Esscom upgrading security Intrusion blocks to be improved along Sabah’s east coast

KOTA KINABALU: Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) is working out ways to further strengthen existing mechanisms to block any new intrusion along the east coast bordering southern Philippines.

A briefing on the latest security situation on the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) from northern Kudat to southeastern Tawau was given to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday.

The discussions centred on four key issues – the challenges, reaching out to the communities, steps taken to reduce crime and the effectiveness of Esscom Eastern in securing eastern Sabah.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, chaired the first meeting under the recently set up board of advisers for Esszone at Seri Gaya, the Chief Minister’s official residence.

The decision to set up a special board of advisers for Esszone was made at a National Security Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Jan 10.

Advisers in the board include the National Security Coucil director-general, army chief, Inspector-General of Police, Immigration director-general, Customs director-general, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency director-general, Sabah State Secretary, state security council and representatives from the Prime Minister’s Department.

According to a statement issued after the briefing, the main objective of the Esszone committee was to find ways to further beef up security and public safety in line with public security regulations.

The committee of advisers will also recommend further steps to improve collaboration among security and enforcement agencies at the state and federal levels for operations and public interactions in the Esszone, the statement said.

The board’s advisers aimed to strengthen the existing mechanism in tackling security issues.

The statement said cross-border threats, including kidnap for ransom, smuggling, entry of illegal immigrants and future attempts of intrusion from so-called Sulu Sultanate troops, must be prevented and handled effectively.

“It is the duty of all Malaysians, specifically living in Sabah’s east coast, to be on alert for threats and to provide full cooperation to Esscom if they hear of any suspicious activity or threats,” it added.

Dr Ahmad Zahid was in Semporna and Kinabatangan in the east coast of Sabah on Sunday.