Lahad Datu crisis will not affect tourism in Sabah

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen stressed that the crisis in Lahad Datu and Semporna will not affect tourism activities in Sabah.

According to her, the Tourism Ministry will also assist in getting the latest developments for the safety of tourists.

“The Sabah Tourism Board have issued a statement that businesses are still operating as usual.

“Sabah is big. We have Kota Kinabalu and famous islands such as Sipadan,” she said during a press conference at the Malaysia International Bloggers Conference and Awards 2013 (MITBCA 2013).

Security has been tightened at all tourist-friendly spots and Yen Yen assured tourists that their safety is guaranteed.

She also denied there have been any negative perceptions against Sabah due to the crisis.

On February 9, a group of militants entered the country’s border in batches and landed at Felda Sahabat 17, Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu.

On March 1, a shootout occurred between security forces and a small group of intruders when they tried to break a police blockade in Kampung Tanduo, resulting in two police commandos dead and three others injured. All 12 members of the small group of intruders were killed.

Foreign embassies in Kuala Lumpur have warned their respective citizen to avoid visiting the shores of Sabah.

These include Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.

These areas are popular among tourists, especially Semporna, which would be their last stop before heading to Sipadan island.

United States, Britain, Australia, and Canada were among the countries which issued the warning to its citizens.