ELECTED representatives from both sides of the political divide came together in a rare show of solidarity as security issues and kidnapping for ransom in the East Coast took centre stage during the final day of the State Legislative Assembly sitting here, yesterday.
A total of 14 assemblyman deliberated on the issue where they highlighted weaknesses in the State’s security measures, particularly the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), and suggested improvements towards better protecting the State waters against cross border criminal elements.
It started when the House approved a special motion tabled by Pantai Manis assemblyman, Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail, to postpone the sitting under Standing Order 23, to allow members to discuss the incident in Mabul last weekend where a marine police personnel was killed by armed intruders.
The late Saturday evening incident saw a heavily armed group attired in fatigue pants, black clothes and face mask, ambushed and shot dead Corporal Ab Rajah Jamuan, 32 and was also believed to have kidnapped Constable Zakia Aleip, 26.
Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who is also ESSCom chairman, wrapped up the debate by assuring that all stakeholders will continue to work together to address the issue.
He said ensuring the security in the East Coast, which is notorious for its porous borders, is a huge task that requires active support and participation from all parties, namely the government, the private sector and the public.
“To make sure that security is at a good level at all times, there must be strategic collaboration among all security agencies. We will continue working towards achieving our goals to protect our sovereignty.
“This is a big responsibility that also calls for participation from the local communities, leaders and all state and federal agencies. Informed and coordinated effort held jointly with the Philippines security authorities is also vital.
“On top of that, the issue of security need not be politicized by any parties looking to exploit the situation for their own gain,” he said
Musa informed the House that various measures has and will be taken through ESSCom and platforms to strengthen security along the East Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), including to increase the assets and personnel deployed along the 10-district corridor spanning from Tawau all the way to Kudat.
“We have, among other things, deployed additional 30 vessels for the Marine Police. The presence of security forces has increased as they now patrol the east coast more frequently. The response time of the police and military has also improved.
“We are also taking effort to promote community policing, in addition to integrated operation between the military, the General Operation Force (GOF) and other local agencies as well as their counterparts in the Philippines. We are also working with the Philippines in terms of intelligence gathering and strategic information sharing,” he said.
He also reported that many additional security posts have been set up under ESSCom to improve monitoring capability along the state waters while various operations were held on land to deal with illegal immigrants and other potential security threats.
“These included 23 operations under Ops Gasak and various integrated operations. We also conducted monitoring from the air, built five new police stations and upgraded three stations in strategic tourism areas. Security personnel are now stationed at all islands where tourism activities are present.
“We are involving everyone, the stakeholders, chalet and caged fish operators, youth, and Sabah Suluk Associations. This is what we are doing but we are fully aware that it is sometimes easier said than done. We have done a lot and we will continue to improve where necessary,” he said.
Musa also said that efforts needed to be taken to address negative perception towards ESSCom and the security authorities in dealing with the kidnapping and other security-related problems in the State.