ID :
101281
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 09:58
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/101281
The shortlink copeid
TOURISTS KEEP COMING TO SABAH'S EAST COAST
By Ismail Lamo
SEMPORNA (Malaysia), Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Tourists continue to come to Sabah's east coast, an area known for its rich marine heritage and home to one of the world top diving spots, Sipadan Island.
They came despite the numerous advisories and notices issued over what was
often described as possible attacks on foreigners in the wake of the kidnapping
incident involving 21 foreigners and Malaysians by the Abu Sayyaf group from
southern Philippines in 2000.
Increased security surveillance , however, helps restore confidence among
tourists, many of whom are repeat visitors, who are attracted to the beauty and
tranquillity of the area.
Zeina Itaoui, 26, of Australia, for instance, has been visiting Mabul
Island,
near Sipadan Island, with her husband.
Met at Mabul Island Tuesday, she said, this was their third time in the area
and that they had no problem with security.
"We are well taken care of," she said, adding that she and her husband would
spend nine days in Mabul this time around compared to only several days during
their previous visits.
Carla Yodueno of Itali, who is in Semporna to study marine life since six
months ago, said she had never faced any tense situation here.
"I have never felt that my security is under threat," Yodueno said.
Meanwhile, Sabah Police Commissioner Noor Rashid Ibrahim said security in
the state's east coast was under control.
Nevertheless, he said, police would increase patrols to face any
eventualities
following the issuance of a warden notice by the United States Embassy on the
possibility of criminals targeting foreigners in the state's east coast.
"We are giving priorities to areas often visited by tourists. The people
have also asked that police ensure there will be no repeat of the kidnapping
incident in 2000," he told a dialogue with tour operators in Mabul Island today
in the wake of the issuance of the warden notice.
Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Tengku Adlin Zainal Abidin said the
increased surveillance in the area had restored confidence among tourists and
the people on the security in the area.
A total of 25 representatives of 15 tour operators in Semporna participated
in the dialogue.
-- BERNAMA
SEMPORNA (Malaysia), Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Tourists continue to come to Sabah's east coast, an area known for its rich marine heritage and home to one of the world top diving spots, Sipadan Island.
They came despite the numerous advisories and notices issued over what was
often described as possible attacks on foreigners in the wake of the kidnapping
incident involving 21 foreigners and Malaysians by the Abu Sayyaf group from
southern Philippines in 2000.
Increased security surveillance , however, helps restore confidence among
tourists, many of whom are repeat visitors, who are attracted to the beauty and
tranquillity of the area.
Zeina Itaoui, 26, of Australia, for instance, has been visiting Mabul
Island,
near Sipadan Island, with her husband.
Met at Mabul Island Tuesday, she said, this was their third time in the area
and that they had no problem with security.
"We are well taken care of," she said, adding that she and her husband would
spend nine days in Mabul this time around compared to only several days during
their previous visits.
Carla Yodueno of Itali, who is in Semporna to study marine life since six
months ago, said she had never faced any tense situation here.
"I have never felt that my security is under threat," Yodueno said.
Meanwhile, Sabah Police Commissioner Noor Rashid Ibrahim said security in
the state's east coast was under control.
Nevertheless, he said, police would increase patrols to face any
eventualities
following the issuance of a warden notice by the United States Embassy on the
possibility of criminals targeting foreigners in the state's east coast.
"We are giving priorities to areas often visited by tourists. The people
have also asked that police ensure there will be no repeat of the kidnapping
incident in 2000," he told a dialogue with tour operators in Mabul Island today
in the wake of the issuance of the warden notice.
Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Tengku Adlin Zainal Abidin said the
increased surveillance in the area had restored confidence among tourists and
the people on the security in the area.
A total of 25 representatives of 15 tour operators in Semporna participated
in the dialogue.
-- BERNAMA
