Sabah security tightened

Esscom director assures the nation that they are ready to face any threat, in response to rumours that there is a likelihood of an attack on the east coast of Sabah during Christmas

Jason Majpie

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah security forces were back on heightened alert this week after unverified claims surfaced that militants based in the Southern Philippines could be planning attacks on the east coast of the state during the Christmas period.

As rumours spread this week that there would be an attack on the east coast of the state, Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) director-general Mohammad Mentek said on Tuesday, that security forces guarding the state’s maritime borders were ready for any threat.

He said security measures in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone had been tightened and included an increase in the number of patrols by the navy, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Marine Operations Force.

The Quick Response Force that was set up after the invasion of a small village in Lahad Datu in February this year is also on stand-by in several strategic areas, Mohammad said.

“We have utilised our defence and security assets such as aeroplanes and helicopters to strengthen security,” he was quoted as telling national news agency Bernama.

Mohammad also indicated that the authorities were keeping a close surveillance on those suspected to have links with both known as well as suspicious groups on the other side of the border.

The heightened alert in the state’s northern seaboard and east coast stretching 1,733 km from Kudat to Tawau includes the districts of Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna.

On Monday, Malaysian police chief, Inspector-General Khalid Abu Bakar told the media that security forces in the state were fully prepared to face any threat either internally of externally, after rumours surfaced of an impending attack by criminal groups or militants based in the Southern Philippines.

Sabah has been afflicted by such year-end attacks in the past and the recent kidnapping of a middle-aged Taiwanese tourist and the murder of her husband has embarrassed Malaysian security authorities already hurting from the February invasion.

Meanwhile, Esscom’s Mohammad advised Malaysians in the state to keep calm and not to listen to rumours.

“Based on intelligence obtained by Esscom, there has been no attempt to enter the area by the Abu Sayyaf group or the MNLF as claimed.

“As such, I wish to advise the people not to panic and refrain from spreading unfounded information including through the social media,” he said in a statement.

On related matter, Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) chief Zulkifeli Mohd Zin echoed Mohammad Mentek’s statement and said the talks of another siege were merely rumours.

“They are just rumours spread by certain parties and we cannot prevent people from spreading these rumours.

“However, we are not taking things lightly. That is why our intelligence is more solid now,” said Zukifeli, after attending talks by Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail on the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

Zulkifeli added that the ATM is strengthening relations in the intelligence department with its counterpart in the Philippines.

“People must realise that the government will inform them if any threats are imminent. And on our part, we will do the necessary measures to counter the threats,” he said.