#LahadDatu Recovers: Residents Say Don't Leave Us Out Of #PRU13 Updates
The Feb 2013 Lahad Datu intrusion by Sulu armed forces have led to destroyed homes, lost lives, and economic downturn for the state. 'Follow this story' as we follow Lahad Datu's road to recovery from Sultan Sulu's bullet wounds. We will look into how the state and its people pick up their lives again, how the damaged Kampung Tanduo will heal, and how the state's image as a tourist destination returns from hell to heaven.
Lahad Datu residents say don't leave us out of GE developments
Residents of Kampung Tanjung Labian who were affected by the intrusion of Sulu terrorists in Sabah are seeking a special briefing for the 13th General Election (GE13) from the authorities.
The villagers lamented that due to lack of electricity and avenue for information, they were not able to follow the latest developments with regard to the GE13.
“We are finding it difficult to get any information and depend heavily on news from sources,” said Siti who was still keen to know the progress of the GE13.
"There are many new developments for voters in the coming GE13. Is there going to be a special process considering the security issue here?" asked Arip Abdul Talib, 50.
Aftermath photos: Lahad Datu villages left in shambles
Armed men enter into the homes Lahad Datu villagers during the Sulu conflict.
Image via blogspot.comMilitary tanks and armed personnel entered the villages in Lahad Datu during the intrusion.
Image via utusan.com.myLahad Datu villagers lived in terror during the period of gunfight between Malaysia and Sulu armed forces.
Image via nst.com.mySalah sebuah rumah penduduk yang musnah terbakar akibat pertempuran antara kumpulan pengganas dan pasukan keselamatan dalam Op Daulat.
Image via sinarharian.com.mySebuah banglo dan kenderaan milik penduduk Kampung Tanjung Batu turut musnah akibat pertempuran baru-baru ini.
Image via sinarharian.com.myA villager pushing a wheelbarrow with cans of water past a vehicle wreck in Kampung Tanjung Batu, Lahad Datu.
Image via nst.com.myThe houses in Kampung Tanjung Batu destroyed after the gun fight between Malaysia and Sulu armed forces.
Image via blogspot.comKampung Tanjung Batu adalah lokasi yang menjadi pilihan penceroboh militan Sulu untuk menyusup masuk ke negara ini melalui jalan pantai dan hutan selepas mendarat di Kampung Tanduo 12 Feb lepas
Image via enciknakal.comA dead Filipino gunman is seen left on the ground in Kampung Tanduo, where troops stormed the camp of an armed Filipino group, in Lahad Datu in Sabah state, in this handout photo taken March 6, 2013.
Image via fotowarung.netA burnt sampan (L), a small boat, sits on the beach in Kampung Tanduo, where troops stormed the camp of an armed Filipino group, in Lahad Datu, Sabah state.
Image via yimg.com"This (the drop) was expected. Some 800 tourists cancelled their tour packages to Sabah," Ng Yen Yen told reporters.
The first 10 days of Lahad Datu intrusion saw a 35 per cent drop in tourist arrivals to Sabah, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
As Sabah tourism slowly regrows, Kampung Tanduo might become a tourist destination?
Lahad Datu District Officer Zulkifli Nasir says Kg Tanduo may soon be turned into a tourists spot and tenders will be issued soon to invite potential investors to develop the area.
He also described the incident as a " blessing in disguise " and has helped put Lahad Datu in the world map.
Tourism in Sabah which had taken a hard hit from the Lahad Datu conflict is beginning to recover, according to industry players who say tourists are coming back.
Sabah Hotel sales and marketing director Anthony Kong said cancellations were fewer compared to early March, and groups who had postponed trips were reinstating their bookings.
A travel operations manager said there had been a noticeable drop in tourist numbers but they had since increased and were now close to the monthly average number of Sabah tours they arranged.
Ng Yen Yen engaging foreign travel writers to improve Sabah's image
The Tourism Ministry is engaging several international media organisations in a bid to repair Sabah's image following the Lahad Datu crisis.
Scores of foreign travel writers and bloggers are currently on a tour of Sabah under the Mega Familiarisation programme by Tourism Malaysia to enlighten them on the Lahad Datu intrusion.
The ministry was spending RM500,000 to take the foreign media delegation to dive spots such as Pulau Layang-Layang and Sipadan to see for themselves the security situation on the islands.
“Under the Sabah Tourism special task force, we have invited several travel writers and bloggers to come and experience for themselves that Sabah is already safe for visits,” Ng Yen Yen said.
"We want them to know that the security of Sabah’s east coast has been tightened with the setting up of the Eastern Sabah Security Command to keep watch on a coastline from Kudat to Tawau."
Other Lahad Datu intrusion news that you must know
FULL STORY: Ng Yen Yen assured Malaysia on Feb 29th that Sabah is safe to visit.
FULL STORY: Showing their support for the heroes in Lahad Datu, Malaysians from all walks of life, including celebrities have started pouring their support for families of our comrades and Sabahans.
FULL STORY: Ops Bunga will see Malaysians flooding the Phillipine Embassy gates in KL, Sabah and Sarawak with flowers as a show of peace and respect to our Philipino counterparts.
CERITA PENUH: Pada 24 Februari 2013, sebanyak 100 orang tentera Kesultanan Sulu dari selatan Filipina telah menyeludup masuk ke Lahad Datu, Sabah atas alasan mengambil balik tanah mereka.