KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is prepared to defend against any potential attacks by Sulu terrorists in Sabah, according to Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
Shamsul stated that Malaysia has coordinated joint operations involving the nation's security forces to detect any threats posed by the Royal Sulu Force (RSF).
"We have integrated operations involving the police, the army, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) to prevent a possible second wave of attacks, particularly from the RSF, led by those claiming to be descendants of the defunct Sulu Sultanate from the Philippines."
"As a proactive measure, the government established the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) 11 years ago," Shamsul explained during Question Time in Parliament on Thursday (Nov 14).
He added that Malaysia continuously monitors Sulu threats by collecting intelligence on individuals and targeted groups both covertly and openly.
"We also bolster intelligence exchanges with forums and foreign agencies."
"Our primary focus is to ensure the safety of Sabahans and visiting foreigners," said Shamsul.
Shamsul was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Siti Aminah Aching (BN-Beaufort), who inquired if the Home Ministry is keeping an eye on Sulu sympathisers abroad and within Sabah.
Aminah also highlighted a report in which Sulu Group's lead lawyer, Paul Cohen, described Malaysia’s victory in the French Supreme Court as a "self-defeating" ruling.
Shamsul labelled Cohen's comments as irresponsible and nonsensical, confirming that the Home Ministry is addressing the issue.
"The decision of the French court in favour of Malaysia reaffirms our status as a sovereign nation with integrity," Shamsul added.
Last week, the French Supreme Court rejected a challenge filed by the alleged heirs of the defunct Sulu Sultanate against Malaysia.
In the meantime, Shamsul reported that there have been no kidnapping or robbery cases in the waters off the Sabah East Coast since 2020.
"The East Coast of Sabah remains safe, thanks to Esscom's efforts to prevent a second wave of invasions by the RSF or those claiming to be descendants of the Sulu Sultanate, as well as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and others using the Kidnap for Ransom modus operandi."
"We are fully committed to ensuring the safety of East Coast residents," Shamsul added.
In February 2013, over 200 Sulu terrorists under the RSF invaded Kampung Tanduo in stages from Simunul Island, Sibutu Island, and Sipakkut Island in the southern Philippines.
The conflict was declared over on April 10.
