MATTA Welcomes Timely Statement by IGP That Malaysia is a Safe Tourist Destination

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 January 2018: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) President Datuk Tan Kok Liang, applauds Inspector-General of Royal Malaysia Police (IGP) Tan Sri Dato' Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun for assuring that Malaysia is a safe tourist destination.

Tan said “We refuted the advisory by the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for advising its citizens against travelling to all islands off the coast of eastern Sabah, which was unnecessary as it is safe.”

“Moreover, the advisory had no consultation with Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), tasked with the security of the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE), a 1,700km-long special security area along the east coast of Sabah that borders crime-prone southern Philippines. There have been no incidents involving tourists throughout 2017 with boosted security along the coastline by ESSCOM.”

“The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) works closely with international security agencies and had been efficient in countering all kinds of threats in the country, making Malaysia one of the safest destinations for visitors to enjoy their holidays with peace of mind.”

“Such allegation does not favor to the local business especially rural tourism or community-based tourism community in the region. We urge travelers to check with travel and tour operators and other reliable source rather than to listen to travel advisories that is outdated or bias.”

“We hope FCO and other similar agencies to consult the local authorities such as RMP and ESSCOM before issuing any travel advisories, so that its citizens are given correct and up to date advice. Travel and tour operators are always on the ground to beep tab of any development to assure the safety of tourists”, concluded Tan.

DATUK TAN KOK LIANG
President MATTA
Term 2017 – 2019