LAHAD DATU: Foreign missions are welcome to visit the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) to see for themselves how safe the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESS Zone) is, says Esscom commander Datuk Victor Sanjos.
“We can give them the commitment and assurance that our ESS Zone is safe so that they will get a clear picture of the situation.
Then we hope they can update their respective countries’ travel advisory,” he told Bernama, commenting on the United Kingdom’s decision to lift its travel advisory on Kudat, Sabah, on Nov 30, following improved security in the area, which is part of the ESS Zone.
Esscom was established 10 years ago following the Lahad Datu incursion in early 2013 by gunmen claiming to be from the Sulu Sultanate, which led to the deaths of 70 people. Esscom comprises several agencies including the Royal Malaysia Police, the Armed Forces and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
The ESS Zone covers the districts of Kudat, Pitas, Kota Marudu, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.
Sanjos said the UK’s decision was a vote of confidence for Esscom’s agencies in improving safety in the region as well as the well-being of the community and the local economy, particularly tourism.
