US envoy summoned over kidnap warning to tourists

PUTRAJAYA: United States ambassador Kamala Shirin Lakhdir was summoned by the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday to explain her government’s decision to warn US citizens about the risks of being kidnapped in Malaysia.

Wisma Putra, in a statement, said acting secretary-general Raja Datuk Nushirwan Zainal Abidin had received the ambassador and had also handed her a protest note expressing the government’s objection to the US decision.

The ministry said the US State Department’s decision to include Malaysia in its “K” indicator list in a travel advisory did not reflect the reality on the ground, particularly the improved security situation in eastern Sabah.

During the meeting, the statement said, Lakhdir said the US travel advisory categorises each country into four possible tiers, based on the US government’s assessment of the safety and security situation.

“As in previous years, Malaysia as a whole has been placed in Tier 1, reserved for the safest countries and which is the lowest risk.

“However, it was explained that eastern Sabah is subject to the ‘K’ indicator due to the US’ concerns of potential kidnappings and hostage taking.

“It was recalled that in the previous travel advisory, that area was subject to ‘C’ (crimes) and ‘T’ (terrorism) indicators, which were broader in nature,” the statement said.

Wisma Putra said eastern Sabah was no longer subject to these two indicators.

“Both parties have agreed that it would be useful if, in the future, the government is informed prior to similar announcements being made.”

The ministry reiterated that the security and safety of tourists throughout Malaysia, including in eastern Sabah, remained a top priority.

“Malaysia has been taking proactive measures to ensure the security of eastern Sabah. This is reflected in the significant drop of kidnapping cases to almost nil last year.”

The ministry said Lakhdir took note of the government’s protest and concerns, adding that she had said she would convey them to Washington.

Wisma Putra said Malaysia continued to be attractive to American tourists, with 2018 recording an increase of 27.9 per cent in tourist arrivals from the US, bringing the total to 253,384.