SANDAKAN, May 5 (Bernama) -- Sabah’s security forces require stronger capabilities and high-tech assets to monitor the country’s land and maritime borders against criminal elements entering through the state, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said that although there had been no reports of intrusion incidents along Sabah’s east coast for some time, security control must continue to be strengthened.
“I am aware that the federal government has allocated funds for the procurement of security assets in Sabah, but when I became Chief Minister, I informed the Prime Minister and the federal government that more assets and capabilities are still needed to safeguard our waters.
“When we are in a state of peace with good security, the tourism sector will thrive, attracting both domestic and international visitors to Sabah, particularly along the east coast, which boasts many beautiful islands such as Sipadan,” he said after inspecting security at tourism areas involving three islands, namely Bakungan Kecil, Selingan and Lankayan, here today.
Also present during the visit were Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos.
Meanwhile, Jafry said tourist confidence in the ESSZone had increased, citing the United States’ decision to lower its travel advisory for Sabah’s east coast mainland to Level 1 from Level 2 previously.
“This is a positive sign for the tourism sector in eastern Sabah. I am confident that the commitment of both the federal and state governments in strengthening security will further boost the country’s tourism industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, Victor said security forces were working closely to ensure the safety of the waters in eastern Sabah.
“This is to enable tourism activities to continue and ensure the well-being of the people. I also hope that the ESSZone community can act as the eyes, ears and mobile radar for ESSCOM so that any criminal activities can be dealt with promptly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Victor said that while cross-border crimes such as smuggling and the entry of illegal immigrants still occured, enforcement action was taken at appropriate times.
“As for kidnap-for-ransom cases, they are no longer occurring. Although such groups may still exist, they are not active, and security forces continue to monitor the situation,” he said.
“I am aware that the federal government has allocated funds for the procurement of security assets in Sabah, but when I became Chief Minister, I informed the Prime Minister and the federal government that more assets and capabilities are still needed to safeguard our waters.
“When we are in a state of peace with good security, the tourism sector will thrive, attracting both domestic and international visitors to Sabah, particularly along the east coast, which boasts many beautiful islands such as Sipadan,” he said after inspecting security at tourism areas involving three islands, namely Bakungan Kecil, Selingan and Lankayan, here today.
Also present during the visit were Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos.
Meanwhile, Jafry said tourist confidence in the ESSZone had increased, citing the United States’ decision to lower its travel advisory for Sabah’s east coast mainland to Level 1 from Level 2 previously.
“This is a positive sign for the tourism sector in eastern Sabah. I am confident that the commitment of both the federal and state governments in strengthening security will further boost the country’s tourism industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, Victor said security forces were working closely to ensure the safety of the waters in eastern Sabah.
“This is to enable tourism activities to continue and ensure the well-being of the people. I also hope that the ESSZone community can act as the eyes, ears and mobile radar for ESSCOM so that any criminal activities can be dealt with promptly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Victor said that while cross-border crimes such as smuggling and the entry of illegal immigrants still occured, enforcement action was taken at appropriate times.
“As for kidnap-for-ransom cases, they are no longer occurring. Although such groups may still exist, they are not active, and security forces continue to monitor the situation,” he said.