Datuk Hazani
LAHAD DATU: Boats and vessels that going through the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) waters urged to be alert and inform their location to Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) for security monitoring purpose.
ESSCom Commander, DCP Datuk Hazani Ghazali in a statement today said informing their position or movement will facilitate ESSCom to send assistance in the event of any crimes or emergency.
“Boats and vessels are encourage to activate their AIS, report their schedule and using the distress call if there is any emergency or incident occur.
“This will facilitate us (ESSCom) to take necessary measures such as sending security boats for assistance,” he said.
Hazani made this call following a robbery attempt on a tug boat bout 6.00pm on Friday, off the Tambisan waters.
During the incident, a tug boat which heading to Kuantan, Pahang from Felda Sahabat carrying palm oil was approached by about ten individuals who went on board.
The crews managed to lock themselves inside the deck of the boat and contact the security forces. The individuals immediately fled after aware of security forces boat presence.
According to Hazani, ESSCom will not compromise on the security issue and will continue to monitor as well as tightening the securitu in ESSZone.
However, he said, cooperation from all parties are needed including from the boat and vessels to report their movement or location.
He added that this is necessary to ensure the security of boat and vessels in ESSZone waters are always assured.