KOTA KINABALU: Pakatan PRO BN yesterday called for stronger measures to be taken to tighten security and effectively address the rampant kidnapping in the waters of east coast Sabah.
The non-governmental organization (NGO) said the federal government need to expedite the placement of the proposed additional personnel and assets from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah to combat the increasing abduction activities in the state.
Its president, Zulkarnain Mahdar, said the presence of all security agencies, namely, the navy, military, marine police and the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency must be optimized immediately to stop armed bandits from the southern Philippines from continuing to sneak into Sabah to kidnap tourists.
“Do not take lightly the kidnapping issues in Sabah,” said Zulkarnain in a statement issued after another Chinese citizen was kidnapped in tourist-thronged Lahad Datu early Tuesday.
The latest kidnapping brought the tally to three cases, not including the two major foreign tourist kidnappings that happened before the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) was set up last year.
The 2.45 am incident took place not long after pirates reportedly raided and robbed fishermen in Tanjung Labian in the same district late Sunday evening.
Adding insult to injuries, the incident happened when security was supposed to be tighter than usual, as Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and US Marines Corps Forces Pacific’s (MARFORPAC) commanding general Lt Gen Tery Robling were scheduled to visit ESSCom.
“This shows how badly the federal government need to mobilize the ministry involved to multiply security assets in Sabah. Massive census and whitening operations against illegal immigrants must also be intensified, particularly to flush out sympathizers and those behind these kidnappings.
“The use of a satellite is also needed to monitor vessel movements, especially in the waters off Lahad Datu and Semporna. Send helicopters and fighter jets too to regularly comb the area and monitor closely all the ‘laluan tikus’ (secret routes) often used by immigrants to sneak into Sabah.
“Direct participation from the public in maintaining security should also be given more serious attention. Residents and village committee should be activated and be involved in ESSCom for intelligence gathering. Everyone needs to come together as now is not the time for blaming and pointing fingers.
“All parties, including the opposition, should contribute and give constructive views towards addressing this problem and not simply riding on the issue to attack the government,” said Zulkarnain.
He added that the state government must be seen as committed to resolving the issue by continuously pushing for enhanced security measures to be taken by the federal authorities concerned.