradise’ of our spectacular Sabah.
“Thank you to all participants for a very good cooperation with our escort ships and boats. Everyone is working as a team. We really appreciate that you are making our job a lot easier. There’s still a long way to go after this. We hope you will enjoy your sailing and if you have problems or need assistance just inform us,” he said.
Victor also extended his appreciation to Sazli Kamal Basha, the Managing Director of Sail Malaysia Passage to the East 2025 (organiser) for doing a great job and making sure all the participants’ needs are taken care of.
This year’s programme is participated by a total of 23 vessels with 51 participants from eight countries all over the world, such as Australia, United States of America, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany, Panama, Isle Of Man and Singapore.
The sailing kicked off at Kudat on the Aug 1 and will end at Tawau on Aug 30.
The participants sailed from Kudat to Karakit, Karakit to Jambongan, Jambongan to Silingan, Silingan to Sandakan, Sandakan to Sukau, Kinabatangan, Kinabatangan to Tambisan, Tambisan to Lahad Datu, and the route will resume from Lahad Datu to Payang Bay, Payang Bay to Kunak, Kunak to Bohey Dulang (Semporna) and Bohey Dulang to Tagasan Bay.
