Tourism Is Business As Usual In Sabah (As per 04th March 2013)

The Sabah Tourism Board wish to assure our visitors and partners worldwide that the tourism industry, island resorts and activities in the east coast of Sabah are operating as usual in the various dive destinations of Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Pom Pom, Pandanan and Lankayan. In the past several years, the Malaysian Government has installed dedicated armed national security personnel on these dive island destinations for safety and security.

On February 09, an armed group intruded into Kampung Tanduo, a remote coastal village some 150KM from Lahad Datu town on the east coast of Sabah. The armed group claim to be the 'Royal Army of the Sultan of Sulu'. After a three-week standoff, members of the Sulu clan opened fire at the police, who had no option but to return fire. Twelve clan Sulu members and two Malaysian commandos were killed.

On Saturday night of March 02, policemen on normal operations at a water-village, Kampung Seri Jaya Siminul in Semporna were ambushed and two policemen were killed by the armed intruders in the village. In the Sunday shoot-out, six policemen and six armed intruders were killed.

The Inspector-General of Police Malaysia (IGP) Tan Sri Ismail Omar in his statement assured the people, visitors and tourists their safety. He said the security situation is under control in Lahad Datu, Semporna and Kunak where the security forces are holding off the Filipino armed intruders. "I have called the armed Forces Chief to strengthen our position over the incidents in these areas. We are in a state of readiness to take further action", he said. He requested and stated residents of these three areas to go about their daily activities as usual without worrying on their safety for the armed forces were working closely with the police to address the security situation. "I would like to assure the tourists that it is safe to travel to Sabah," Ismail said.

The National Security Council (NSC) Secretary Rodzi Md Saad stated that Sabah NSC confirmed there is no prohibition to visit the resort islands. All activities continue as usual.

The Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Musa Aman also assured the safety and security of Sabah.

Business is as usual in Sabah including the State Capital, Kota Kinabalu and all the towns including the east coast of Sabah - Kudat, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Tawau. There is No curfew. Airports, domestic and international flights are in full operations. All the islands are open to visitors and safe to visit and stay.

Thank you.

Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks
General Manager/Board Director
Email: irene@sabahtourism.com
Website : http://www.sabahtourism.com

-Sabah Tourism Board.