US encourages tourists to visit Sabah as security improves

David Gamble (left) during the launching of Freedom 250 Sabah 

KOTA KINABALU: The United States is encouraging its citizens and visitors from around the world to travel to Sabah, following improvements in security and a more relaxed travel status for Borneo, said US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires to Malaysia David Gamble.

"Many countries are following America's lead and reviewing their travel advisories, which reflect the increased security and how safe it is to come to Sabah.

"We want to see more tourists from around the world come here because Sabah is a fantastic place to visit," he told reporters after launching the Freedom 250 campaign in Sabah at the state library in Tanjung Aru near here.

In February, the embassy lowered its travel advisory for Eastern Sabah to Level 1 for its citizens, advising them to exercise normal precautions, and Level 2 for the islands and maritime areas off the coast of Eastern Sabah.

Four months later, Japan also lowered its travel advisory for coastal areas from Kudat to Tawau from Level 2 to Level 1, covering Banggi Island and Balambangan Island.

The advisory had been raised in July 2014 following a series of kidnapping-for-ransom incidents involving foreigners on the east coast of Sabah.

Also present were Sabah Assistant Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Jordan Jude Ellron and US Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Cate Dillon.

Freedom 250 Sabah is a three-day series of programmes taking place across Kota Kinabalu from yesterday until tomorrow to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The celebration is organised in partnership with the Sabah state government, the City of Kota Kinabalu, local organisations and corporate sponsors.

During the three days, Tanjung Aru Library will host the travelling Freedom 250 Exhibition, Fulbright Malaysia and US higher education outreach, STEM workshops supported by McDermott and ConocoPhillips, English Access Scholarship Programme activities, and American Film Showcase workshops for emerging Sabahan filmmakers.

Prominent US athletes are leading the Freedom 250 Sabah Football Clinic Powered by ConocoPhillips, engaging up to 500 young Sabahan footballers.

Participating athletes include Shannon Boxx, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and Fifa Women's World Cup champion; Tony Sanneh, a veteran of the 2002 Fifa World Cup; and Maren Hendershot McCrary, a former professional football player.

Tomorrow, the celebration will culminate in the family-friendly "Great American Sabah State Fair" and the Freedom 250 Fun Run at Padang Merdeka from 3pm to 10pm, featuring American-style food, local vendors, contests, classic games and a live performance by the US Pacific Band, comprising Navy sailors from the US and partner countries.

The programme also features screenings of American classics, including Back to the Future, Mission: Impossible and The Incredibles, at City Cineplex, City Mall, celebrating American storytelling, creativity and technological innovation.

The Freedom 250 celebrations coincide with the 22nd Pacific Partnership mission in Sabah. Approximately 400 US service members and personnel from eight partner nations, including Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom, are working with local communities on engineering projects, medical outreach and disaster preparedness.