Mohammad Mentek (third right) and Tawfiq (second right) looking at the youths while they fill the SAHABAT ESSZone membership form. — Bernama photo
TAWAU: Youth perception and knowledge on the security aspects in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) need to be developed based on facts to prevent them from making provocations and disseminating false information that can cause confusion and untoward reactions.
When making the statement, Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) director-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek said this was vital since youths made up two thirds of the country’s population, or numbered around 12.5 million, and were always hungry for change.
“At the same time, they are not spared from all the challenges which come with development.
“Those who are weak will lost their vision, especially with the various kinds of information that can easily be found in the social media,” he said in his opening speech at the Tawau-level Youth Community-ESSCom Programme launched by State Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan in Kampung Batu Payung near here yesterday.
Also present were Tawau Municipal Council president Datuk Ismail Mayakob and Sabah Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Tuan Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
Meanwhile, Mohammad said he believed that through the programme, youths would be able to get a clearer picture on the country’s security aspects and to get better understandings on the roles played by ESSCom.
As such, he said it was hoped that more youth associations in the state, especially in the ESSZone area, to come forward and work closely with ESSCom to organise similar programmes that would benefit the young people.
ESSCom was established on April 1, 2013 following the militant intrusion tragedy in Lahad Datu. It comprises four components – Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) and public agencies – entrusted to protect Sabah’s sovereignty and maintain security at ESSZZone.
The ESSZone comprises 10 districts stretching a total of 1,733.7km from Kudat to Tawau, and the districts involved are Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, and Tawau. — Bernama