KOTA KINABALU: The police have welcomed the government’s decision to set up the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) along the east coast of Sabah to provide better security and prevent further intrusions from neighboring countries.
State Deputy Commissioner of Police SAC II Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the ESScom, formally known as the Special Security Area (SSA), would give a positive impact to security forces in dealing with any criminal activities along the east coast as well as to give confidence to the people.
“The establishment of ESScom shows the seriousness of the government in terms of security concerns in Sabah after taking into consideration the incident in Lahad Datu.
“Apart from intrusions of terrorists, the ESScom will also play its role in combating criminal activities such as smuggling activity along the east coast,” he said during the courtesy visit and cheque presentation by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) to the police at the State police headquarters in Kepayan here yesterday.
Present during the visit were PBS secretary general Datuk Henrynus Amin, PBS exco youth Datuk Jahid Jahim and PBS vice-president Datuk Herbert Timbun Lagadan.
In the aftermath of the intrusion by Sulu terrorist group at Kampung Tanduo in Lahad Datu on February 12, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced the setting up of the ESSCOM at five districts in the east coast of Sabah and one in Kudat.
Meanwhile, Henrynus said PBS supports the government in setting up the ESScom to address any security threats in the country.
“PBS fully supports the government in implementing ESScom to ensure the safety and prosperity of Sabah in the East Coast. We also support our Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Musa Aman) to provide lands for the Federal Government to implement special security zones in the areas,” he said.