The Malaysian Insight

THE Sabah chapter of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) viewed seriously the kidnapping incident in Lahad Datu earlier today seriously, but remains confident the state is a safe place to visit. 

Its president, Gordon Seet, said Sabah MAH was confident that the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) has control in safeguarding the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone). 

ESSZone covers 1,400km of coastline on Sabah’s east coast from Kudat to Tawau, including island resorts in Malaysian waters off Sabah.  

“Following today’s report of 10 fishermen abducted in Lahad Datu’s Tambisan waters, which is away from tourist areas, it is learned that the two fishing boats carrying the fishermen were plying the waters during curfew hours without a permit.   

“Despite the incident, it is safe to travel to Sabah. Sandakan and Tawau are ideal destinations for nature and seafood lovers.

“Tours to islands off the coast are also safe to travel to as ESSCom has confirmed that security in the east coast is under control,” Seet said in a statement today. 

Police had earlier today received a distress call concerning 10 fishermen on two boats on their way to Semporna from Lahad Datu who were kidnapped about 2.45am this morning while dusk-till-dawn curfew was in force. 

The fishermen were headed to Semporna to renew their permits. – June 18, 2019.