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Borneo Post
06-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Hotels boom signals Sabah's east coast safe
Joniston joining Saifuddin for a site visit on Sibuan Island off Semporna. Also in photo is US ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan. SEMPORNA (July 6): The sprouting of new hotels, resorts, chalets and lodges in Semporna and its surrounding islands is a clear sign of growing confidence in Sabah's east coast as a safe and attractive destination. Many of these accommodations, some built on stilts over the water, show that more tourists will continue to visit the region, driven by improved security. Among the new developments are Seafest Regency and Pearl Bohey Dulang Resorts, both of which officially opened this year to meet the rising demand for accommodations in Semporna. Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who joined Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and foreign delegates on a site visit to the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) on Saturday, said Sabah's tourism sector continues to show healthy growth. The state recorded 1.44 million visitor arrivals between January and May this year, generating an estimated RM3.3 million in tourism receipts. Joniston said the steady increase in visitor arrivals, particularly from international markets, is closely linked to Sabah's strong security framework, which is diligently maintained by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom). 'The fact that Sabah has reported zero kidnapping-for-ransom incidents over the past several years is a clear reflection of ESSCom's commitment to keeping our waters and communities safe. 'This complements the ongoing efforts of the Sabah Tourism Board to promote Sabah as a safe and welcoming destination,' he said. Joniston was speaking at a dinner held in conjunction with the site visit, which involved 15 diplomatic representatives and officials from 10 countries namely the United States, Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, China, South Korea, and Spain. Present were Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman; Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai; Joint Forces commander Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin; and ESSCom Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos. Earlier in the day, the delegation visited Pulau Omadal, Pulau Sibuan, Pulau Bohey Dulang and Pulau Mataking. 'We are seeing the positive results of these close collaborations. Tourists feel safe to explore Sabah, even in the ESSZone, and investors are also confident to keep investing here,' said Joniston who chairs Sabah Tourism Board. According to the latest figures from the Sabah Tourism Board, international visitors accounted for 559,150 arrivals, while domestic tourists made up 879,420 arrivals. China (243,688) remains Sabah's top international market, followed by South Korea (76,685). Joniston also highlighted a strong increase in tourist arrivals from Europe, which recorded 35,240 visitors from January to May, a 25.6 per cent growth compared to the same period last year. The top European source markets include the United Kingdom and Ireland (13,910 arrivals), Germany (3,854), and France (2,750). Meanwhile, the United States contributed 9,356 arrivals, while Canada recorded 2,949 arrivals. Joniston expressed confidence that Sabah's tourism sector will continue on its positive path, supported by the joint commitment of security agencies, local communities, and tourism industry players. 'We consistently maintain a positive outlook on the growth of tourist arrivals to Sabah. 'With ESSCom's strong support and the growing trust of our visitors, we are well-positioned to welcome even more tourists in the coming months,' he said.
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Esscom brings benefits to ESSZone while maintaining security
TAWAU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) which was established 14 years ago has maintained its excellent performance not only in creating peace but also in bringing benefits to the community in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone). Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Esscom remained committed to its core task of creating peace and through that, many government plans could be implemented, including the Madani Adopted Village Programme in Kampung Inderasabah here. "Esscom, with an allocation of RM1 million, has selected Kampung Inderasabah to carry out several physical and non-physical infra projects," he told reporters after officiating the Esscom Madani Adopted Village in Kampung Inderasabah on Friday. He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously announced an allocation of RM200 million for the implementation of the programme this year, which involved 200 villages nationwide, including 12 or 13 villages under the Home Ministry. Esscom chief executive officer Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali said the selection of Kampung Inderasabah was based on several important justifications, including the unique security challenges faced. He said the justification was also seen from the aspect of potential for eco-tourism and fisheries development as well as the geographical location of the village which is close to the border of the waters of neighbouring Indonesia. "The Finance Ministry agreed with Esscom's proposal and approved RM1 million on March 1, projects received approval from the ministry, namely the construction of the village entrance gate, upgrading the pavilion, the open hall of SK Inderasabah, the futsal court and the Al-Furqon Mosque. "Other projects include the upgrading and installation of solar street lights in the village, repairing the village footbridge, the jetty at the base, the Kemas Daycare Center area, and the church in addition to implementing programmes with the local community," he said. Jamaluddin said Esscom, in collaboration with Tawau Municipal Council and GiatMara Tawau as the implementing agency, would ensure that the projects involved ran smoothly and were given priority so that they could be completed this year. "Esscom also hopes that through this initiative, it can further strengthen the relationship between Esscom and the community in ESSZone, thus ensuring Eastern Sabah area continues to be peaceful, prosperous and resilient," he added. Apas assemblyman Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said for the past 14 years, Kampung Inderasabah community has been a strategic partner for Esscom, whether in terms of prevention of cross-border crimes, including involvement in community programmes. "On behalf of the residents of Apas constituency, I would like to express my gratitude and welcome this initiative because we are confident that it will bring progressive change and address the problem of poverty as well as ensuring infrastructure in the village is improved," said Nizam, who is also the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister. – Bernama
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
ESSCOM boosts security and community benefits in Sabah's ESSZone
TAWAU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) has upheld its dual role of ensuring security and fostering community development in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) over the past 14 years. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted ESSCOM's commitment to peace, enabling initiatives like the MADANI Adopted Village Programme in Kampung Inderasabah. Saifuddin noted that ESSCOM allocated RM1 million for infrastructure projects in the village, including physical and non-physical upgrades. The programme, part of a nationwide RM200 million initiative by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, aims to benefit 200 villages, with 12 to 13 under the Home Ministry. ESSCOM CEO Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali explained that Kampung Inderasabah was chosen due to its unique security challenges, eco-tourism potential, and proximity to Indonesian waters. Approved projects include a village entrance gate, pavilion upgrades, a school hall, futsal court, and mosque improvements. Solar street lights, footbridge repairs, and community programmes are also planned. Collaborating with the Tawau Municipal Council and GiatMARA Tawau, ESSCOM ensures timely project completion. Jamaluddin emphasized strengthening ESSCOM-community ties to sustain peace and prosperity in Eastern Sabah. Apas assemblyman Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan praised ESSCOM's long-term partnership with the village in crime prevention and community development. He expressed confidence that the projects would alleviate poverty and enhance infrastructure. - Bernama
