TAWAU: Security should not be taken lightly in Sabah especially in the east coast of the state, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
He said the recent two incidents of kidnapping in Sabah’s east coast was a reminder that there were still measures that needed to be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
“I wish to stress that security is not an issue that can be taken lightly.
“Maybe the intrusion incident which took place in Lahad Datu last year will not happen again… but these latest incidents of kidnapping show we must really work hard and not view such matters lightly,” he said.
He told this to reporters after receiving a briefing on operational matters by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) here yesterday.
Hishammuddin said all parties should work together towards ensuring Sabah is free of any security threats so that the people could live in peace and harmony.
“As such, we must find new approaches to bolster cooperation between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia and neighbouring countries towards achieving greater security in the east coast of Sabah in future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said several more measures needed to be taken by ESSCom to beef up security in the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZone).
“After receiving this briefing I feel there is much more we can do and I believe the people of Sabah don’t want to hear mere assurances,“ he said.