KOTA KINABALU: The State Government welcomes the setting up of the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZONE) covering 10 districts in the state to provide legal basis for the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM).
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai said the setting up of ESSZONE is important to enhance security along the east coast of Sabah.
“This is important (setting up of ESSZONE) as it will not only ensure that the security of the state will be protected but also to ensure that the country’s sovereignty will not be infringed by elements who do not understand the importance and values of the country,” he said yesterday.
Yee, who is also Resource Development and Information Technology Minister, said this after witnessing the presentation of cheques from five agencies under his ministry totalling RM118,409 to city police chief ACP Jauteh Dikun for the welfare of the security forces in Lahad Datu.
The five representatives from the agencies were Resource Development and Information Technology permanent secretary Bruno Vun, who donated RM3,000, Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Haji Harun Haji Ismail (RM51,200), Asian Supply Base Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Harris Annuar Tan (RM51,900), Human Resource Development director Billy Yumbod (RM2,423), KKIPC Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Nelson Chia (RM6,200) and Sabah Skill and Technology Centre director Natalie Fung (RM3,686).
The ESSZONE will cover 10 districts, namely Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau, which would be administered by an Eastern Sabah Safety Zone Committee, set up under the Preservation of Public Security Regulations 2013 and chaired by the Sabah Chief Minister.