KOTA KINABALU: The east coast of Sabah remains a popular tourist spot for independent American travellers despite it being included in the newly introduced “K” indicator list of travel advisory by the State Department of the United States.
Although their number is small, Sipadan-Mabul Resort proprietor Robert Lo said east coast districts like Semporna were still popular destinations for independent American travellers who want to explore places outside the state capital.
“These travellers are independent and not affected by the travel advisory, unlike those in big tour groups.
“It is in fact safe to travel here (Semporna). It is not an issue.
“We have security forces patrolling on the island and the seas round the clock.
“These security personnel are doing an excellent job and we need to support them,” he told the New Straits Times today.
Lo, who is well known in the tourism industry, said the US travel advisory should not discourage its citizens from visiting eastern Sabah.
He noted that kidnapping also occurred in other countries, including the US itself.
He said US officials should visit the area to get a clear view of the security situation.
“We have people expressing intention to shoot films here (in the east coast), but they could not do so because of travel advisory and lack of insurance coverage,” he added.
On visitor arrivals to Sipadan-Mabul Resort, Lo said the largest number were from China, followed by South Korea, Japan, Australia, Europe and US.
Eearlier this month, the US government updated its travel advisory, identifying Malaysia as one of 35 countries where kidnapping and hostage-taking were a risk.
The Foreign Ministry had responded by urging the US to immediately remove Malaysia from the ‘K’ list.