New chief at Malaysia's command securing Sabah against terrorism, kidnapping threats

Threats emanating from the southern Philippines.

Mohamad Ali Tamby is not new to the Eastern Sabah Secutiy Command, having been chief of staff of the command's special forces since 2019. (Esscom pic)

SABAH: A new commander has taken over the helm at a multiagency command that secures the east coast of the Malaysian Borneo state of Sabah against terrorism and kidnapping threats from the southern Philippines. 

Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohamad Ali Tamby began his duties as the new commander of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) on Thursday (May 18). 

He replaced Hamzah Ahmad who was transferred to the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department at national police headquarters, according to an Esscom statement. 

An International Islamic University of Malaysia law masters holder, Mohamad Ali has been with the Royal Malaysia Police's elite team called Special Action Unit or UTK for 25 years after completing basic policing training in 1990.

He also held several important positions such as Petaling Jaya District deputy police chief in Selangor state before being appointed as the Ipoh district police chief in Perak state in addition to serving as an escort officer for national leaders.

Mohamad Ali was not new to Esscom, having been chief of staff of the command's special forces since 2019. 

He has been serving the Royal Malaysia Police for 35 years.

Esscom said Mohamad Ali's extensive experience will inject new energy and lead the command to a more outstanding level.

The date for the official handing over of duty between him and his predecessor to be witnessed by the Sabah chief minister will be announced later. 

Esscom was incepted after an incursion by militants from the southern Philippine island province of Sulu out to stake their territorial claim over eastern Sabah in 2013 which saw dozens of militants and 10 members of the Malaysian security services killed.