Shafie launches the Semporna District Semarak Programme.
SEMPORNA: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) should not be singled out for blame over the recent spate of kidnappings in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).
Rural and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal reasoned that the onus on Sabah’s security did not lie solely on ESSCom alone.
All should play a role in protecting peace and harmony, he said.
“The duty of looking after the state’s security must be borne by all, including resort operators, caged fish entrepreneurs and society.
“We must know that kidnappings on the east coast of Sabah had taken place since the 1970s.
“So, it is not fair if we only blame ESSCom because before it was set up in April last year, kidnapping incidents here had already taken place,” said Mohd Shafie, who is also Semporna member of parliament.
He said this in his speech at the opening of the Semporna District Semarak Programme with ESSCom here yesterday.
“The most important thing is how to overcome it (kidnapping). I also warn the community especially the Semporna residents do unite and merge their energies to combat piracy via certain methods and knowledge.
“I also hope the village security and development committees (JKKKs), village heads and even the villagers to become a forward base in maintaining security,” Shafie pointed out.
Shafie also urged mosques, churches, temples and any other religious bodies to play their part in ensuring security of the country.
At the event, he also distributed water pumps to residents of five villages – Kg Sejati, Kg Simunul Ice-Box, Kg Air, Kg Bangau-Bangau and Kg Seri Jaya.
Shafie also presented Risda’s CSR aid at Semporna District Hospital here on the same day.