TAWAU: Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal has warned villagers in the East Coast of Sabah to keep away from the Sulu terrorists or stern action would be taken against them.
Shafie said they should never associate themselves with the terrorists and betray our own country.
The villagers should protect country just like taking good care of their health from time to time, he said.
“Everyone has a responsibility in maintaining our country safe instead of just relying on the security forces. The village heads and village security committee leaders must also ensure that their respective villages are safe and protected.
“They should report to nearby police stations or local leaders if they encounter security threats,” Shafie said when speaking during a meeting with village heads as well as village and township security committees of Tawau and Kalabakan parliamentary constituencies at Emas Hotel here yesterday afternoon.
“We must always be aware we should make an effort to protect our country,” he said.
The Tawau community contributed a total of RM16,000 to the Lahad Datu Heroes’ Foundation which was launched on Friday.
Also present were Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan, Assistant Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming, Kalabakan MP Datuk Seri Panglima Ghapur Salleh, Balung Assemblyman Datuk Syed Abas, Sebatik Assemlyman Muis Picho, Tanjung Batu assemblywoman Datuk Hamisa Samat, Tawau Municipal Council (TMC) President Datuk Ismail Mayakob and his Vice President Tai Yun Wu as well as other local leaders.