POLICE INTENSIFY SECURITY PATROLS IN SABAH

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The police have given an assurance that
security patrols in the coastal areas and islands of East Malaysia state of
Sabah will be intensified as a precautionary measure following a "warden notice"
issued by the United States' embassy here that foreign tourists might come under
attack by irresponsible elements n the area.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar said tight security would
always be maintained to ensure that the country was free of all types of threats
that could jeopardise national security.

"I have directed the state police chief to intensify patrols along the coast
and islands around Sabah especially Semporna, Mabul and Sipadan.

"We will always monitor the situation and take appropriate action, thus the
people and tourists are asked to be calm and not to be worried because we are
always on alert," he told Bernama when contacted.

He was commenting on the notice which warned that criminal and terrorist
groups were planning attacks against foreigners in the islands off Sabah.

The notice posted on the embassy's website and dated Friday, said resorts
located in isolated areas of eastern Sabah posed a concern.

It urged "extreme caution" in connection with any travel in isolated areas
of eastern Sabah, including Semporna and the islands of Mabul and Sipadan.

It noted that the Abu Sayaf militant group, an al Qaeda-linked
militant group based in the southern Philippines, which is a short boat ride
from Sabah, had previously kidnapped foreigners from Sabah's secluded resort
areas in the past.

A "warden notice" is a routine alert issued by embassies all over the world
on possible risks to travellers' safety.

It is not a travel alert or a travel warning or travel advisory which are
each considered much more far reaching and connotes a more serious and ongoing
threat.

Such warnings or alerts are issued only after a discussion/notification to
the governments concerned.
-- BERNAMA