ESSZone remains free of kidnapping cases for five years due to added security
KOTA KINABALU: The Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZone) has remained free from kidnapping incidents for the past five years due to strategic security reinforcements and heightened control measures in key areas.
According to Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Datuk Victor B. Sanjos, it is also due to the cooperation between the community and various agencies.
He noted that the improved security situation has led to a rise in both domestic and international tourist arrivals in the region.
“I have also received information that more foreign and domestic investments will be directed towards the east coast of Sabah.
“Looking ahead, Esscom plans to incorporate advanced border security technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and establish new security posts to further strengthen our defences,” he added.
Sanjos was speaking to the media after paying Sabah Information Department director Jainisah Mohd Noor a courtesy call at the department’s Communications Integrated Complex here on Wednesday.
He said the visit is also aimed at fostering synergy and collaboration, particularly in strategic areas.
“Esscom greatly values the expertise of the Sabah Information Department in effectively communicating the actual security situation in Sabah, especially in ESSZone, through the department’s initiatives,” he said.
Esscom chief executive officer Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali highlighted that aside from security operations, the agency is also focusing on key collaborative efforts with various government departments and participating in community engagement programmes.
“Esscom will continue several community programmes from last year and introduce new initiatives, including the ‘Kampung Angkat Madani’ programme, in Kampung Inderasabah in the Apas constituency, (which was) selected as the pilot location,” he said.
Also present were Esscom deputy commander Brigadier Gene-ral Mohamad Ismail Kamarudin, Esscom Secretariat Services Division director Imelda Godon and Sabah Information Depart-ment Community Development and Communication Services Division deputy director Peter Tong.
The last recorded kidnapping-for-ransom incident in the ESSZone occurred on Jan 15, off Pulau Tambisan, Lahad Datu, where five Indonesian fishermen were abducted by armed assailants. Swift security action led to the neutralisation of three criminals involved.
Between 2000 and 2020, a total of 25 kidnapping cases were recorded in Sabah waters, including in Lahad Datu.
Esscom was established on March 7, 2013.
It was set up in response to the Lahad Datu incursion by armed militants from the self-proclaimed Sultanate of Sulu in February 2013.
Its primary mission is to strengthen security in eastern Sabah, particularly in the ESSZone, which covers 10 districts along Sabah’s east coast.
Its other missions are integrating various security agencies, including the police, military and maritime enforcement, to combat cross-border crimes such as kidnappings-for-ransom, smuggling and terrorism threats.
