Level 2 US travel advisory retained for Sabah's east coast

By Olivia Miwil - June 27, 2019 @ 7:04pm

US Ambassadors to Malaysia Kamala Shirin Lakhdir (third from right) with Sabah Assistant Education and Innovation minister Jenifer Lasimbang (third from left) after the press conference on America Days Borneo 2019 in Kota Kinabalu. NSTP/Edmund Samunting

KOTA KINABALU: The United States travel advisory will be maintained at Level 2 for the east coast of Sabah, said US ambassador to Malaysia Kamala Shirin Lakhdir.

She said the travel advisory, which is published by the US Department of State provided security information for its citizens when they travel abroad.

"(The level) is the same, but we have narrowed down the areas of concern in which there may be risks,” she said during a press conference on the 2019 America Day Borneo event, here.

The latest advisory on the eastern coast of Sabah mentions that there is a threat of kidnappings-for-ransom from both terrorists and criminal groups.

The Level 2 travel advisory issued for US citizens means that travellers are urged to exercise increased caution in those countries or regions. It is the second lowest level of security out of the four-tier grades for travel advisories.

"The Embassy is highly concerned with the safety of American citizens. We give security information so that they will make their own decisions," she said.

The event, which is held in conjunction with 150 years of ties between the people of the US and Malaysian Borneo, is organised by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

The event is held to mark the US Independence Day which falls on July 4 and the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.

The event comprises a series of programmes to share American culture and values with the people here.

Among the activities lined up are pop/rock concert by the Third Marine Expeditionary Force Band, a three-day journalism workshop on media roles covering violent extremism, Moon Landing/Makers activity at the state Library, Fun Run and Exhibition on Saving Sabah Wildlife at the Likas public park, as well as Coaches Academy Workshop (Junior NBA) with sports envoy.

Tonight, the US Embassy will also host an annual gala celebration here to commemorate the the United States' 243rd Independence Day.