KUALA LUMPUR, 13 Jan 2018:
Listed at the lowest advisory level for safety and security risks on the US’ new four-point safety ranking system showed that Malaysia is recognised internationally for these aspects among tourists, said foreign affairs experts.
International Islamic University of Malaysia international law expert Dr Mohd Yazid Zul Kepli said the positive review reflects the general safety in this moderate and fairly safe country for tourists.
“After the Modiva pub attack by ISIS (Daesh) supporters on June 2016, there was no report of any successful attack in Malaysia,” he said when asked on the US travel warning system ranking released on Jan 10
“The police force has also been very successful in containing and controlling the threat of terrorism, with around 400 suspects and supporters investigated and arrested.”
Among other countries on Level One: “Exercise Normal Precautions” are Australia, Singapore, Brunei, Sweden and Switzerland.
Meanwhile, Britain, France and Germany are listed at Level Two, “Exercise Increased Caution”, Level Three: “Reconsider Travel” – while 11 countries are ranked at Level Four, “Do Not Travel” – namely Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
The US unveiled the new system to warn its citizens about the dangers of foreign travel thus to make advice clearer to its travellers.
Mohd Yazid pointed out that the safety and security risk under the US’ newly-improved travel advisory programme – launched by the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs – involved evaluation from US security experts, the intelligence community, host governments, US embassies and consulates.
“Level One and Two are reviewed every year, but can be done more frequently, depending on circumstances. Level Three and Four status is reviewed every six months,” he said, adding that Malaysia is generally a safe country to travel in.
Meanwhile, former foreign minister Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said Malaysia’s position in the ranking was something every country desired to be – especially if they wanted to attract investments and tourism – as this ranking reflected safety in all respects political, economic, security and socio-cultural.
“Our objective of making Kuala Lumpur as one of the top 20 liveable cities in the world is achievable. For a person who wants to make Malaysia a second home, this rating makes the country attractive and a desirable place. In short an ideal choice. That’s my view.”
Meanwhile, Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Halim Sidek believed among the factors which contributed to the success were that Malaysia had complied with various International laws and standards related to anti-terror.
Abdul Halim, who is National Council of Professors’ Political, Security and International Cluster secretary, said among the laws established were the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001; the Prevention of Terrorism Act; the Prevention of Crime Act and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.
“The laws are established to be implemented before the crime takes place in the effort to curb any illegal activity as well as to create peaceful and harmonious situation in the country.”
He said other contributing factors were the successful implementation of deradicalisation programme carried out by the relevant security and defence agencies working together to ensure the programme achieved its goals.
Meanwhile, another International issues analyst and expert Prof Dr Zaid Ahmad said Malaysia’s achievement should speed up the process and approval of the visa exemption programme for Malaysians to enter the US.
It had been reported that Malaysia had expressed a desire to join the visa exemption programme during talks held between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and US president Barack Obama during the latter’s visit to Malaysia in April 2014 – through which the Malaysians could enter and remain in the US without a visa for a maximum of 90 days for business and tourism purposes.
– Bernama