Securing Malaysian Borneo state against transborder terror, kidnap threats
Three focus areas to do so, says a top security official.
SABAH: Increasing the level of enforcement and integrated operations, intelligence and building ties with the community are three main focus areas to improve security in eastern Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, against transborder terrorism and kidnapping threats from the southern Philippines, said a Malaysian police official.
New Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) chief Victor Sanjos said the command is currently beefing up law enforcement, especially in eastern Sabah waters, to ensure that the areas remain safe.
“We will also continue integrated operations at sea and land. I also intend to study and will discuss with the agencies in Esscom on the most strategic place for us to place an agency or control unit so that an area remains safe,” he said at a press conference in Sabah’s capital Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday (June 7).
Earlier, Victor took over duties as the Esscom commander from Mohd Ali Tamby during a ceremony witnessed by Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.
Mohd Ali will take up his duties as the Kelantan state deputy police chief effective July 3, a position previously held by Victor.
Victor said his agency will make use of the latest technology, including drones and security cameras, for enforcement purposes.
He stressed the importance of Esscom building a close relationship with the local community in the east coast areas because the people play an important role as the eyes and ears of the authorities to prevent crimes in the area.
Asked about threats especially from Sulu terrorists who intruded into Sabah’s Lahad Datu eastern district in 2013, Victor said Esscom are always on alert to face all eventualities.
“So far we have not received any latest information (about Sulu terrorist threats) in terms of external threats, but we are always prepared,” he said.