KOTA KINABALU: Zero cross-border kidnappings on Sabah's east coast over the last six years has seen many countries downgrade their travel advisory against the state.
Newly appointed Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Victor Sanjos said this, adding that since Jan 15, 2020, no cross-border kidnappings have been recorded in Sabah, positively influencing international perceptions of Sabah’s security, particularly on the east coast.
The area had previously been plagued by dozens of cross-border kidnappings by groups linked to the militant group Abu Sayyaf based in Jolo Island in the southern Philippines.
Comm Victor said many foreign countries have lowered their travel advisories for the area from Levels 2 and 3 to Level 1.
“As a result, we are seeing an increase in the number of tourists from countries that frequently visit Sabah,” he said.
Comm Victor said the achievement was the result of sustained efforts by previous leadership and close cooperation among all parties in ensuring the area remains secure.
He said the stable security environment has not only enabled development in Sabah’s east coast to progress smoothly but has also created greater opportunities for local communities to engage in economic activities.
“Under the leadership of my predecessors, we have successfully maintained a zero-kidnapping record from Jan 15, 2020 until today,” Comm Victor said after paying a courtesy call to Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu here.
“When security is consistently assured, development in Sabah’s east coast can continue smoothly and expand further, providing wider opportunities for local communities to carry out various economic activities,” said Comm Victor, who took over as Sabah Commissioner of Police from Datuk Jauteh Jikun earlier this week.
Comm Victor, who was Easter Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander prior to his appointment as state chief, said that with security forces maintaining a strong check along the sea borders on Sabah’s east coast, it has positively influenced international perceptions of Sabah’s security.
Comm Victor said the courtesy call to Musa was to officially inform the Head of State of his appointment as Sabah Police Commissioner.
During the same visit, he introduced Datuk Abdul Fuad Abdul Malek, who will assume the post of Commander of the Esscom on Nov 19.
Victor also expressed confidence in Abdul Fuad’s ability to continue efforts to maintain security within the ESSCOM operational area, citing his extensive experience and knowledge of Sabah’s security landscape.
Also present were Chief of Staff of the Operations Centre, Brigadier General Khairuddin Zakaria; Chief of Staff for Sea Operations, First Admiral Abdul Razak Mohamed, Chief of Staff of the Special Force, Nasri Mansor; and Public Action Division director, Georgie Abas.
