Travel Advisory by the US on Malaysia is Unjustified says Lee

Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye feels that the April 9^th travel advisory issued by the US government over potential kidnapping in Malaysia is unjustified as the concerned Malaysian enforcement agencies through their continuous efforts have brought the situation under control.

Lee has pointed out Sunday (April 21^st) that the recent travel advisory issued because of the US government’s concern about the potential kidnapping in certain areas of eastern Sabah will also affect the tourists’ confidence to visit other parts of Malaysia, especially the coastal region.

It may be noted that on April 9^th this year the US Department has placed Malaysia in the ‘K’ list in a travel advisory to the US citizens due to the issue of potential kidnapping in Sabah.

In a statement to the media on the US Travel advisory Lee said “For the locals in Sabah or those who have visited the state, they could see how tourists continue to come in droves to the state including the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE). The Police have also given their assurance that the situation in ESSZONE is under control as continuous operation is being conducted against militants.”

It has been reported that there is an increase of tourists to Sabah by 5.5 per cent, reaching 3.87 million last year. Sabah also made it to the list of ‘Top 5 Most Visited States in Malaysia’ last year while Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah was ranked ninth in the ‘Top Destinations for Asian Travelers’ during the recent Lunar New year

Lee also highlighted the point that Malaysia off late has been attracting a lot of American tourist influx and that in 2018 there has been an increase of 27.9 per cent in US tourist footfall, reaching a total of 253,384.

Lee also made it known to the media on Sunday that there’s no country in this world free from Crime and that includes Malaysia, he also said that tourists can be safe in any country as long as they use their common sense and take advise from relevant travel authorities and agents.