It is reported often that the East Coast of Sabah, in particular Semporna, is not safe for visitors. So much so a number of Foreign Embassies in Kuala Lumpur send warning to their citizens it is not safe to visit Sabah.
Daily Express on Monday, 22nd July 2019 published a photo of Lim Guan Eng, Malaysia Finance Minister, while officiating the upgraded Labuan Custom Department building guarded by a Police Officer.
This shows that Labuan is not safe. A Senior Police Officer must guard a Minister? It is fancy, as Labuan is only less than 10,000 hectares and with a population of only 60,000 is not a safe place.
The practice that Police Officers must be in forefront when VIPs or Ministers are around gives a poor impression to visitors.
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Some years ago when the Agong officiated the Quran competition, there were senior police officers in full uniform standing behind him. This was broadcast live to the Middle East. So much so the Arabs must be thinking that Malaysia is not safe.
Nevertheless if this is the Malay culture, then readers can be excused.
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Dayang Jambul
n Tourists avoid not because they see uniformed personnel escorting VViPs which is the norm in many countires. Except in US, they wear three piece suits. They may be more reluctant to come if they are not sure they will resurface alive after a dive as happened to three people due to fishbombing in Semporna recently. – Ed