Malaysia, Philippines to hold joint exercise off Sabah
LAHAD DATU: Malaysian security forces and the Philippines have agreed to hold a joint exercise in waters off the Sabah east coast in order to curb cross-border criminal activities.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said this exercise was formulated as part of the agreement reached between the two sides during the meeting with his counterpart in the Philippines recently.
Khalid said suitable locations would be chosen including in Kudat, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Kota Kinabalu.
“During the meeting, the Philippines have also agreed to place their officer in Kota Kinabalu to facilitate communication with the Philippine authorities.
“We will improve on relations and cooperation, exchange information and visit the Philippines authorities as through this relationship, we will be able to understand the problem and help each other,” he said.
Khalid, when met during a press conference after officiating the Pingat Kedaulatan Negara awarding ceremony at the Lahad Datu Marine Base yesterday, said he also believed that the cooperation will increase security in Sabah’s east coast.
According to Khalid, the police had received information about the number of enemies and criminals, but assured that his personnel are always prepared for any eventuality.
He also praised the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) which has successfully prevented the enemy from approaching the Sabah east coast mainland while criminal acts were committed in the high seas and international waters.
“This shows that the efforts undertaken by ESSCom and the Sabah police are effective. However, all members must always be ready as enemies are waiting for opportunities to commit crimes,” Khalid added.
Meanwhile, 216 police officers and members received their Pingat Kedaulatan Negara award for their commitment and contribution during the intrusion incident in Tanduo and the Ops Daulat operation.
Among the 216 recipients, 10 of them are members of the Police Family Association (Perkep) who assisted their husbands and the police during Ops Daulat.