Muhammad Fuad (left) meeting some GOF personnel at the event yesterday.
KOTA KINABALU: The General Operations Force (GOF) will tighten security along the border between neighbouring countries following conflicts in the southern Philippines early last month.
Director of Homeland Security and Public Order Datuk Muhammad Fuad Abu Zarim said a proper plan would be in order soon to tighten security at borders between the two countries as well as to increase GOF personnel in the areas to hinder any attempts by militants from entering Sabah waters.
“As we all know, the Philippine security forces are battling militants in the southern Philippines following several kidnapping incidents.
“Of course our security forces, especially the General Operations Force, are prepared to face any possible threats or attempts made by the militants to take refuge in this country.
“I will hold a meeting on security operations in the near future to discuss plans, strategic actions, including increasing our personnel, to tighten security to prevent any unwanted incidents.
“We are aware of the recent kidnapping of our own people and GOF will make every effort to curb such incidents from happening,” he said at a press conference in conjunction with his retirement at the GOF headquarters in Kinarut, yesterday.
Also present was Sabah GOF commander SAC Zainudian Samsul Hadi.
Muhammad Fuad was commenting on the recent conflicts in the southern Philippines where two Philippine security force members were killed in a firefight with Abu Sayyaf militants at Kampung Nangka in Barangay Gata, Talipao on April 10.
Elaborating further, Muhammad Fuad said no reports had been received of any attempts made by the militants to enter Sabah following the incident.
“So far no attempts have been made by the militants and we believe that the recent kidnapping of our people happened along the border because they (the militants) did not dare to enter our waters.
“There was information that the militants had attempted to approach several resort islands but were forced to back off as our security forces were present and on guard 24-7.
“So they (militants) have no other choice but to find another alternative,” he said.
Muhammad Fuad added that security along the east coast was complicated due to the vast geographical area, and even with more assets and personnel in place, it would not stop kidnapping from happening.
“I therefore hope everybody will play their part, especially those residing along the east coast, to cooperate with the security forces by providing any valuable information to help curb any kidnapping or cross border crimes from happening.
“If you believe that there is a threat, inform the security forces or any relevant authorities so immediate action can be taken,” he said.