Esscom areas not safe for tourists, says Nazri

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said tourists should be given truthful information about the safety of certain parts of Malaysia.
"Who is going to answer if anything happens to these tourists? We have already seen three tourists being kidnapped," he said referring to the recent curfew in Sabah when he spoke in a press conference at the opening of the "Watikah: Proclamation of Independance" exhibition.
Esscom, the Eastern Sabah Security Command was set up after the February 2013 Lahad Datu intrusion by Sulu gunmen, has come under heavy scrutiny following several cross-border kidnapping cases that have happened recently.
"Esscom is there to ensure the safety of locals and tourists and if they are still there then they cannot say that it is safe for tourists just fill up the resorts and make profits," said Nazri.
"It is a blatant lie to say it is safe in an Esscom-protected area and I would like to see those officials tell the families of the kidnapped victims that it is safe to visit these areas," he said.
Nazri came under fire lately for his comments in parliament about the safety of the state.
The minister said he is maintaining his stand that the area is unsafe until these kidnappings stop and added that the safety and security of all is top priority.
"We need to tell it as it is. Let's be honest, it is not safe there and what's most important as a host is the safety and security of our guests," he said.
The "Watikah" exhibition which is on until Dec 30 at Sultan Abdul Samad Building will display historical items on Merdeka as well as other archived items from South Africa, Australia, India, Indonesia and Japan.