The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has lowered the danger level for some parts of the eastern side of Sabah State in Malaysia.
For islands on the eastern side of Sabah State, excluding Banggi Island, Balambangan Island, and a few others, the level has been lowered from Level 3 (Travel Advisory: Avoid All Travel) to Level 2 (Travel Advisory: Avoid Non-Essential Travel). In addition, for the coastal areas from Kudat to Tawau, including Banggi Island, Balambangan Island, and others, the level has been lowered from Level 2 to Level 1 (Exercise Caution).
In the islands off the eastern side of Sabah State, there have been constant cases of illegal immigration and smuggling to and from neighboring countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines, numerous incidents of weapons seizures and piracy, as well as cases of foreigners being kidnapped by the Islamic extremist group based in the southern Philippines, the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and attacks on seaside restaurants and resort islands. In July 2014, following a series of kidnappings for ransom, the danger level for the region had been raised.
Since January 2020, however, no kidnappings for ransom have occurred, and public security is considered to have improved, leading to the decision to lower the advisory level this time. As for the coastal areas, the level had been raised in response to an incursion in March 2013 by an armed group calling itself the “Royal Sulu Army,” but in recent years the security situation has stabilized and the number of violent incidents has remained low, so the level has now been reduced.
Nevertheless, the area is close to the zone covered by the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE) movement control order, and the threat posed by Islamic extremist organizations and armed groups is still considered to be a concern. In June 2016, a grenade attack occurred at a restaurant in the Puchong district on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, injuring eight people. The Royal Malaysia Police announced that it was the first terrorist incident in Malaysia carried out by individuals linked to ISIL, and subsequent reports have detailed the exposure of further incidents suspected of connections with Islamic extremism.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan is urging travelers to obtain the latest security information and to take thorough safety measures even when traveling to or staying in areas where the advisory level has been lowered. It is also advising travelers to check the danger information that has been issued for neighboring countries Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Notice
This article was generated using automatic translation by GPT-4 API. The translation may not be accurate.
