Federal tourism minister insists Sabah safe despite security fears

SANDAKAN, March 30 ― Sabah is safe to visit, Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz assures tourists.

He stopped by at various tourism points in the east coast of Sabah during a six-day working visit.

“The security forces conduct 24-hour patrols to ensure that safety in the area including tourist spots is at the best level,” he said at a dinner function last night.

Also present was Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

Among the tourist attractions that Mohamed Nazri visited were the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Bakkungaan Kecil and Selingan islands at the Turtle Island Park, Kampung Sukau and Gomantong Cave in Kinabatangan.

“I come here as Minister for Tourism and Culture, to gauge for myself and affirm that the east coast of Sabah is safe to visit,” he said, while urging districts in the state to be aggressive in promoting their tourism products.

Meanwhile, Masidi said in his speech that the travel advisory issued by certain countries had not affected foreign visitor arrival to Sabah.

He cited the number of tourists from China which rose by 24 per cent last January.

He attributed the increase mainly to the 61 direct flights every week, between China and Kota Kinabalu. ― Bernama

Source: The Malay Mail Online