U.S. backs Australian warning on KL<\/p>\n
MALAYSIA: The United States on Saturday backed a warning from
\nAustralia advising against traveling to Malaysia's Kalimantan
\ncoast, saying it was also concerned that terrorists planned to
\nkidnap foreigners there.<\/p>\n
The Malaysian government criticized Wednesday's Australian
\ntravel warning on the east coast of Sabah state, saying that
\ntourist destinations there are safe and that Canberra had failed
\nto consult Malaysia over the announcement.<\/p>\n
But the U.S. embassy here noted that several kidnappings and
\npiracy incidents had already occurred in the area this year,
\nperpetrated by criminals and the Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf
\ngroup.<\/p>\n
\"There are indications of continued planning of kidnappings,
\nincluding of foreigners, in eastern Sabah's coastal areas and
\noffshore islands,\" it said in a statement which reiterated an
\nongoing U.S. State Department warning.<\/p>\n
\"Emergency assistance in the area may not always be available.
\nFor this reason, American citizens should defer all non-essential
\ntravel,\" it added.<\/p>\n
Australia said in its travel warning dated June 22 that its
\ncitizens should avoid all travel to coastal resorts, islands and
\ndive sites off the east coast of Sabah on Kalimantan island.
\n\"We have received credible reports that terrorists are planning
\nkidnapping attacks targeting resorts frequented by foreigners,\"
\nit said. -- AFP<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/us-backs-australian-warning-on-kl-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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