- June 19, 2019 @ 12:18pm
KOTA KINABALU: The latest kidnapping incident involving 10 fishermen will affect tourism, but industry players have faith that the government will do whatever necessary to solve the problem.
Sabah-Labuan Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) chairman Gordon Seet said the association viewed the news seriously as the safety of tourists in the state was of the utmost priority.
“MAH is confident that the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) is in full control in safeguarding the area that covers 1,400km of the east coast of Sabah from Kudat to Tawau, including protecting the island resorts.
“Despite the incident that took place, it is (still) safe to travel to Sabah. Sandakan and Tawau are ideal destinations for nature and seafood lovers.
“Tours to islands are safe since Esscom has verified the security in the east coast of Sabah is under control,” he said in a statement.
Yesterday, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah had said that the 10 fishermen are sea gypsies who were abducted by gunmen believed to be from the militant Abu Sayyaf group.
The incident, which occurred off Lahad Datu’s Tambisan waters close to the Tawi Tawi chain of islands in the southern Philippines, happened around 2am during curfew hours on Monday.
Lahad Datu’s Blue holes founder Glen Hapirulla, who operates a dive centre in the district, said the incident, even though it technically occurred in Lahad Datu waters, actually took place closer to Sandakan.
“Many divers have inquired about security following the breaking of the news about the kidnapping yesterday. However I assure them the incident occurred far from the dive sites and it is safe to be at the sea during the daytime,” he said, adding that police patrol boats are often present especially if there are diving activities.
A diver who wanted to be known only as Sasha said she would continue her trip with a group of divers this weekend to Lahad Datu.
“None of our group members has said anything about canceling the trip after the news, so we will just continue our plan.
“One of my friends who lives there (Lahad Datu) also said there is nothing to worry about, so, I will just take her word for it,” she added.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said east coast tourism has been stifled by the travel advisory by several countries.
He said Matta welcomes the government’s recent announcement on the restructuring of Esscom to provide better protection for the tourism industry.
“Any proposed restructuring would be welcomed, as long as there is ‘zero tolerable error’. Safety and security are vital. Any cost-cutting at the expense of security may have adverse implications,” he added.
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