ISLAND IN THE SUN: A tourist appears cheerful after a practice dive at Mabul island near Semporna. The island, famous for its coral reefs and pristine sandy beach, continues to attract visitors from both local and abroad despite the recent intrusion by armed militants in Lahad Datu. — Bernama photo
Boost in security in East Sabah coastline as Defence Ministry takes over defence there
KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry is now responsible for overseeing East Sabah’s 1,400km coastline which was previously under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM).
Its minister, Datuk Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Sabah’s waters, monitored by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), would be the responsibility of his ministry and the Malaysian Royal Navy following the new directive.
“I received this command last Friday in a letter given to me from Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the minister reponsible for the MMEA.
“MMEA’s command in Sabah has been handed over to me (Defence Ministry), it is no longer under the JPM,” he told reporters after a courtesy call from Singapore Armed Forces Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong at the Defence Ministry, here yesterday.
Ahmad Zahid said the move was necessary for coordinated operations between the navy and MMEA.
“I thank the Deputy Prime Minister for his trust and will take this responsibility to defend and carry out surveillance on the coastline and waters of East Sabah,” he said.
He said it was a meaningful move as the Defence Ministry would help the MMEA in terms of additional assets and other necessities which would be further discussed with Muhyiddin and MMEA director-general Datuk Mohd Amdan Kurish.
In reply to a question on the arrests made in Sabah, Ahmad Zahid said: “We have an amicable relationship with the Philippines in terms of defence. Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire T Gazmin has contacted me by phone and said he has mobilised the navy and coastal guards.”
He said the arrests made were on potential intruders from the Sulu island or those from Malaysian waters entering their area.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy has deployed 34 warships to assist evacuees from Sabah and stop supporters of Jamalul Kiram from slipping into Sabah.
“We have more than enough vessels to cover the country.” Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic was quoted to tell the Philippine media.
The Navy started the blockade and intensified patrol in the waters of Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan after Malaysian forces started the offensive against the terrorists who are followers of self proclaimed sultan led by Agbimuddin Kiram.
Philippines media also reported more than a thousand Filipinos residing in Sabah have returned to Tawi-Tawi island. — Agencies