OTA currently in force :
Signs of threat
- Monitor situation
- Exercise caution
Supplementary Information
The Amber OTA for Malaysia (coastal regions of eastern Sabah) is currently in force, while there is no OTA for other areas in Malaysia. Residents who intend to visit the coastal regions of eastern Sabah or are already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety, avoid large gatherings of people and pay attention to local announcements on the latest situation. Residents in Malaysia who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the Immigration Department Mobile Application, send message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline, send message to the 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit the Online Assistance Request Form, or contact the Chinese Embassy / Consulate-General in Malaysia at consular protection hotline: (Embassy – (60)321645301; Consulate-General in Kuching – (60)128861953).
Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit – Online Assistance Request Form
- In mid May 2015, armed men kidnapped a customer and the manager in a seaside restaurant in Sandakan located in the eastern state of Sabah in Malaysia.
- In early April 2014, armed men kidnapped a tourist and a staff in a resort in Semporna located in the eastern state of Sabah in Malaysia.
- In mid November 2013, gunmen shot dead a tourist and kidnapped another on Pom Pom Island, a popular scuba-diving location in the eastern state of Sabah in Malaysia.
- In early March 2013, clashes between the Malaysian military and armed group from the Sulu archipelago occurred in eastern Sabah, resulting in fatalities. On 7 March, the Malaysian Government announced that an area of eastern Sabah had been declared a "Special Security Area" where additional police and military forces were being deployed to this area. Residents are advised to avoid travelling to the coastal regions of eastern Sabah, especially the area covering Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau, as well as nearby islands and diving sites, including Sipadan.
- Current OTA issued on : 30 June 2023, 17:00
Registration for Outbound Travel Information (ROTI)
Before departing Hong Kong, residents may register via ROTI their travel itineraries and contact details to receive updates on OTA and related information. The Immigration Department may contact and assist the registrants in an emergency.