KOTA KINABALU: There have been no kidnap-for-ransom cases have been reported in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) region since January 2020, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Sabah Chief Minister said it is important for foreign missions in Malaysia to be aware of positive security developments in the Esszone so any travel advisories for Eastern Sabah can be reassessed.
"This will enhance the confidence of international tourists and encourage more visitors to Sabah, especially to experience the many attractive tourism destinations along the east coast," he said at the Esszone joint committee meeting at Menara Kinabalu here on Thursday (Aug 6), co-chaired by Hajiji and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
"Overall, the security situation in the Esszone is good and remains under control," he said adding that he had personally visited six islands to inspect the security situation.
Hajiji said this was a significant achievement for the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), the police, the Armed Forces, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and all other security agencies.
He said Sabah would continue to work closely with the Home Ministry and all related agencies to strengthen operational capabilities, enhance assets and preparedness as well as improve the welfare of security personnel.
Also present at the meeting were Sabah State Secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman and Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman.
