LONDON, UK (17 June 2001) -- The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued new warnings advising travelers to avoid Sipadan and Pandanan islands in the Sabah region off the east coast of Borneo of Malaysia. The travel warning cites recent tourist kidnappings and specifically names Sipadan Island and Pandanan Island, two resorts that cater primarily to divers. The latest UK travel warning for Malaysia is as follows: Malaysia Most visits to Malaysia are trouble-free. Visitors should not become involved with drugs of any kind: possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment or, in serious cases, the death penalty. We advise against travel to the islands off the east coast of Sabah. SAFETY AND SECURITY Visitors should be aware that the incidence of street crime, particularly bag snatching, is increasing. They should take particular care of their passports, as passport theft, including on aircraft and in airport buildings, is common. Do not leave possessions in unattended vehicles, even if out of sight in a locked boot. Credit card fraud is on the increase. Care should therefore be taken when making payments by credit card. Beware of con men. There have been a number of reports of tourists being invited to private houses and then lured into gambling games and forced to put up a considerable amount of money. Police permission is required for certain kinds of public gatherings in Malaysia. Travellers are therefore advised to avoid street gatherings and demonstrations which might place them at risk. There have been an increasing number of attacks against ships in and around Malaysian waters. Mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions. There have been reports of serious personal problems as a result of taking up offers of voluntary work with the Utan Bara Adventure Team (UBAT); advice should be sought from the Consular Section of the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur before responding to these offers. | | LOCAL TRAVEL We advise against all travel to the islands off the east coast of Sabah. Since a Moslem separatist group kidnapped twenty-one people including ten foreign tourists from the diving resort of Sipadan and three further tourists from Pandanan Island, another diving resort, last year, the Malaysian authorities have significantly increased security in the area. Nevertheless, while the southern Philippines remains tense, there is a risk of further attempts to take hostages. There is a need for increased vigilance when visiting parts of coastal Sabah near to the islands. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS There are severe penalties for all drug offences in Malaysia, including in some cases, the death penalty, or, in the case of possession, whipping in addition to any custodial sentence imposed. This also includes the possession of or trafficking in Amphetamine-type stimulants. Travellers should be aware that there is a possibility that they could be asked to take a urine test on arrival in Malaysia if they are suspected of having used drugs prior to their visit. Should the test prove positive, the person concerned could be referred for rehabilitation treatment or deported. The importation of unlicensed firearms and ammunition into Malaysia is prohibited. Possession can carry the death penalty. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Entry to Malaysia is normally refused to visitors holding passports with less than six months' validity. Under current Malaysian exchange control rules, travellers may import or export up to RM1,000 per person without prior approval. There are no limits on the amount of foreign currency (notes and/or traveller's cheques) travellers may import. Non-residents may export foreign currency (notes and/or traveller's cheques) up to the amount they previously imported, provided they have documentary evidence of the amount they imported. All travellers must complete travellers' declaration forms on entering Malaysia. Penalties for offences under the Exchange Control Act 1953 are a fine of up to RM10,000; three years' imprisonment; or both. HEALTH British nationals may wish to seek medical advice before travelling to Malaysia. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
