KOTA KINABALU, June 16 -- Sabah has welcomed Japan's decision to downgrade its travel advisory for parts of the state's east coast, describing the move as international recognition of improving security conditions and growing confidence in the state's tourism industry.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the revised advisory by Japan's Foreign Ministry reflected years of efforts by Malaysian security agencies to strengthen enforcement, monitoring and coordination in eastern Sabah.

"I welcome the decision by Japan's Foreign Ministry to lower its travel advisory level for parts of Eastern Sabah, as this represents a clear and undeniable recognition that Sabah is safe, stable, and ready to receive the w...