Kopi'vosian and Sunny Greetings From Sabah!

The State Government of Sabah noted with regret the latest travel warning on Malaysia issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This latest warning/advisory which, unfortunately is actually a repetition of previous similar advisories issued by the DFAT.

Notwithstanding such advice, we are pleased to inform that we continue to see increasing numbers of visitors to the State of Sabah. Visitors that have been to Sabah and those that are still coming will definitely vouch for the safety and beauty of Sabah and the friendliness of our people.

The Sabah Tourism Board wishes to assure that Sabah including its many islands is SAFE.

We assure you that the Malaysian Government is fully committed in its effort to provide and ensure safety for both Malaysians and visitors alike. The Police and the Malaysian Armed Forces has put in place extensive measures to combat terrorism and criminal acts and to ensure safety of the general public.

The tourism arrivals in Sabah as of May, 2005 is 768,736 as compared to 687,939 same periods last year, an increase of 12%. Despite all the adverse travel advisories, the tourist arrivals in Sabah has recorded very encouraging growth in the past 5 years with an average of 31% per annum. Last year recorded an impressive 1.77 million tourist arrivals, an increase of 42% over the previous year.

There are many expatriates living in Sabah with their families and children- that include Australians, British, Italians, Americans, Canadians, French, Swiss, Germans, Koreans, Japanese, Taiwanese and more. They include professionals and businessman as well as a growing community of seniors and retirees from Australia, UK, Wales and Japan who have decided to make Sabah their second home because they love the peace, beauty and friendliness of people of Sabah.

We look forward to welcome all of you to Sabah to truly experience the beauty of Sabah in a safe and peaceful environment.