Security not your business, Nazri
Published on: Thursday, November 20, 2014
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) expressed disappointment over the statement by Federal Tourism and Culture Minister Dato' Seri Nazri Aziz that he will not order his officials abroad to promote Sabah as he "cannot guarantee tourists safety in Lahad Datu". Matta President Haji Hamzah Rahmat said bluntly that: "The business of security of the country, including Sabah, is the responsibility of the Minister of Home Affairs and not the Minister of Tourism and Culture. "If any state or part of Malaysia is unsafe, tourists will perceive that Malaysia as a country is unsafe. Hence, such remarks should not have been said in whichever manner, more so in Parliament," Hamzah stressed.
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"In the first place, Lahad Datu is not a tourist destination. Perhaps the Minister should also say he cannot guarantee the safety of any tourist to Malaysia as there are many unresolved cases involving the security of tourists. If a tourist is murdered in West Malaysia and the case remains unresolved, can we also say that Peninsular Malaysia remains unsafe?" quipped Datuk Tan Kok Liang, Matta Vice President (Inbound). Tan expressed confidence that Sabah's east coast would remain safe due to the additional measures taken by security forces, including prohibition of entry from the sea for the East Coast of Sabah from 7pm to 5am. Tan also noted the recent budget allocation of RM660 million to enhance security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) and the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).
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"With the Government's full focus on the safety and security issues in Esszone, it is only a matter of time that full confidence will be restored and travel advisories lifted," said Tan. "We would rather listen to the advice on the safety of Sabah from the Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Defence," Tan added.
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He opined that the Federal Minister's statement is a blow to the local industry and negates the concerted efforts by all tourism stakeholders to promote Sabah. Ongoing activities include familiarisation trips, promotional sales trips, social media advertising and promotional tour packages rates amongst other plans. Airlines and hotels have also joined in the efforts with attractive air fares and hotel rates. "The recovery process is progressing and the last thing we need is a negative statement from a federal minister whose role is to promote and nurture tourism," added Tan. The federal minister had reportedly said that many foreign tourists admitted that the recent kidnappings in Sabah had dented the country's image further than the loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. "I do not want to be responsible for guaranteeing the safety of tourists in Sabah because if one gets kidnapped, I will be blamed," he said in reply to Kuala Langat MP Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid when wrapping up the 2015 Supplementary Bill for his Ministry. Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Secretary General Datuk Johnny Mositun said Nazri's statement was tantamount to a declaration of the government's inability to look after security of tourists and locals. "If you say you cannot guarantee the safety of tourists then what about locals? Both equally deserve protection. "If you as the Government declare you cannot protect your people then who else should the people bank on to look after their security?" asked Mositun. He asked Nazri to explain the purpose of the Government spending millions of ringgit to set up the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom). "Is it not to assure the security of the people including tourists in Sabah?" he asked. United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) said Nazri hurt the feelings of most Sabahans with his insensitive and irresponsible statement. "Upko fully supports and agrees with Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun's immediate response to the very shocking and perplexing remarks by Nazri," said its Secretary General Datuk Donald Mojuntin. "This is yet another example of a Federal Minister making statements that seemingly show their lack of concern for Sabah, in complete contrast to the Prime Minister who kept assuring that the Federal Government will endeavour to help Sabah develop as he believes that Sabah has the potential to be an economic power house in Malaysia," he said. Mojuntin said ministers such as Nazri should think before they speak. "The tourism industry is one of our Chief Minister's long term plans, the three pronged halatuju, apart from agriculture and manufacturing. It is one of the main revenue earners for the State," he said. In this respect, he said Masidi had been working tirelessly to ensure that the tourism industry in Sabah continues to develop and grow despite so many challenges that are sometimes beyond the government's control. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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