SANDAKAN: Security in Sabah’s east coast waters remains strong with upgraded facilities, but more assets are needed to enhance monitoring capabilities, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said inspections at several island security posts showed that facilities have improved, with many assets already allocated by the Federal Government.
"I see that everything is in good condition. Facilities have already been upgraded," he said when met on a working visit to Pulau Langkayan on Tuesday (May 5).
"I have raised this matter with the Federal Government and the Prime Minister, and I was informed that many facilities and assets have been allocated, although much more is still needed."
Hajiji said advanced assets are crucial to strengthen surveillance and prevent illegal entry into Sabah waters.
"This is important for our security forces to monitor our waters here. We must have the strength and advanced assets to detect those attempting to enter our state and our country," he said.
He added that the absence of recent security incidents has helped boost confidence in the tourism sector, particularly along the east coast.
Meanwhile, Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Datuk Victor Sanjos said security forces and agencies are working closely to ensure the state's waters remain secure.
"Security forces and all agencies are working hand in hand to ensure our waters remain secure.
"This allows development activities, especially tourism, to continue and support operators in Sandakan," he said.
He added that continuous monitoring and enforcement efforts, including operations to curb smuggling and subsidy leakages, are ongoing across Sabah’s extensive maritime border.
Victor acknowledged that cross-border crime exists but is not rampant, and urged communities in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) to act as the authorities' eyes and ears by channelling information.
The visit was part of the Chief Minister’s Esszone inspection programme, which also included stops at Pulau Selingan and Pulau Bakungan Kecil.
