Travel Alert for Eastern Malaysia

(DiveTravelBusinessNews.com - January 15, 2010) -- The US State Department is alerting U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to eastern Sabah, in Malaysia,  due to threat of violence against foreigners, and urges extreme caution if traveling there. There is immediate concern for the resorts located in isolated areas including Semporna and the dive destination islands of Mabul and Sipadan. The Travel Alert expires on April 15, 2010.

The Alert says, “There are indications that both criminal and terrorist groups are planning or intend acts of violence against foreigners in eastern Sabah, notwithstanding the Government of Malaysia's increased ability to detect, deter and prevent such attacks. The (al-Qaida-linked) Abu Sayyaf Group, based in the southern Philippines, has kidnapped foreigners in eastern Sabah in the past. Criminal elements are also responsible for kidnapping and piracy committed against foreigners. Of present concern are the resorts (and transportation to and from them) located in isolated areas of eastern Sabah, including Semporna and the islands of Mabul and Sipadan. Please avoid or use extreme caution in connection with any travel in these areas or locations.”

Malaysia's government has urged the United States to review what it called a misleading travel advisory warning of possible attacks on foreigners on Borneo island.

A Malaysian Foreign Ministry official met with the U.S. ambassador to the country, James R. Keith, on Monday to emphasize that the security in Sabah was "not as perceived" in the advisory, the ministry said in a statement.

Foreign Ministry Deputy Secretary General Radzi Abdul Rahman told Keith that the warning "could create a wrong, misleading and negative impression to the outside world on the security situation in Malaysia," according to the statement issued late Monday.

"Foreign travelers and tourists need not be unduly worried when coming to Sabah as the situation there is peaceful," the statement added.

For more information, visit the US State Department. 

** This RSS Feed is brought to you by www.DiveTravelBusinessNews.com **