Police hope FOB project for ESSZone will proceed

SEMPORNA: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) hopes the government would retain security projects that had earlier been planned for the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Zulkifili Abdullah said the proposed projects included the forward operation base (FOB) for Marine Police.

“It (FOB) is an Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) project but when ready would be used by marine police.

“The project is in the final stage of discussion and there has been no decision yet,” he said when met after visiting the General Operations Force's posts at Pom Pom Island, Mataking Island and Mabul Island here.

Meanwhile, he said marine police also needed larger and better vessels.

“We have to guard a large stretch of sea so we are requesting for PA-class vessels that could also serve as transit ship for small patrolling marine police boats, for instance, to refuel,” he said.

He also hoped the government would further strengthen security in ESSZone by adopting modern technology equipment such as infrared detectors.

“This is to assist personnel who are on night duty thus improving our patrolling effectiveness,” he said.

Zulkifli added that the cooperation between PDRM, Army and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency should appropriately be continued as it was the best approach in safeguarding ESSZone.

In addition, he acknowledged the important role played by local residents in assisting the security forces through conveying vital information. - Bernama