The Malaysian Insight

SABAH’S Semporna has often been thought of as an affordable diving destination compared with the Maldives but the spate of tourist kidnappings over the years has negatively impacted on tourism in the area.

Travel warnings by European countries and the United States to avoid Sabah’s east coast did not help.

However, with improved security, Semporna’s tourism industry is recovering, with many tourists – mostly from China – seemingly not concerned about being kidnapped

It is once again getting difficult to find rooms there during peak season.

Singamata Adventures & Reef Resort managing director Tang Woo Keong said the local tourism industry is booming, and hotels and resorts are rapidly expanding to meet demand.

He said rooms are packed during the long holidays in China.

“Semporna’s beach tourism is still growing and there aren’t enough resorts or hotels here. If you are holidaying in Semporna, you’ll see that resorts and hotels are constantly being expanded.

“It’s a shame that only China tourists seem to be attracted to Semporna while Malaysians are still rattled by the kidnappings.

“We had previously given out discount coupons but local tourists are worried about.”

Sabah’s Tourism, Arts and Environment Department said in February that the state’s tourism industry is breaking records, with 3.8 million tourist arrivals, generating RM8.3 billion in revenue.

The number of foreign tourists visiting the state increased by 10.2%, while local tourist arrivals have gone up 2.8%.

Consul-general of China in Kota Kinabalu Liang Caide estimated that Chinese tourists visiting Sabah will increase by 20% this year, describing the state as a tourism hot spot.

Many diving enthusiasts from around the world come to Sabah for its beautiful diving spots, including the “golden triangle” of Sipadan, Kapalai and Mabul, which is favoured by local and international divers for leisure and obtaining their diving licences.

About 10 years ago, Westerners visiting Sipadan for diving drew the attention of kidnapping syndicates.

With more Eastern tourists at the location now, the syndicates have shifted their attention accordingly.

Tang said a female tourist was kidnapped from his establishment in 2014, but the incident was fast fading from memory and Semporna now relies on them for promotion.

He said: “2013 saw the worst of kidnappings in Sabah, then there were the Malaysia Airlines tragedies of 2014. All these incidents have affected the tourism industry.

“However, there are many accident stories in China and news about the kidnappings have not spread throughout China, while tourists are promoting Sabah through their social media, such as on Weibo.

“It is also geographically ideal, it’s only about three to four hours’ flight from Guangzhou or Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur.

“July and August are peak seasons for Tawau, with almost every flight to Sabah filled with Chinese tourists.

“With the reduced news of kidnappings from 2014 to 2016, the tourists are coming back.”

Tang said 2017 and 2018 were record years for Sabah tourism and accommodations were filled to the brim with Chinese tourists.

“Many are not aware that the security situation in Semporna is now stable. Previously, those at the resorts have to wear bulletproof vests and are constantly guarded by armed military personnel.

“But starting this year, marine police are stationed at the resorts and their patrol boats are parked out of sight.”

He said the atmosphere was tensed when armed military were stationed there, with tourists feeling insecure.

Due to backlash from local tourism players, the Eastern Security Command (ESSCom) agreed to station men only at resorts when the security threat level is high.

“The government has been working hard to enhance security along the coast in recent years, extending curfews and restricting night-time activities at sea and installing radar-monitoring facilities.

“Resort operators have also done their part, enhancing the quality of security at their facilities, including installing CCTV cameras and alarm systems and cooperating with security forces.

“Sabah’s coastline is extremely long, it is not easy to secure it. When the curfew is in force, only fishing boats are allowed to operate at night and passenger vessels have to report every time it goes out to sea.

“Operators feel safe here, and tourists do not feel threatened either.”

Tang also said Sabah Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal, who is also Semporna MP, has paid attention towards the tourism industry.

“Chartered flights from China have increased recently. Before this, there were tourists from Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing, now we’re also having tourists from Changsha and Hebei.”

Another establishment where a kidnapping occurred is the Mabul Water Villa Resort, where managing director Robert Lo said the security forces have restored confidence.

Lo said the security forces closely monitor any activity at sea to ensure security.

He added that the efforts by ESSCom not only prevents kidnappings, but improves tourist confidence. – June 9, 2019.