Sabah security zone dubbed ESSCOM

Najib takes a picture of ministers and the chief of defence forces after his visit to Felda Sahabat March 7, 2013. — Reuters picKOTA KINABALU, March 11 — The Sabah Special Security Area announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is to be known as the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said today.

He said the name was decided by the Sabah Security Committee at a meeting which he had chaired earlier today.

Najib had agreed to the name and would announce further details on ESSCOM soon, Musa told reporters after the meeting.

The prime minister announced the establishment of the Sabah Special Security Area on Thursday after a visit to Sabah to have a close look at the “Ops Daulat” offensive launched by the security forces against Sulu militants in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu.

The militants had holed up in the village since February 12 and had ignored government overtures for them to lay down arms and surrender.

On March 1 and 2, the militants ambushed and killed eight policemen in Kampung Tanduo and Kampung Simunul, Semporna, prompting the government to launch the offensive.

Musa, in a video conference with Najib in Putrajaya today, said the people welcomed the prime minister’s announcement of the Sabah Special Security Area which stretched from Kudat to Tawau on the east coast and had Lahad Datu as the central command.

“I am sure this measure has raised the confidence of the people, investors and tourists in terms of safety, especially in the Sabah east coast,” he said.

Musa also expressed his appreciation for the sacrifices of the security forces in ensuring the safety of the people in Sabah, particularly Lahad Datu.

“The people of Sabah will hold in high regard the deeds and sacrifices of the security forces,” he said. — Bernama