Waters off East Coast Sabah safe

26 August 2024

SEMPORNA: Participants of the Sail Malaysia Passage to the East rally, representing 21 countries, have praised the security along Sabah's east coast after completing their two-month voyage through the region.

Despite travel advisories issued by some nations, the sailors reported feeling safe throughout their journey, attributing this sense of security largely to the efforts of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM).

"I had a very safe journey through Sabah waters. With Esscom’s security measures in place, I had no concerns about safety," said 63-year-old Manuel Ribeiro from Portugal.

Ribeiro, who was sailing in Sabah for the first time, praised ESSCOM for their proactive approach in collecting participants’ details and tracking their movements. He shared his observations with Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai during a farewell dinner for Sail Malaysia participants on Sunday.

"There is also a dedicated group chat where we can report any emergencies while sailing alone in Sabah waters. This gave us a strong sense of security," he added.

Ribeiro noted that while Portuguese tourists typically visit Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Malacca due to historical ties, Sabah provided a refreshing and eye-opening experience.

“I have never been to Sabah before, but most of us have heard of it as a remote and exotic part of the world.

“After being here, I see there is so much more Sabah can offer, especially through the lens of the sailing community," he added.

Nikki Anderson, 34, from Australia, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the safety she and her family felt during their voyage.

"We feel safe and have never once felt unsafe. We want to thank ESSCOM for doing such a good job.

“We feel secure, especially since we are traveling with a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old," Anderson shared.

She also spoke fondly of the warm hospitality they received during their two-month journey.

“We get to mingle and party with the locals, and that has become a part of our day-to-day life here.

“We have also explored the land, visiting Kinabalu National Park and the tip of Borneo in Kudat. It's just amazing," she added.

Thanking the Sail Malaysia participants, Assistant Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai encouraged them to share their experiences to friends and families, noting that events like Sail Malaysia have raised Sabah's profile among global sailors.

"The continued organisation of Sail Malaysia is a clear indicator of how important Sabah is as a destination for sailors from around the world.

“With that in mind, we are committed to improving the facilities and infrastructure related to boat berthing, among others, in the future."

"We value participants’ feedback, and we will strive to enhance our visitor’s experience in every possible way," said Joniston, who is also patron for Sail Malaysia Borneo."