Security vigilance keeps threats at bay

Constant guard: Security forces under Esscom patrolling the beach of Tanjung Labian in Lahad Datu, close to Kg Tanduo where Sulu intruders landed on Feb 12, 2013.

KOTA KINABALU: It has been quiet on Sabah’s eastern front over the past three years. The notorious Abu Sayyaf-linked kidnap groups and other militant elements seemed to have been kept at bay amid a more visible presence of Malaysian security forces along the Sabah sea that borders with Philippines’ Tawi Tawi chain of islands.

The suspected groups have been seen close to Malaysian sea borders waiting for the right time to slip in but the presence of patrol vessels has frustrated the perpetrators.