Travel warning for Malaysia

AUSTRALIANS are being warned to avoid travelling to the east coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah amid reports terrorists are planning to kidnap foreigners.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued updated travel advice tonight warning travellers of reports that terrorists were planning kidnapping attacks on foreign tourist resorts.

"Australians are advised to avoid all travel to coastal resorts, islands and dive sites off the east coast of Sabah," DFAT said on its travel advisory website.

"We have received credible reports that terrorists are planning kidnapping attacks targeting resorts frequented by foreigners."

Terrorists in the past have kidnapped foreigners from the eastern part of mainland Sabah, and from islands and sea off its east coast, the department said.

"Kidnapping attacks in other parts of coast and offshore Sabah cannot be ruled out."

Sabah is on the island of Borneo.

Source: theaustralian.news.com.au/