Sabah Reaffirms Commitment to Tourist Safety, Says Minister

12 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding the highest standards of tourist safety, emphasised Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Christina Liew.

She made the assurance during her welcome address at the Coordination Meeting on Tourism involving Federal and State agencies, chaired by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing. The meeting took place at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, on Tuesday.

“On behalf of the State Government, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to MOTAC for your ongoing support in strengthening Malaysia’s tourism industry. With close collaboration between MOTAC, the State Government, and our enforcement agencies, I am confident that Sabah can become not only one of the most beautiful destinations in the world but also one of the safest,” Liew stated.

She also thanked Tiong for his continued concern regarding safety issues, particularly in Semporna, emphasising that “we believe we share the same commitment, and the progress we have made is aligned with the Federal Government.”

“For us, ensuring a safe tourism environment is not merely about protecting lives and prioritising wellbeing; it is also about safeguarding Malaysia’s reputation as a world-class travel destination. Your ongoing attention and commitment to this matter are greatly appreciated,” she added.

Liew stressed that tourist safety is crucial in maintaining the confidence of both domestic and international travellers, as well as potential investors in the tourism sector. “In this age of social media, even a single incident can spread rapidly and tarnish our tourism image. Vigilance is therefore essential,” she warned.

Acknowledging recent safety concerns, including accidents involving activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and stand-up paddleboarding in marine and island areas, the Minister highlighted the urgent need for stricter safety protocols, comprehensive adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), and improved training for guides and boat operators.

To address these issues, the Sabah State Government has taken proactive measures. “We have strengthened cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), and the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) to increase patrols and monitoring,” she explained.

Multilingual safety signage has also been installed at key tourist hotspots, including the arrival halls of Tawau and Sandakan airports, she added.

The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai; Secretary-General of MOTAC, Dato’ Shaharudin Abu Sohot; Deputy State Secretary (Administration), Datuk Norlija @ Norlijah Danin; Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Datuk Josie Lai; Deputy Permanent Secretary I to KePKAS, Mary Malangking; Sabah Parks Director, Datuk Dr Maklarin Lakim; CEO of Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Julinus Jeffery Jimit; and delegations from MOTAC.