KOTA KINABALU: Sabah government is satisfied with the role played by Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in ensuring security in the state, particularly in the east coast.
State Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the agency, which was established on April 1, 2013, has effectively curbed the intrusion of foreign elements into the region.
It has helped to restore the image of Sabah's coastal areas, especially in Eastern Sabah, as safe and prosperous for foreign investors or tourists.
To ensure safety and boost confidence among visitors on the east coast, Esscom has also proposed to the state government to introduce the "Friends of Sabah" smartphone application system to be used by foreign and local tourists.
He also said Esscom has also assisted the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, the Customs Department, and the Immigration Department through various integrated operations to curb cross-border criminal elements involving smuggling of contraband, controlled items, subsidised goods, and tax evasion, as well as the entry of undocumented foreign nationals (PATI).
"The recent incidents in the waters off the coast of Eastern Sabah were isolated robbery attempts. Based on records over the past five years, only a few such incidents have occurred.
"They often coincide with festive seasons when residents in the areas are busy celebrating and carrying cash to buy necessities.
"This causes the sea lanes to become congested, providing opportunities for criminals to commit robbery and piracy," he said in his winding-up during the state assembly sitting here.
On April 7, two Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) personnel here were injured by gunmen in the waters off Kunak.
Hajiji said Esscom and security agencies are intensifying operations to track down the suspects involved, who were believed to have fled the country's waters.
Investigations found that all three suspects were involved in other criminal cases, with one of them also being on Esscom's wanted list.
As for the management of illegal immigrants, he said the state government, in collaboration with police and the National Security Council, has planned to establish new General Operations Force (PGA) control posts in Sabah to further tighten border controls.
"The government will construct four new PGA control posts this year, namely Pos Poigon, Kalabakan, Pos Manalunan, Sandakan, Pos Kuala Maruap, Lahad Datu, and Pos Gabungan Sungai Haji Kuning Sebatik, Tawau.
"Additionally, six (6) PGA control posts are in the planning stage and awaiting allocation approval, namely Pos Sungai Limau Sebatik, Tawau, Pos Bukit Keramat Sebatik, Tawau, Pos Long Pasia, Sipitang, Pos Alutok, Tenom, Pos Pensiangan, Nabawan, and Pos Pulau Bankawan, Kudat."
Through the Immigration department, the government has also been conducting operations to arrest and deport immigrants to their countries of origin.
As of April 15, a total of 2,603 have been sent back this year. Last year, the deportation figure was 8,678, and in 2022, it was 5,943. - NST
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