| |
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has moved to reassure foreign visitors after a United States travel advisory warned of the risk of terrorist attacks in a Borneo tourist destination.
Thousands of Westerners visit the state of Sabah annually, attracted by its scenery and world class diving, especially in waters off Sipadan, close to the troubled southern Philippines.
The United States embassy in Kuala Lumpur said Friday there was "present concern" over resorts in isolated areas in eastern Sabah including Sipadan, where foreign hostages were snatched in 2000.
"There are indications that both criminal and terrorist groups are planning or intend acts of violence against foreigners in eastern Sabah," the embassy said in a notice on its website.
"The Abu Sayyaf group, based in the southern Philippines, has kidnapped foreigners in eastern Sabah in the past."
But the Malaysian government sought to limit the damage, telling potential visitors procedures had been ramped up.
"Security and intelligence there has been tightened tremendously and there have been no reported attempts or acts of terror, including against foreigners," Mohamed Tajudeen Abdul Wahab, national security council secretary was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times newspaper Saturday.
The US advisory identified the destinations of Semporna, Mabul and Sipadan and called on citizens to "please avoid or use extreme caution in connection with any travel in these areas or locations."
Mohamad Shafie Apdal, MP for Semporna dismissed the threat of attacks by Islamic militants and said the government had established a military base in his constituency to ensure security for tourists.
"At least one or two platoons patrol our tourist-centred islands in Sabah," he was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
In 2000, the Abu Sayyaf militant group snatched 21 people, including 10 foreigners, in Sipadan. It held them hostage on Jolo island for several months.
- AFP/yb
|
