Lahad Datu

[jh_MacLeod]

If anyone in the area has additional info or updates on this situation, please share the details.
Malaysian security forces surround foreign gunmen in Lahad Datu
Sabah villagers held hostage by militants - Latest news around the world and developments close to home - MSN Malaysia News

 

[Zippsy]

The incident is on Pulau Lukiau, not Lahad Datu which is on the mainland.

 

[Sabrina7]

I guess the Gunmen situation won't really tourists flying in to Tawau for diving in Mabul etc?

 

[Quero]

No, Sabrina, I don't think you have to worry. Anyway, I read that the Philippines is sending a transport to collect their citizens and take them off Malaysia's hands.

 

[Centrals]

The situation is getting worst with score of people getting killed(police and the intruders). At least 17 from what I read.
Anyone going to Semporna fro Sipadan should monitor the situation closely.

 

[The Wolf]

I am in the area at the moment.

My suggestion at the moment is this.

If you are planning on diving at Sipadan or Mabul or any of the resorts nearby, postpone your plans for the time being as it is not safe.

5 police officers were ambushed at a village just outside of Semporna and killed. Return fire from the police killed 2 of the pirates.

This is a follow up to the 2 police officers killed at that stand off in Lahad Datu a couple of days ago.

And there are also issues going on at the village of Kunak which is almost half way between Semporna/Tawau and Lahad Datu.

Obviously, the situation will change over the next 48 hours or so but for now, I would suggest you hold off on flying out to Tawau and then to Semporna.

The situation will improve and things will get back to normal over the next week or so I believe but now is just not the right time to be heading over to Semporna.

 

[Quero]

It looks like it's going to get worse before it gets better, but as hoot implies, it's coming to a head now after nearly a month, so the next few days are critical. If your trip is next month, you're probably okay. If it's next week, see if you can postpone.

The Philippines deployed a naval vessel to pick up the insurgents, but didn't complete the mission.
Malaysia now says that the time for talking is over--no more attempts to negotiate.
At this point, we can only hope for a resolution that doesn't cost many more lives.

 

[Zippsy]

Any of the shops offering discounts? I'll go.

 

[Sabrina7]

Hi everyone thanks for all the advice. My trip was supposed to be next week - since it will just be women & children i guess it would be prudent to postpone

 

[The Wolf]

Hi everyone thanks for all the advice. My trip was supposed to be next week - since it will just be women & children i guess it would be prudent to postpone

Hi Sabrina

Yes, I would most certainly postpone for now till things settle down. There are still police and military operations on going North of Semporna as of today morning.


That would be prudent for now.