On 15 November, two Taiwanese tourists were attacked in their room at the Sipadan Pom Pom Resort, off the coast of eastern Sabah. A male tourist was killed and his wife kidnapped.
This incident highlights the ongoing risk to foreigners of kidnapping and criminality on the eastern coast of Sabah and in particular on the islands close to the Philippines border. We advise extreme caution on these islands and along the coastal areas.
You should also take great care in areas east of Lahad Datu and around Semporna in Sabah following the confrontation in March 2013 between insurgents and Malaysian security forces. Keep up to date with developments, and follow the advice of your tour operator and the local authorities.