INTERVIEW | Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohammadin Ketapi has dismissed a travel advisory issued by the US that placed Malaysia on the "K" list of countries with risks of kidnapping and hostage-taking.
In a media interview ahead of Pakatan Harapan's first anniversary in power next month, the Sabah lawmaker questioned the US government's rationale in issuing the warning targeting areas in his constituency.
"I don't know whether they are smart or dumb. Our country has no problems.
"How is it that the Americans, from so far away, they can (claim to) know better there are problems here?" he said during an interview held at his ministry in Putrajaya today.
"That area is my area," said the Silam MP, in reference to several locations under the Lahad Datu state seat where there had been reported cases of fishermen being kidnapped for ransom, which believed to have prompted the travel advisory.
Commenting further, Mohammadin downplayed the kidnapping threats as being done only out of desperation for money.
"If we talk about kidnappings, it only happens when someone feels like they want to make a lot of money, so they do it.
"But it's (an act by) individuals," he claimed.
"I am there day and night and there is no problem... People still go fishing," he said, adding that the area is also under the close watch of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscomm).
Various media reports of the kidnap for ransom incidents along Sabah's east coast have been linked to the Abu Sayyaf militant group operating from islands bordering the southern Philippines.
It was reported last month that Malaysian security forces are on full alert amid intelligence reports that an armed group of Abu Sayyaf members have been in waters off Sabah on a hunt for fresh hostages to fund their campaign.
Inspector-general of police Fuzi Harun (photo) had last week said the US travel advisor should be withdrawn and it does not match the number of tourist arrivals, including to the areas in Sabah.
According to the ministry's official website, Malaysia recorded 25.83 million tourist arrivals last year, from its initial reported target of 33.1 million visitors.
Quizzed on efforts to boost the numbers, Mohammadin said his ministry had participated in various travel fairs abroad, with an upcoming appearance scheduled to be held in Dubai next week.
Apart from engaging with journalists during trips abroad, he also revealed plans to invite foreign journalists here, in hope to promote Malaysia in their respective countries.
'Wait and see on exit tax'
On a related matter, Mohammadin said he will "wait and see" before issuing further comments on the calls by industry players for the government to reconsider the implementation of the Departure Levy Bill 2019 that was passed in the Dewan Rakyat on April 10.
"We will see on that one... I wouldn't say if it is a burden or not. We will see how it goes later.
"When the time comes we will discuss it," he said when asked for comments on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported concerns that the additional tax on outbound travellers will dampen the demand for travel.
He added that any formal requests related to the introduction of the exit tax should be directed to the finance minister.
It was reported that the departure levy will be enforced on June 1, and will be RM20 per passenger for those departing to Asean countries, and RM40 for other countries.
Based on IATA’s analysis, the introduction of the levy will reduce the number of passengers departing Malaysia by air by up to 835,000 per year, decrease the aviation sector’s gross domestic product (GDP) contribution by up to US$419 million and see a reduction of up to 5,300 jobs. - mkini
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