Sabah tourism stakeholders call for a reevaluation of the East Coast travel advisory

15 August 2024

SANDAKAN: Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has reaffirmed the hopes of Sabah's tourism stakeholders for foreign governments to reconsider their travel advisories for the east coast of Sabah.

Countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom have long issued travel advisory to their citizens against visiting the east coast on grounds of security concerns.

“Sabah’s east coast, including Sandakan, is safe. Comprehensive security measures have been implemented to ensure the highest level of safety for both residents and visitors.

“No untoward incidents have occurred over the years,” he said during a Welcoming Dinner for Sandakan Day 2024 here, on Wednesday.

Present were the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke; and Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Tom Shepherd.

Joniston, who also serves as chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, stated that lifting the travel advisory would open the east coast to more tourists, allowing them to explore areas previously deemed off-limits.

He highlighted Sandakan’s breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and the warm hospitality of its residents. Additionally, he emphasized the peaceful coexistence of Sabah’s diverse, multiracial, and multi-religious communities, who live harmoniously together.

Earlier on Wednesday, Joniston chaired a meeting between the Sabah Tourism Board and Sandakan tourism stakeholders, as well as elected representatives, to gather feedback on various tourism-related issues.

During this session, participants urged the Assistant Minister to communicate their appeal for lifting the travel advisory to Australian and British diplomatic representatives who were in town for Sandakan Day. They noted that the travel advisory deters potential tourists from visiting and exploring Sandakan.

Speaking on Sandakan Day, Joniston described the event as a significant ceremony honoring the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom.

"This day is a reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring friendships between Australia, Britain, and Sabah, Malaysia, forged through shared history.

"While reflecting on our past, we also celebrate Sandakan and Sabah as destinations of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

“The relationships between our nations show that from conflict can come lasting peace, and from sorrow, the determination to build a better future," he said.

Also present at the dinner were Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong; Sandakan Municipal Council Deputy President Wilson Terence @ Thomas; Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit; Boyup Brook Shire Council (Western Australia) president, Richard Walker; and Honorary Consul of Australia in Sabah, Datuk Andrew Sim.