SANDAKAN – Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has made a strong appeal for foreign missions to reconsider the longstanding travel advisories warning against visits to Sabah’s east coast.
Countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom have maintained these advisories, citing security concerns in the region.
However, Joniston said 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.”
His remarks were made during a Welcoming Dinner for Sandakan Day 2024, held yesterday, where he was joined by Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke and Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia Tom Shepherd.
As the Sabah Tourism Board chairman, Joniston underscored the potential benefits of lifting the travel advisories. He highlighted that such a move would attract more tourists to the state’s east coast, allowing them to explore areas that have been largely off-limits due to perceived security risks.
Joniston also took the opportunity to showcase Sandakan’s breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the warm hospitality of its people. He stressed the region’s peaceful coexistence of its multiracial and multi-religious communities, which live in harmony.
Earlier, Joniston chaired a crucial engagement session between the Sabah Tourism Board, Sandakan tourism stakeholders, and elected representatives to discuss tourism-related concerns.
During this session, local stakeholders urged Joniston to convey their plea for the removal of the travel advisories to the Australian and British diplomats, who were in town for the Sandakan Day celebrations.
They argued that the travel advisories have deterred potential tourists from discovering the beauty and heritage of Sandakan.
In his Sandakan Day address, Joniston reflected on the significance of the event, which honours those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
“This day is a reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring friendships forged through shared history between Australia, Britain, and Sabah, Malaysia.
“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.” – August 15, 2024