Datuk Joniston Bangkuai with Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke (left) and Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Tom Shepherd (right).
SANDAKAN : – Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has reiterated the hope of tourism stakeholders in Sabah for foreign missions to reconsider the travel advisory issued for Sabah’s east coast.
Countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom have long issued travel advisory to their citizens against visiting the east coast on grounds of security concerns.
“Sabah’s east coast, including Sandakan, is safe. Comprehensive security measures have been implemented to ensure the highest level of safety for both residents and visitors.
“No untoward incidents have occurred over the years,” he said during a Welcoming Dinner for Sandakan Day 2024 here, on Wednesday.
Present were the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke; and Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Tom Shepherd.
Joniston, who is also chairman of Sabah Tourism Board, said that lifting the travel advisory would open up the east coast to more tourists, enabling them to explore areas that were previously off-limits.
He then highlighted Sandakan’s stunning landscapes, rich nature wildlife, and the warm hospitality of its people.
He also emphasised the peaceful coexistence of Sabah’s diverse multiracial and multi religious population, who live harmoniously.
Earlier on Wednesday, Joniston chaired an engagement between the Sabah Tourism Board and Sandakan tourism stakeholders as well as elected representatives to get feedbacks on tourism-related issues, among others.
In the engagement session, they had requested the Assistant Minister to relay their appeal to lift travel advisory to the Australia and British diplomatic representatives, who were in town to attend the Sandakan Day.
They said that the travel advisory is a factor that deter potential tourists to visit and explore Sandakan.
Speaking on Sandakan Day, Joniston described it as a significant ceremony that honours the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom.
“This day is a reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring friendships between Australia, Britain, and Sabah, Malaysia, forged through shared history.
“While reflecting on our past, we also celebrate Sandakan and Sabah as destinations of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
“The relationships between our nations show that from conflict can come lasting peace, and from sorrow, the determination to build a better future,” he said.
Also present at the dinner were Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong; Sandakan Municipal Council Deputy President Wilson Terence @ Thomas; Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit; Boyup Brook Shire Council (Western Australia) president, Richard Walker; and Honorary Consul of Australia in Sabah, Datuk Andrew Sim.
