No kidnapping in Sabah for over 3 years, but rest we don't: Police
But new assets such as boats and security posts on the Malaysia-Indonesia border are needed.
SABAH: Malaysia’s top cop has called on members of the security forces not to rest on their laurels in securing the Borneo state of Sabah's east coast against transborder maritime kidnapping although the past three years did not see any cases in the Sulu-Celebes Seas shared with the southern Philippines from which such threats originate.
Malaysia’s inspector-general of police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said the most serious threat in the eastern region of Sabah remains kidnapping for ransom, according to national broadcaster RTM.
"(But) up until now, we see security is at the best level and I always reiterate that this level must not be relaxed,” RTM quoted him as saying.
“Does this mean we’re satisfied? No.”
Sani was talking to the media after a shooting competition held by police in Malaysia’s administrative capital Putrajaya on Sunday (May 7).
Sani further said that the police always take measures to enhance troops’ readiness and ensure assets are at the optimal level.
Police are also always requesting new assets such as vessels to replace old ones.
More security posts will also be built along the Sabah-North Kalimantan, Indonesia, border including around the islands, he added.
The southern Philippine-based Abu Sayyaf Group grabbed five Indonesian fishermen in the last kidnapping incident in eastern Sabah waters on Jan 16, 2020.
Four of the Indonesians were later rescued but one was said to have been killed by his captors during a clash between the notorious terror group and Philippine government forces in the jungles of Patikul in Sulu province.
The Sulu Sea had been a kidnapping hotspot for decades prior and the most infamous case took place in 2000 when the Abu Sayyaf kidnapped 21 people including European and Middle Eastern tourists from the island resort of Sipadan.