Saifuddin: Zero kidnap-for-ransom cases reported since 2020
SANDAKAN: No incidents of kidnap-for-ransom have been reported in the eastern Sabah waters since January 2020, thanks to the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), says the Home Minister.
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic) said the achievement was the result of thorough planning and coordinated implementation involving the police, Armed Forces and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), all operating under a central command system.
The minister, who also chairs the Cabinet Committee on Border Security, said reports on enforcement, inspections, arrests and incidents were presented regularly.
“Previously, kidnap-for-ransom crimes were rampant. Zero cases have been reported since January 2020. This did not happen by default but by design.
“It is the result of deployment, monitoring, readiness and the capability of assets led by the police under Esscom,” he said.
He told reporters this after inspecting the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) programme involving police personnel at the PETRONAS petrol station in Jalan Bokara here yesterday.
Saifuddin Nasution said the government would continue to strengthen Esscom’s role to ensure that the east coast of Sabah remains safe and conducive for economic development and tourism.
He said this step was crucial as guaranteed security is a key factor in driving local economic growth, including the tourism sector.
He also said that the peace achieved gave the government the confidence to once again promote the tourism potential of the east coast of Sabah by inviting diplomats and foreign representatives to visit the area, including the islands.
“Countries that previously issued travel advisories due to past incidents now have the opportunity to revise their decisions, and indeed some nations have already done so.
“This success allows us to propose to these countries to reassess their travel restrictions,” he said, Bernama reported.
Saifuddin Nasution said the impact of improved security on the east coast of Sabah could already be seen, particularly in the increase in international flights at Tawau Airport.
“We have nine immigration counters there but international flights from China alone have reached four to five daily. We can no longer cope with the situation as it is. That is one example.
“The kidnap-for-ransom incidents that once frightened tourists away are no more. This reflects Esscom’s high level of preparedness and effectiveness,” he said.
