Malaysia’s efforts to combat transnational crime especially in ESSZone hailed

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LAHAD DATU: Acting British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ray Kyles applauded Malaysia’s efforts to combat transnational crime, especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

Kyles said setting up the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) was a move in the right direction that must be supported by all.

“That is the reason we are here. We came here to gather correct information about the security situation in ESSZone and to see how best we can assist ESSCom in overcoming such threats effectively,” he said in his speech during his visit to the ESSCom office here yesterday.

Kyles and his delegation were earlier briefed on the role and challenges faced by ESSCom in combating transnational crimes, especially kidnapping and smuggling activities in ESSZone by ESSCom’s Defence Intelligence Component Chief, Brig Gen Tuan Roslan Tuan Ismail.

Also present were ESSCom Commander DCP Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun, ESSCom Maritime Commander First Admiral M Karunaniti and ESSCom officials.

Kyles and his delegation also visited islands in Semporna, including Pulau Mataking, Mabul and Kapalai.

ESSZone has 10 districts under its command, spreading 1,733.7km from Kudat to Tawau while the
districts include Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau. — Bernama