UK government advice against travel to parts of the Malaysian state of Sabah has been relaxed for the first time in a decade.
The change in travel advice reflects an improved security situation in eastern Sabah – the Malaysian state in the northern part of the island of Borneo.
The government is no longer advising against travel to islands and dive sites in the maritime area around Kudat.
The announcement, as the result of a “rigorous review”, is the first major change to the UK’s travel advice for Sabah since 2013.
However, advice against all but essential travel to islands and dive sites from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island, remain in place.
Ailsa Terry, British High Commissioner to Malaysia, said: “This travel advice review has been a priority since I arrived in August this year.
“It is testament to the work of the government of Malaysia to improving security in eastern Sabah in recent years.
“I am very pleased that, with the end of travel restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the thousands of British nationals who call Malaysia home or visit every year will be able to see more of this amazing country.”